After a bumpy flight across the Rockies, we landed on Friday afternoon to a beautiful sunny day in Northern California. Our itinerary was nicely divided into three parts – weekend tech conference in Santa Clara, three nights in Marin County with our friend Andy, and four nights in Oakland with our friend Nicole. Sunshine every day, and a much-needed break from school and job applications…welcome to my Spring Break!
With lots of great Chicago friends in town for the conference, it was nice to catch up with everyone over dinner. Luke attended many sessions, networked like a grown up, and ran a 5k. I ordered a lot of room service and took many naps. Off to a great start!
Luke just after completing his first 5K
Sunday afternoon, Andy came to collect us and drive us up to San Francisco proper. We stopped at the Dovre Club for beer, whiskey, and twice-baked potatoes (it was St. Paddy’s Day, after all), then drove to the top of Twin Peaks for a panoramic view of the city. Dinner at an amazing Thai restaurant, then a walk to the end of the Ferry Building for a view of the Bay Lights, before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge and up to the Fairfax/San Anselmo area to Andy’s home.
Andy’s apartment
Sunny and bright apartment with greenery out every window
Luke, Andy, and I all worked during the days, then spent the late afternoons and evenings together.
Luke and Maddie hard at work
Among our many adventures, we drove out to Point Reyes for a beautiful view of the coast:
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Point Reyes
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Quite the nice digs for the Park Ranger, Point Reyes
We hiked along the hills behind Andy’s house (sliding in places, but worth it for the views):
Andy and Maddie
Luke
We spent a nice afternoon in Sausalito, delighted by the Heath Ceramics Factory Store and the Bay Model Visitor Center:
Bay Model, Sausalito
Rainbow!
followed by a tour of Golden Gate Park and the Presidio:
Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park
Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park
Luke on a steep bridge, Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park
And we all curled up to watch “About Schmidt” with steaks, wine, and Cowgirl Creamery cheese. I still say that movie’s a comedy. Andy and I also went to Open Mic night at Peri’s. It was all magical.
Wednesday night, we drove across the bridge to Oakland, where Nicole was there to greet us! A group dinner at Homeroom (at last! I’ve heard so much about it) before Andy left us in Nicole’s care. Her new apartment is also lovely – brand new hardwood floors and appliances mixed with old-school California character.
Nicole was also able to work half-days, which meant lots of great time to catch up in person! On Thursday, we ventured out to Bakesale Betty for an unbelievably good sandwich.
Fried Chicken sandwich at Bakesale Betty
Then we walked through Temescal Alley and over to Rockridge for coffee and a good heart-to-heart. We stopped into George and Walt’s for a beer, then decided to stay for another, along with an exciting bit of March Madness. Next, we walked down to Piedmont for a snack before meeting up with Luke for pizza at Boot and Shoe Service. We ended the day with a nightcap at Smitty’s, although we left before our selection, “2 legit 2 quit,” came up on the jukebox. I’m sure the other patrons enjoyed it in our absence.
Friday, Luke finished work early and we headed up to Rockridge for beers at The Trappist.
Yummy!
Luke at The Trappist
We returned home to find Nicole with freshly dilated pupils from her eye exam. At least she can rock the optometrist’s shades.
Nicole, who can’t see in this photo, but looks gorgeous nonetheless
That night, we enjoyed food trucks, beers, and salsa dancing as part of the Oakland Museum of California’s Off the Grid. Then we bar hopped, enjoying drinks at Beer Revolution, Liege, and Nick’s Lounge, where one of my favorite Nicole rituals resurfaced–Karaoke to “Baby Got Back.”
Terrible photo, but I love that the lyrics came through
Saturday, we rode BART to the Mission, where we toured the awesome murals in Clarion Alley.
Clarion Alley
Luke in Clarion Alley
Clarion Alley
Clarion Alley
Clarion Alley
We grabbed lunch from Ike’s Place (check out their incredible sandwich selection) and picnicked in Dolores Park. Then we strolled around the local shops before settling in for yummy desserts at Mission Pie. Nicole headed home to prepare for that night’s dinner party, while Luke and I meandered through Bernal Heights and daydreamed about our future.
Our last night in San Fran was the perfect combination of good friends, food, and conversation. Andy rejoined our group for dinner, and returned again ridiculously early to drive us to the airport for our Sunday morning flight. It’s nice to be reminded what incredible friends we have – Andy and Nicole went out of their way to make us feel welcome, toured us around their favorite local haunts, and took time away from their busy lives to have great, important talks over pints of beer. It was a lovely break, and we can’t wait to do it again!
Owl and Penguin 