Thursday, May 22, 2014

Exploring the Backyard. San Francisco, Ca

Graffiti Art, Raw Beauty



The light at the end of the tunnel


The Natural

The Ruins of the Sutro Baths




Golden Gate Goodness



View from the top



































































On this majestic May Monday, I went on an impromptu exploration of the city with my good friend. We decided on a location close to where I reside and thus, Ocean Beach or more specifically, The Sutro Baths at the end of the beach was our destination (a mere 15 minutes from me).

Blessed with beautiful weather, the Baths and the woods were perfect for us nature loving gals and it would be our last Funday for awhile (my fearless friend will be leaving for Asia). Now when I say Funday, it really is a fun day and they last for four hours or more, usually more. Despite both of our busy schedules we were able to squeeze in one last girl time of walking aimlessly with no specific plan, as our Fundays usually go. On this particular day we began at the ruins of the Baths and from there hiked through the nearby woods, unexpectedly finding ourselves closer and closer to the Golden Gate Bridge, the coveted prize.

I haven't blogged in a few months, but this excursion was the inspiration that I needed. The day was too beautiful, the landscape and the company, that I knew I had to share it. The best part was that I was able to enjoy a day out with an awesome friend in my beautiful backyard at no charge. Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves that the best things in life … are free.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Night Owls With No Mission. Valencia St. San Francisco, Ca

Date night at the adorable Foreign Cinema

Drinks before dinner

Never too old for a bathroom selfie

In wonderment of the sequined gold jumper


Graffiti art appreciation



A Hidden Door


One cold January evening, one of my besties and I reunited for a belated holiday dinner date. She had (finally!) come back home (to our Bay Area) for break from grad school in Boston. All hail the conquering graduate! We decided on dinner in the Mission District of San Francisco, a once dangerous (still is in some areas) neighborhood known for its gang violence, but has now changed into a trendy night spot welcoming the cool. The district is also known for it's large Latino population: the area is rich in culture as it's many alleys and buildings are painted with murals that each tell a powerful story. While I admit to basking in the new cute spots in the neighborhood, I'm alarmed at how rapidly the area has changed (I haven't lived in Northern California in five years). The last thing I would want is for the old residents to be completely wiped out and the gritty yet colorful life that once thrived to only be a thing of the past; a cookie cutter neighborhood "The Mission" should never be.

But I set my feelings aside to traipse about on a cold winter's night with an old friend. Dinner at Foreign Cinema set the festive tone of our holiday dinner (your wallet won't be so festive after your meal though. Just a warning). But the ambiance is spectacular! You'll enjoy fine food under romantic starry string lights and a movie playing against a far wall. This is definitely an eatery to visit. After dinner we set out in search of a nic nacs boutique where they sold Jane Austen band aids (the store ended up being closed). But along the way we were lured by the sight of a 6'2 blonde drag queen from inside a restaurant and bar where we subsequently made a pit stop to quench our thirst (the allure of a drag queen is never easy to resist. She was aloof though, but no matter!). Our last random stop before heading home was at an Indian restaurant where we picked up delectable tandoori chicken and a chicken wrap to share.

The only plan for the night was dinner at Foreign Cinema and the rest was ... whatever we felt like doing. It wasn't a crazy night, by any means, but it fulfilled a mentality that I and many of us had when we were younger or in college. I'll admit that nights like this are rare for me now, but when they happen, I cherish them. We should cherish them.

*Point of interest when visiting San Francisco's Mission District:
Balmy Alley

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