September 14, 2005
Day Two Of September Trip To Bay Area
We woke up in Montara, California across the street from the ocean. Our host took us down the cliffs for an upfront and spectacular view then took us to the Bart Station in Colma, the town that was literally grown out of the San Fran earthquakes of yore when they needed a place to build mortuaries and graveyards. (Makes ya wonder what towns will be re-created for the same purpose after Katrina...)
WE schlepped up to, of all street names, Bush, to our hotel. We were too early for check-in so we dropped the bag and walked all the way to the Mission district and did some book shopping and bohemian coffee house sitting after dodging the pimps and crack dealers on Market and Mission streets. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf really ought to take a clue on how to make a chai latte....
Got back downtown just before check-in so we had a beer at Murphy's then went up to our "artist room" painted by Apex for a little lie-down.
Then it was off to SBC Park for the Giants vs. Cubs game. On our way we happened upon the 49ers rally in the Embarcadero. It seemed like the end of the festivities - all that was left for fan pictures were cheerleaders. And the "Unofficial Rolling Stones" who I liked to call, after experiencing them for two minutes - The Trolling Clones". Yike-eez.
SBC was a gas even though it was the shortest game in history. And freezing. And the Cubs lost. (I was discreet - I even bought a Giants beanie before the game to cover my cold ears.) And who doesn't love a seventy year-old "balldude"? (Not to mention the lack of fan thugs, read: Dodgers).
D. said something like, "This would be the greatest ballpark in the world if it wasn't for Wrigley."
Difference number one -
Chicago: Cubbie Bear, Murphy's Bleacher's and Beer, Beer, Beer.
San Fran: Mo Mo's, The Chop House and Martini's, Cocktails, Wine.
Freezing (me) and tired of walking, we got a cab to Vesuvios after the game. Ordered a drink but didn't stay. Crowd wasn't quite what we were hoping for so we moved on back towards the hotel and checked out The Irish Bank which was in the alley next door. Loved it even though they told us the kitchen was closed (we weren't hungry) and later served a big bowl of stew to a local. It only inspired us to want to BE a local and sit in the dining confessional and, well - commence and confess to some sinnin' via their massive Scotch and Irish Whiskey selections.
Posted by nora murphy at September 14, 2005 07:38 AM | TrackBack|