Saturday, January 3, 2009

If you're going to San Francisco

... be sure to wear some flowers in your hair."
This week we had the opportunity to go to San Francisco. Dear friends of ours, Jeremiah & Laura Lee, graciously offered their place in the Marina district for us to stay in, as they were visiting with family down in Southern California.

We had a great time exploring the city, hopping on and off the cable cars, eating clam chowder in a bread bowl by the wharf, and welcoming in the new year with a good friend and fireworks.
I absolutely loved the victorian architecture of most of the houses there - it adds such character to the city, as well as all the hills. We were also able to go on a little cruise of the Bay, including sailing around "The Rock" - man alive, I am just so fascinated with this prison! We felt so inspired, that we rented "Escape from Alcatraz" featuring Clint Eastwood that night - an oldie, but a goody.

I enjoyed pondering about the recent history of this city, with great structures like the Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz, and also the revolution which took place in the 60's as thousands of hippies flocked there. 
It definitely is a most fascinating city, but I have no desire to live there - unlike Chicago. San Francisco seems to have a dark, almost melancholy atmosphere. Kind've like the tone of the song "San Francisco" - quoted above.

In closing of 2008, I am so thankful for God's amazing provision to Jono and I throughout the year. I'm thankful that He provided us with so many opportunities to travel:
We were able to visit Sonora, Jono's home town in Northern california,
*Yosemite
*I was able to attend a friend's wedding in South Africa
*Denver and the Rockies
*Las Vegas
*Chicago
*Kurt & Ami in Iowa
* The Grand Canyon - even though it was shrouded  in rain and fog :)
* Santa Barbara
* and now, San Francisco too.

I have always had a strong desire to travel, and looking back over the year I am astounded at how much of the USA we saw.
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" - Psalm 37:4

Here is a little slideshow with some pics from our trip:

4 comments:

Frank And Lela said...

I totally love those bread bowls with that freshly caught/prepared chowder! I want to live in San Fran just for that...however, it's too cold for Lela and I hate the Giants, so it's simply untenable!

natalie said...

Ah, but it is the homeless of San Fran that give it the best personality. There is no homeless like those. Intellectual, but totally grumpy and you do not dare offer them your half eaten Mac meal. They want the whole number 4 with the supersize fries and do not forget the drink, with ice. And they are everywhere and feel they own the place.......maybe they do.....maybe they where there in the 60's hippie revolution, maybe they just miss the good 'ole days???
I'm so glad you went! San Fran is a part of California that must be experienced.

Simone Knepper said...

Very true Natalie, San Francisco captures so much of California. Frank, "hate" is a very strong word ;)

Carrie Allen said...

wow. i am so mad. ;)

i love that we communicated about this over facebook pictures and blog comments. oooo i seriously think you are pretty awesome.