Cable Cars and Fisherman’s Wharf
It didn’t take us long to get started with our San Francisco activities. Since we’ll be visiting Alcatraz and the aquarium tomorrow, we figured we’d head out to the Fisherman’s Wharf area and maybe grab some lunch while we’re there. Of course, what better way to travel in San Francisco than on the historic cable cars.
The fee is only $5 per person to get on, and people 16 and under (including myself) can ride free. The ride is somewhat rickety, but it is a lot of fun. It is something everyone should have the chance to do at some point in their lives.
After the ride, it was just a short walk to the piers. You can tell just by the smell of the seafood that you are in the right place. The pinnacle of the Fisherman’s Wharf area is Pier 39. It has a sort of carnival atmosphere, with street performers everywhere, gift shops, and just about every kind of restaurant imaginable. We stopped for some great chicken sandwiches. My dad actually got pulled over by the “fun police,” who are officially designated by the San Francisco Police Department to ensure people are happy and smiling. My dad was immediately issued an I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO sticker, and got fined with a donation to the local soup kitchen.
Pier 39 also has a lot of sailboats and sea lions, and there are great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. I’ll be seeing Alcatraz up close tomorrow. I should mention that the temperature was in the 60s, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.
Another thing I kept noticing is that the whole city is full of Macworld-related advertising. Apple has really done a thorough job here, and it helps remind me of what I’m really here for.
I also have to mention that the hotel I’m staying at, the Handlery Union Square Hotel, has a heated pool! The water is 78˚.
The hotel is pretty great for other reasons as well. The beds are comfortable, the people are friendly, and the internet is fast. I’ve heard horror stories about internet connections slowing to a crawl during Macworld as Mac geeks pour into hotels. I guess I got lucky, and that’s all that matters.
6 Comments
Right now it’s pretty early in the morning, I’m up seeing if they’ll announce a snow day. By the way you should get a recording of a sea lions mating call. I’ve heard they’re pretty cool……
Jake on January 14, 2008 at 5:00 am
I’ve been taking a lot of video all over the place, including the mating call of the sea lions. You’ll get to see all that when I put together and post my music video tonight for Chovanes.
Very Nice! Hope you’re having fun by the way. While your hanging out with all the “celebs” were stuck in here hoping the ration car makes it without sliding off the road. Bet you feel pretty bad now, knowing that my family is slowly starving because our only food saved up is ramen noodles. And guess what it’s the shrimp kind! God I don’t know if I’ll last any longer.
Jake A. Farrago
1/14/07
Approximately 8:27If there’s anybody out there you are not alone…
Jake on January 14, 2008 at 8:27 am
Looks like your having a blast. I am trying to have a good time with this snow day up in Maine. Going to be working on my music video for Mr.Chovanes too. I hope you keep on having fun.
Doug on January 14, 2008 at 9:45 am
Oh thank god Doug! I thought nobody had survived the storm or as it will probably go down in history books as the “snow day”. We have to combine are supplies to make sure we survive this. And forget Chovanes, the chances that he survived are unfortunately slim to none. Meet me at Gritty’s in exactly…. 4 hours. Good luck, and I’ll see you there.
Jake on January 14, 2008 at 11:44 am
Hi Neil,
I can’t wait to hear all about your experience today! I hope you got a good seat! Looks and sounds like you are having a wonderful time….sure beats the 15″ of snow back here in L/A. Great pics of you and Mom…hope you got a picture of Dad with his sticker from the “police”. 🙂 See you when you get home…have a wonderful few more days in San Fran!
Ms Brown
Ms Brown on January 14, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Next: Alcatraz and the Aquarium
About Me
Hi, I'm Neil! I'm passionate about building delightful products at scale, creating music, and performing in theatre and comedy shows.
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