Hidden San Francisco

No fog on this May day

How do you spend a couple of days in a city where you used to live?  You spend it seeing some things you never had time for. San Francisco's extensive list of second and third tier tourist sites is daunting and could easily occupy us for a year. But we had 1 1/2 days!

First on my list: the Murals in the Mission district. This ever changing outdoor gallery of hundreds of colorful, political, personal and wacky paintings adorn walls, garage doors, fences and basically any vertical space along several alleys and streets in the Mission. The Turk and I were continuously surprised by what we saw.  Midpoint, we had to stop at Dandelion Chocolates to sample and buy much needed sustenance.  Then we climbed the Moraga Street tiled steps and explored the creative tile mosaic with a view at the top as our reward.  

Clearly a more recent work

thoughtful warning

commentary on small business and bookstores!!

HONEST!

One of my faves - honey bear shooting out colorful confetti

flamingos are always a good idea!

stunning Women's Building

rich in simplicity

beautiful garage door

watchful garage door

joyful workers gather our produce!

artist create image from spot on sidewalk!

miss ya Prince

regal elephants

ode to workers. sidewalk also painted

snacks at Dandelion Chocolates!

The 163 tiled Moraga stairs originate at 16th Ave in the Sunset and were sponsored by 220 neighbors who participated with artists in creating, and installing the hand made animal, bird and fish tiles. At the bottom of the steps the tiles show the ocean and as we climb, we progress to land, then sky, then space with sun, moon and stars. These stairs were dedicated in 2005 and the project continued with the planting of their beautiful succulent garden.  As I was tempted to pull a branch or two from some of the more interesting succulents, the Turk pointed out a sign in the garden. It was a photograph taken of a mystery woman (not me!) who was caught on camera pulling up some succulent samples. Beside the photo was a sign asking to identify the thief. Hmmmm.   So, I behaved myself.

attempt to see broader impact

so many cute animal tiles

see the sea floor!

at the top

a few succulents - that I didnt touch!

One of my fave locations is the Sutro Baths area - so we headed over to see that the hiking trails to the baths have been much improved. And, we were there to witness the local police kindly investigating a person sequestered within one of the caves.  Drinks were calling at the 1909 Cliff House - a place I had not ventured into since its $17 million renovation in 2003.

Turk greets the welcome bear at Cliff House front door

Broad view of Sutro Baths 

nice view of hideouts along the cliffside - look out who's inside

We headed over to the Presidio to check the renovated Officers Club - the oldest building on post. This structure is part of  the original 1776 fort built by the Spanish. The Presidio has been going through continuous renovations and development projects since it was released from the military and reborn as a trust in 1996. The trust has been financially self sufficient since 2013 and there is always something new being offered, being built and being shown. 

main lounge at Officers Club, complete with fire in fireplace

 I have never seen construction company with such  healthy, emotionally balanced rules...posted at the job site!

The Turk and I spent time wandering around the city in between these excursions. And we ate... a lot!  The Turk's favorite San Francisco meal is CIOPPINO, which was invented in the city. The best historical place to find this - Taddich Grill, the oldest restaurant in California, started in 1849 as a tent on the wharf serving coffee and fresh grilled fish.  Sixteen year old John Tadich arrived from Croatia in 1871.  He worked as a bartender at the grill until he bought it in 1887. Yes, it burned in the earthquake, but Tadich rebuilt it. It moved to the current location in 1967 and they still dont take reservations. 

happy Turk

Turk discovers unbelievable selection of whisky's on Union Street

I like that the bikes get their own traffic light on Market Street

We stayed in Cow Hollow, not far from our old Marina apartment.Walking down Union Street, we found an interesting store that specialized in their whisky selection, along with specialty foods and gifts. I kept thinking this location felt familiar. Of course I would walk by this location all the time when I lived in the area. But there was something else....  It finally hit me. This used to be a jewelry store. In fact, it was in this store that the turk and I purchased our wedding rings!!