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Life in San Francisco

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There it is, our new home, and a city we both agree is one of the worlds most beautiful (we feel were justified to make this statement) : San Francisco.
One of the most photographed scenes in SF is this row of Victorian homes off of Alamo Square. They are known as Steiners Painted Ladies and are a good introduction to the Victorian style of architecture that this city is known for.
No caption necessary. The Golden Gate Bridge is known around the globe.
Alcatraz is another of those landmarks that puts San Francisco on the map. The Rock can be seen in the Bay from many spots in the city.
Even today, a few cable car routes help San Franciscans navigate those steep hills...
Another one of SFs main landmarks is the conspicuous TransAmerica Pyramid, one of the more unique skyscraper designs in the world. In the foreground is one of the cities interesting historic buildings.
Well start this tour of SF where most tourists start, Fishermans Wharf.
Fishermans Wharf includes Pier 39 which was renovated into a pier lined with shops and restaurants about 20 years ago. The entire area is the most touristy spot in the city (a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it) and offers plenty).
Giant crab statue at the land end of Pier 39.
Pier 39 is maybe best known for the floating docks next to it which are inhabited by dozens of seals all year long.
And those seals are loud!
Another Fishermans Wharf attraction is the collection of historic boats piered there.
Another historic boat open for tours.
Not a far walk along the Bay from the Wharf is Ghirardelli Square, the square built around the citys famous chocolate factory.
Ghirardelli Square overlooks a small beach, more piers, and Alcatraz in the distance.
Blossoms at the Palace of Fine Arts.
Palace details.
Decorated Palace urn.
From the Marina area in which the Palace can be found, there are great views across the Bay towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
Crissy Fields building with Golden Gate tower in the distance.
Away from the Bay and up the hill from the Palace and the Marina is the ritzy Pacific Heights part of the city.
Every week we try to do the great rollerblade from the Golden Gate, through Crissy Fields, the Marina, and following the Embarcadero all the way to SBC ballpark.
During their visit to SF Brenda, Phil (and Ashe) meet a swan at the Palace of Fine Arts.
And whats a tour of San Francisco without a visit to Alcatraz?We took a ferry over to Alcatraz Island on an evening as foggy as they come. It made for an eerie experience.
View of Alcatraz smokestack lost in the fog.
Alcatrazs main gate and, historically, the main gate of the fortress that once stood here.
Alcatraz guard tower.
The main row of cells known as Broadway.
A couple cells, side by side.
Alcatrazs most famous (infamous) inmates.
Jesus with open arms welcoming all into the Cathedral.
Great views down over the Marina and the Bay from most parts of Pacific Heights -- that could explain the home and rental costs...
Another view down to the Marina from Pacific Heights.
Killer view from that guys windows...
Typical home in Pacific Heights. Yes, thats a home, not an apartment.
Old and new intermingle in Pacific Heights.
Pacific Heights home facade.
Beautiful Pacific Heights home.
Home entrance.
This door is probably worth an entire home in other parts of the city...
Another view from Pacific Heights -- this time down to Ghirardelli Square and Alcatraz.
Somewhere in Pacific Heights is the Octagon House, a historic monument.
Great little church in the area.
SF has always been known for its colorful architecture.
More colorful homes.
Another Pacific Heights home.
The old Vedanta Society Temple building.
Garden entrance in Pacific Heights.
Classic SF architecture in Pacific Heights.
A couple great homes.
Another great one in Pacific Heights.
Not too far from Pacific Heights are two of San Franciscos more central and still luxurious hilly residential districts : Russian Hill and Nob Hill. This stretch of Lombard Street more commonly known as the worlds most crookedest street winds its way down the east side of Russian Hill towards Telegraph Hill beyond.
Embarcadero Center Tower. Back down from Pacific Heights and further along the Bay is the stretch of development known as the Embarcadero which runs a long distance along the Bay.
Old electric trams like this one still do the circuit along the length of the Embarcadero.
Views up Telegraph Hill and up to Coit Tower from the Embarcadero.
About halfway along the Embarcadero is the Ferry Building and Tower.
And close inland, and into downtown from there is San Franciscos first designated historic district, Jackson Square known for its turn-of-the-century brick buildings. Rising above the Square is the TransAmerica Pyramid Building.
Jackson Square facade.
Even further along the Embarcadero waterfront is the Bay Bridge, the second of San Franciscos great bridges.
On sunny days, plenty of sailboats fill the Bay.
Fireboat and Bay Bridge.
Almost the length of the Embarcadero are old piers. Pier 23 is now the sight of the most happening bikers club in town.
And even further along the Embarcadero is this great new statue.
Finally, at the far end of the Embarcadero stands SBC Park, the old Pacific Bell ballpark, home of the Giants.
Giants fans.
Ashe with friends Todd and Nikki at the Giants game.
Basically downtown is North Beach, San Frans very happening Little Italy.
Lots of cafes in North Beach.
Colorful apartments in North Beach.
North Beach apartments with Coit Tower rising above.
More colorful North Beach apartments.
SS Peter & Paul Church, a North Beach landmark built on the fantastic Washington Square Park.
SS Peter & Paul with Coit Tower beyond.
Coit Tower stands on top of Telegraph Hill. Great views in every direction from up top.
View from Telegraph Hill through North Beach and towards the TransAmerica Pyramid.
View from Telegraph Hill across the Marina and towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
View down to the Bay from Telegraph Hill.
View of part of downtown, the Ferry Building, and the Bay Bridge from Telegraph Hill.
On the back side of Telegraph Hill are the wonderful old, wooden Filbert Steps which make their way down the hill through dense terraced gardens.
Halfway down the Filbert Steps is the quaint Napier Lane.
The homes along Napier Lane are historic and beautiful.
Bride manequin on Telegraph Hill apartment balcony.
Thilo came to visit too. Here, he single-handedly holds up Alcatraz Island while at Coit Tower.
Mom and Dad in Washington Square during their visit to the Bay Area in January.
Right next door to Little Italy is San Franciscos Chinatown (we find theyre always next door to one another), one of the most impressive in the world.
Chinatown lamp.
Shopping for chicken in Chinatown.
Even the streetsigns are in Chinese in Chinatown.
Chinatown building facades are ornate and colorful.
This scene in Chinatown brought back memories from China for us.
Streetside incense pot.
Great bank building in Chinatown.
All kinds of Chinese herbs and remedies for sale.
Another ornate facade.
Taoist god watches over the bao in Ashes favorite bakery in Chinatown.
Taoist temple in Chinatown.
The Pyramid stands just beyond Chinatown and can be seeen towering over Chinatowns buildings from almost anywhere inside Chinatown.
View from the 4th floor Tin Hao Temple across Chinatown, across North Beach in the distance, and to Telegraph Hill with Coit Tower.
San Francisco City Hall. On Jan.22, 2004 we were married inside and right under that great dome!
Phil and Brenda came to visit us for a long weekend in April. Here, Brenda tries out some nunchuks in Chinatown on Phil.
Maciej and Phil looking tough in the harsh streets of Chinatown.
Ashe with her best friends Nikki (left) and Jen (right) celebrating Jens birthday in a Karaoke Bar in Chinatown.
South from downtown is the sunny Mission District with Mission Street running through the heart of it. Here, the towers of the historic Mission Dolores rise with the palms running the length of Dolores Street. The Mission is San Frans Spanish or Latino neighbourhood.
Parts of the Mission showcase some of the citys most beautiful historic residential architecture.
Colorful Italianate home in the Mission.
Liberty Hill contains Missions most historic homes. This Liberty Hill home has a great stepped entrance.
Japanese owners?
Row of Italianate style flats in the Mission.
Another great design in the Mission.
Lots of rounded corner turrets in SF.
Another row of character homes.
In the heart of the Mission is Dolores Park which offers great views towards downtown.
Nice weekends bring lots of people out to Dolores Park.
Ashe and Thilo preparing to eat a Mission specialty : the burrito.
Even the local high school in the Mission has a a great Spanish style tower.
Not far from the Mission and closer to downtowns Market Street is the Castro District, San Franciscos famous same-sex neighbourhood. A huge rainbow flag waves proudly over the main intersection in the Castro, and mini versions wave off all streetlamps in the area not to mention from many apartment windows.
A Castro landmark is the old Castro Theater, host to many interesting events.
Of the 40 or 50 hills in San Francisco, the two peaks known as Twin Peaks are the highest. From the lookout on top of Twin Peaks, views over the city in every direction are excellent.
View west of downtown from Twin Peaks.
View of hillside homes from Twin Peaks
About halfway up Twin Peaks is one of our favorite streets in the city. Edgewood Terrace is a dead-end, cobbled lane with homes offering views like this one.
View of St.Ignatius Cathedral and SF University from Edgewood Terrace.
View of hilltop neighbourhoods while driving down from Twin Peaks.
Just below Twin Peaks is one of our favorite neighbourhoods : Cole Valley. This neighbourhood is filled with great homes like this one.
More fantastic Cole Valley homes on Waller Street.
Lots of decorated facades like this one throughout the city.
Walking around anywhere in San Francisco is always a good time when theres are mixes of architecture like this to be found on every block.
Great row of colorful Victorians on Fulton Street.
Interesting theme in Cole Valley.
Another ornate design in Cole Valley.
Just a short few mintues walk from Cole Valley is the Haight with its main intersection at Haight and Ashbury famous as the focal point of the Hippie Revolution in the 60s and 70s. Today, Haight is a happening alternative neighbourhood.
Window decoration, Haight style.
Quirky merchandise can be found in Haights shops and boutiques.
Everybody should have some of these action figures.
Ben & Jerrys, San Franciscos famous ice cream brand.
Great apartment block on Haight.
More great apartments.
Not far from the Haight and Cole Valley is the Alamo Square historic district with plenty of beautiful homes like this landmark Victorian on Fulton Street.
More beautiful homes along Alamo Square.
Another row of fine homes.
Fantastic entry porches.
Plum blossoms and Alamo Square homes.
Alamo Square area home on McAllister Street.
Tall homes.
More colorful homes in the Alamo Square area.
Fabulous turrets on these homes. Ashe went to elementary school in the Alamo Square area and not too far from these very homes.
Pride flag waving off Alamo Square home.
Driving west from downtown and away from all those more famous neighbourhoods, we usually pass St.Ignatius Cathedral on our way home back to the Outer Richmond district.
Mels Drive-in. A few of these retro diners dot the city.
Even the residential areas of SF are interesting. Are those stilt homes earthquake proof?
Almost home now... As we drive down Geary Avenue all the way out to our place we pass through San Franciscos Russian neighbourhood complete with its own brilliant Orthodox Church.
As one goes further into the Richmond the architecture may get a little less interesting but exceptions can still be found!
At home and relaxing -- Ashe enjoying the hammock in the backyard.
The household cat, Red, doing what he does best.
Only a few minutes walk from where we live is Sutro Heights Park with great views across the Richmond District, across Golden Gate Park, and to the Sunset District beyond.
Ashe with her Dad at home.
Maciej with Nikki in the sunroom.
Our Apartment in the Outer Richmond. Maciej carried that Buddha head from China in his hands for 2 months while backpacking parts of Asia a few years ago.
Bedside table.
Photos to remind us we that REALLY DID travel the world for a year!
Another view across Richmonds beach apartments, to Golden Gate Park and beyond.
View down the length of Ocean Beach from Sutro Heights Park.
People out on Ocean Beachs sands...
Why not? One more look down to Ocean Beach.
Another of the walks we always do brings us past this museum, the Legion of Honour, just 5 minutes from our front door.
Arch at the Palace of the Legion of Honour museum.
Horse statue at the Legion of Honour.
The Museum is on the grounds of this Bay-side golf course. Our walk takes us through part of this course...
And to the coastal cliffs beyond. Just 7 minutes walk from home, were on a coastal cliff walk with views towards the Golden Gate Bridge like this one -- life is good.
Along the coastal cliff walk our favorite spot is a point with fantastic views both up and down the coast.
View down the coast from our favorite spot along the coast.
View up the coast from our favorite spot.
Also at our favorite rocky point is this labyrinth. Many come to walk the maze while enjoying the amazing views.
Man and his dog looking down at the waves from the cliffs edge.
Beyond the end of the Lands End coastal walk is the elite Seacliff neighbourhood with mansions like this one. Famous residents include Robin Williams (we see his pink home everytime we walk or drive through the area).
Our walk takes us through glitzy Seacliff and we finish off at our favorite, Baker Beach, just 30 minutes after walking out our front door.
Ashe enjoying the sands at Baker Beach.
Maciej and Ashe at Baker Beach.
One last view down the lenght of Baker Beach towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
Mom and Dad with Ashes parents in front of the Legion of Honour museum during their January visit to San Francisco.
Beyond the Seacliff area is the giant Presidio National Park from which the Golden Gate begins. The Presidio was once a naval base and today its great collection of historic wooden and brick homes and buildings are protected by Park status.
Lovely brick homes in the Presidio.
One of our favorite streets in the Presidio is this one with great views of the Golden Gate in the distance.
A Mustang parked in front -- the American dream.
Another great wooden home in the Presidio. Ashe works at a small company based in the Presidio and soon their office will move into a great old home much like this one...
Another group of brick homes in the Presidio.
One of the larger halls in the Presidio.
Views of the Golden Gate over Presidio rooftops.
Also in the Presidio is this tiny pet cemetery where naval officers used to bury their family pets.
Rest in peace, Silver.
Maciej paying his respects to Mac Shag.
He was indeed... he was indeed.
From the far end of the Presidio there are some great views across Crissy Fields and towards downtown.
On sunny weekends, the Bay fills with sailboats.
Since our wedding was a pretty low-key event, we decided to make the photos the same. One day we drove out to the Presidio and took some impromptu wedding photos.
We were trying to capture us spinning here...
We found a spot in the Presidio we thought was just perfect for the photos we wanted.
We tried some with and some without hats.
A more playful one.
Cheesy, yes, but we had a great time!
Walking through the forest.
Exchanging hats.
One last one.
The newly-restored Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. The Park is San Franciscos equivalent of NYs Central Park and stretches the lenght of 30 city blocks.
Golden Gate Park has several ponds and lakes. The best is Stow Lake where one can rent a row or peddle boat for a relaxing time out.
Even seagulls enjoy the boats on Stow Lake.
A turtle at Stow Lake.
Stow Lake is also home to this Chinese pavilion.
Also in Golden Gate Park, at its ocean end, stands this wonderful historic windmill.
Under that windmill is a great flower garden with different flowers in bloom all year round.
Tulips in April.
Large bronze Buddha seated in the Japanese Garden.
One of several foot bridges in the Garden. This one is the steepest weve ever seen!
Brilliant moss in the Japanese Garden.
Another lantern in the Garden.
Ashe in the Japanese Garden.
Garden pagoda.
One last scene in the Japanese Tea Garden.
One of the highlights of Golden Gate Park is its wonderful Japanese Tea Garden.
Pagoda and lanterns in the Japanese Garden.
Blossoms in Golden Gate Park.
Ashe in Golden Gate Park.
More flowers in bloom in Golden Gate Park.
And some more...
Flamingos in the Zoo.
Giraffe -- Maciejs first sighting!
Yawning or snarling?
Swimming penguin.
Polar bear napping.
Ashe getting out of the car in Park Merced, her grandparents neighbourhood.
Just beside Golden Gate Park is the San Francisco Zoo.
view over Park Merced area from Grandparents apartment.
Maciej, Ashe and Grandma on Mothers Day.
Ashe, Maciejs mom and Maciej at Baker beach on a windy day.
Just outside one gate to the Presidio is a small cove-type street with gated entrance. Inside are some of the citys most exclusive homes. The entire cove sits in the shadow of this giant synagogue.
Presidio Terrace home.
Another home in the cove, Presidio Terrace.
One of the more unique homes in the Terrace.
And one of the more beautiful ones.
Things dont get any less classy beyond the Terrace. Still bordering the Presidio and in the prestigious Lake Street District, homes like this one can be found.
More luxury in the Lake Street District.
One of the more unique homes in the area. Are those Moorish influences?
Nearby, the tiny, historic Church of St.Mary the Virgin has been here for more than 100 years.
Rising over the Haight area is hillside Buena Vista Park. Heres a view down to St.Ignatius Cathedral from the Park.
St.Ignatius facade.
St.Ignatius dome.
St.Ignatius pillars.
Just behind St.Ignatius is Lone Mountain with the Univeristy of SF on top. This is the main tower on campus.
View back to St.Ingatius from the campus.
The Presidios National Cemetery was the first National Cemetery in Americas West.
Not all tombstones are alike.
Cemetery statue.
Part of the preserved Naval legacy of the Presidio is Fort Point right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.
View of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Fort Point boardwalk at sunrise.
Sailboats passing under the Golden Gate.
Silhouette of San Francisco skyline as seen from Fort Point just before the sun rose over the horizon.
The sun rising over the city.
SF under sunrise colors.
Unique building facade in slowly gentrifying SOMA (South of Market).
View downtown from Potrero Hill, a hilly residential area south of downtown, just west of the Bay, but a little too close to some rougher neighbourhoods to enjoy the prosperity that other SF neighbourhoods enjoy.
Mission Dolores, San Franciscos historic Franciscan Mission, one of many that dot the California coast towards Mexico.
Mission Dolores with cathedral right next door.
Dolores Cathedral is an ornate Spanish style structure.
One of our very favorite homes in the city, this brick beauty high in the central hills of San Francisco is on a street straddling the Corona Heights and Buena Vista hilltop neighbourhoods.
View of SF from atop rocky Corona Heights Park.
Another view down over the city from Corona Heights Park.
Family market somewhere in the Upper Haight. Dont all families drink beer, wine and liquor together?
Great Romanesque church in the Upper Haight.
One of many character apartments filling the city.
San Francisco sunrise with Alcatraz Island.
The Golden Gate from the Presidio at sunrise.
Even closer to the Golden Gate at sunrise.
Sunrise view over the city from Grand View Park. Pass Twin Peaks and all those other central peaks in San Francisco and youll end up in the Golden Gate Heights part of town which looks down over the Sunset District and to the ocean.
View across the Sunset, Golden Gate Park and to the Richmond District from Grand View Park. With views like this, Grand View Park is our new favorite vista point in the entire city.
View across Inner Sunset, St.Anness Church, Golden Gate Park and beyond to the Golden Gate Bridge from Grand View Park.
View across Inner Sunset and to downtown from Grand View Park.
SF homes.
Kind of hidden away in the Inner Richmond District is the Columbarium, a great place we just discovered the other weekend and now consider on of our favorite places for some solitude and reflection in the city.
Columbarium entrance.
Columbarium dome on the inside.
Inside the multi-layered Columbarium.
Great stained-glass in every nook inside the Columbarium.
More stained glass.
Plots always available inside the Columbarium.
A lesser-known octagon house is this one tucked away on a side street on Russian Hill.
View to the Bay Bridge from Russian Hills Coolbrith Park.
Streetcar crossing, only in San Francisco.
View of Telegraph Hill with Coit Tower from Coolbrith Park.
There are plenty of terraced, garden-filled staircases throughout San Franciscos more hilly neighbourhoods.
An Italian style villa at the end of a tiny dead-end lane named Florence Street, how appropriate.
Another leafy lane hidden away somewhere atop Russian Hill.
Russian Hill apartments.
Luxury living atop Russian Hill.
View of the TransAmerica Pyramid tower from somewhere on top of Russian Hill.
View down San Franciscos steepest street. It doesnt look so bad here but wait till you drive it!
View down to the Bay and Alcatraz Island from Russian Hill.
Just south of Russian Hill is Nob Hill. Both are central, semi-upper class neighbourhoods with great architecture, great views of the city and the Bay and lots of history. Grace Cathedral sits right on the very top of Nob Hill.
View of Grace Cathedral spire through cloister arch.
Giant bronze entrace doors to the Cathedral.
Detail of bronze door panel.
Cable car passes Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill.
Cable car stop.
Ashe by giant heart. These artsty hearts have started to appear all over the city in the past months. Local artists have been given the chance to buy the standard heart and do what they wish with it.
Another of the I love SF hearts on Nob Hill.
And another one.
Unique Nob Hill apartment block.
Another beautiful one on Nob Hill.
We often come across old lanes leading to small courtyards and side entrances to homes and apartments. This entrance in Nob Hills Golden Lane is one we wish we could pass through everyday.
Store side mural on Nob Hill.
Classic SF view down California to downtown and the Bay Bridge.
Not far further along the Bay is the Palace of Fine Arts, the last building standing from the large complex built for the 1915 Worlds Fair in San Francisco.
A closer look at that Palaces dome which is currently undergoing some much-needed renovations.
SFs Marina district is filled with criss-crossing streets, luxurious homes and upper class apartments like this one.
Sunrise over the Marina.
San Franciscos second marina full of sailboats just beyond SBC Park.
Baseball statue with the marina and Bay Bridge beyond.
Colorful Mission home.
Another brilliant Victorian in the Mission District.
When I spotted super hero pinadas in the Mission District it made me want to start celebrating my birthday again!
Another church? No, this ones the tower of Mission High School, also in Spanish style.
We hope so. Sidewalk art in the Mission.

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