ORD to SFO = Heaven in the 02.07

A few weeks ago I finally got to go to San Francisco, a city I was raring to see! It was a work event, which had its pluses (paid airfare, hotel and meals) and minues (crunch times, touring solo, and looking like a fool when squealing about wonderments to oneself).

Nonetheless it was fabulous! And the trip came during a very chilly spell of the freezing winds and snow of Chicago.

The first thing I did upon arrival was to hop on a trolley, or is that a cable car...hum the cute bus-car things seen in the Rice-a-Roni commercials, yes those ones!

On the car, they let you dangle off the side! For absolute fun!

While riding I took in the amazing homes and architecture.

Pretty....

Destination: Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's own 'Navy Pier'.

Here you can find loads of fresh seafood, including yummy crab! After this pic was snapped I ate this whole lot...in 5 minutes...piggy style. I'm NOT kidding.

Near the Wharf is the Ghirardeli Chocolate Factory, hmmmmmmm!

A look inside the main square of the factory shows there are no oompa loompas running this choclate haven, sad. But there is a pretty fountain.

Down by the water there are sweet little smelly sea lions. This one here was packed in my suitcase and now lives in my tub. Doesn't she look like Miss. Honey!?

Oooooh!!! Jolene's Dream House!

Later I decide to take a bus tour on this renovated trolley...cable car...noo trolley, um whatever...

My new friend Veronica from LA (we just met on the tour!) takes my pics, then I take hers!

On the tour we see the Presido... did you know the Spanish were posted in this area first, then the Mexican army took over and in 1846 the US Army took control of the area....Um yes you probably knew that, and, um yes so did I!

On the grounds is a pet cemetary for the deceased pets of the army families that lived on the grounds.

Here the bus drives under one of the modern seven wonders of the world, The Golden Gate Bridge. AWESOME!

And viola! I'm on the otherside!

Back on the trolley to Union Square where I was staying.

On the way I get to see the North Beach neighbor, this area is considered Little Italy.

Between Union Square and North Beach I found the cutest cafes in various allies, like this one here...at night they are bumpin'!

Before I left, and after days of hard work at the Moscone Convention Center, :) I got a chance to explore Chinatown, where they were celebrating their new year, the Year of the Pig.

Chinatown is crazy fun and the children, in celebration of the year, throw snaps for fun....and the grown-ups dress in costumes, light firecrackers and play music throughout the sidewalks and streets....

I decide to stay for lunch in this lively neighborhood. While waiting for my lunch, the couple next to me left and this other couple quickly sat down to clean their plates!


Now promise me, you'll go visit somewhere fun right now too! Go, now. Scat! Scoot! Go on! Get!