We always look forward to catching up with friends and this trip's last phase was filled with friends. Friends who drink and eat well which has forced a lean lifestyle as we returned home!
Susie and Fred have a lovely pinot noir winery in Sonoma Russian River area. We met their new family members - two adopted German Shepards who are lively and loving. Susie's strict training fell apart once the Turk spent some time with them, so Susie will be busy now that we left.
While we drank wonderful wines at home, our tasting was at the Russian River Brewery. Its an impressive complex and a simple beer tasting had the largest selection I've ever seen!
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| winery view from kitchen window!! |
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| vegetable garden in foreground-Turk is envious |
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| the Kids |
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| Turk enjoying grilling in vineyard |
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| two women who point |
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| leary beery group |
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| Ensuring the brand is shown-russian river brewery! |
After a fun couple of days, we headed out to our
last destinations, San Francisco and Moss Beach to visit Jackie and Arthur who
we last saw in Hanoi 4 months ago (where I taught them how to walk across the
street of rushing traffic)!
Coming into San Francisco, we
stopped at Crissy Field to walk around and enjoy the weather. I used to live a
few blocks away in the Marina. Tulin learned to ride a two wheeled bike in
Crissy Field when it was still all old Army barracks and cement - great for
wide turns on the bike. I also used to take the girls roller blading
around here. Now most of those buildings are gone and the ones that are left are
renovated. Sports and outdoor activity businesses operate out of them. The
coast guard buildings now house a marine research organization. The dunes are
restored and bikeways and walkways are more formalized trails inviting bike
tour groups and locals.
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| cool to watch larger ships go under the bridge. of course, I've seen fighter jets fly under that bridge! |
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| Turk makes friend at Crissy Field |
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| holding up that bridge |
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| love the vistas! |
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| Alcatraz from Russian Hill |
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| Macondray Lane-Tales of the City |
We drove around for views and I finally got to visit Macondray Lane where Tales of the City was supposed to be set. When I mention it to people, the younger generation has no clue what this is about. These were stories that described a very unique San Francisco - and I think a city that may no longer be that way.
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| one of many murals on Market St. This one is for the bar called Churchill |
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| interesting view w/detail |
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| in case this is interesting...! |
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| beach at Pacifica...seals! with surfboards! |
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| Sausalito house renov, finally! |
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| road at Jackie's |
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| Once was flat! |
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| Moss Beach tide pool critters |
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| Turk's job is to feed - everyone |
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| Turk fan club |
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| Z& Y Chinese restaurant in chinatown |
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| Jackie's photo bomb |
Jackie and Arthur took us out to Z&Y in Chinatown. I've been wanting to go, but never could fit it in. They have a tea pourer dude who reminds me of the tea pourers in Turkey. He almost dances while elaborately positioning the very long spout over the tea cup. Arthur ordered and we all ate, and ate. Even eating the hot peppers. One plate was deep in chopped red peppers with buried fried chicken pieces. The Turk was so in love with those peppers, he took them back to Florida. I have no idea what will become of them, or of us if we eat them!
