Several months ago, James booked some flights to San Francisco for our anniversary, knowing we could cancel at any time, no charge. I didn't think we'd actually go for some reason. Plus, I was anxious anytime he brought it up because I had never left Hazel for even a day. But with free flights (Southwest points), free hotel (Marriott points), and a cheap rental car, we couldn't say no! My mom came to our house to stay here with my little baby -- well, she's almost 2, but she's my baby -- while we took a trip to Cali. Neither of us had been to San Francisco before, so we did a lot of touristy things. The first day we didn't fit in much, but we did hit up a little Mexican place called Papalote that our friends told us about. Come to find out, Bobby Flay had been there for a throwdown! It was really yummy -- of course, we had to try the fish tacos because when you're so close to the ocean, you've got to eat seafood!
On Sunday we watched the first session of General Conference and then headed out to the Eat Real Fest. There were a bunch of tents and food trucks with an air show going on overhead. It was perfect weather with delicious eats. We tried out some empanadas, beef sandwiches, and creme brulee.
Since we were so close to the Golden Gate Bridge, we decided to take a few pictures and then drive across it. I'm not sure I would want to walk or bike it, which we saw many people doing. Then we drove down a little ways into Sausalito, which is a cute little town nearby.
Since we weren't too far from the bus that goes to Muir Woods, we hopped on to go see the giant Redwood trees. It was so beautiful -- cool, serene, awe-inspiring.
That night we had dinner at another recommended place, Little Star Pizza. What they should really call it is Littlest Pizza Sign Ever. We found it though, and it was some delicious deep dish pizza with a fun atmosphere.
Monday was another jam-packed day. We started out with Alcatraz. James and I both love stuff like that, so the audio tour was really interesting. I almost couldn't walk into the black out cell because I was worried the door would close on me. It was kind of creepy, but again, so interesting. I loved listening to the real interviews and stories of those who attempted escape. A few escapees weren't ever accounted for -- I'm sure some drowned, but I think at least 3 of them actually made it to freedom. I can't believe some of the guards' families actually lived there for several years. Talk about paranoia! Alcatraz eventually closed down because of the cost of upkeep and need of a sewage system.
After Alcatraz, we walked all down Fisherman's Wharf and enjoyed the side shows along the way. We had to have some clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, and we had to see the sea lions at Pier 39. They were pretty entertaining to watch. Hazel would've liked that part.
Farther down was Ghiradelli Square. Why would we not risk blisters on our feet to make it to chocolate heaven? James could not leave without a Ghiradelli shake. I think he's even more of a chocolate fan than I am, oddly enough. I loved watching the process of how they make their superior chocolate. It IS my favorite chocolate -- it's the only chocolate I request from James on special occasions, and it's the only brand of brownies that I buy. Chocolate snob.
Believe it or not, we had time and (limited) room for dinner that night. We headed to Town Hall, a fancy home cooking spot, for our special anniversary dinner. Our appetizers were yummy and so was the main dish we shared -- good ol' fried chicken! It was the juiciest fried chicken I've ever had, I have to say. Unfortunately, we didn't have room for dessert.
The last day, we had to fly out in the afternoon, so we just headed to Union Square for an hour or so. We walked in a few stores, and it was time to head back. One thing I'm amazed by is the parking in San Francisco -- first of all, it's expensive. Second of all, on the street, people park crazy close even on hills. I'm pretty sure I'd just have a bike because I'd have severe anxiety every time I had to parallel park. Maybe that's why people are in better shape there. They walk and bike everywhere.
The only touristy things we didn't get to were riding the trolley, going to Chinatown, and driving down the windy part of Lombard Street. I think I had enough excitement being a passenger in the car with James driving streets we weren't familiar with... I have to say though, it would've been 100 times worse had I been the driver. We only nearly hit one skateboarder and had one breakdown while not being able to turn right or left to get off this one street. Good times. Really, we had such a fantastic time. It was so great to spend time just the two of us, and I had no worries about Hazel being at home with Grandma. Apparently Hazel had less separation anxiety than I did, but luckily, she was excited to see us when we got home. =) What a fun trip to celebrate 5 years!
