flashman181

And so we come to the worst part of any holiday, especially overseas. The packing, getting to the airport, checking in at unfamiliar surroundings, catching a short connecting flight, checking in again- and of course plenty of sitting around. And then the midnight 14 hr flight home when you should be sleeping but of course can’t. So before the gloom descends completely some final thoughts as the waiting begins.

First up love da USA . Have now been lucky enough to visit 6 major cities across the country which have all been great and unique in their own way. Two obvious similarities stand out first up. Excellent public transport systems and crap coffee. Transport Apps work very well and the improvement in the last 2 years have been significant with both CTA and 511 apps in Chicago and San Francisco exceptional. Some specific observations

1. Qantas and AA need to work on their “codeshare” arrangement – it is ridiculous that in 2013 I cannot do online check in for the first short AA flight to LA. Not a big deal maybe but it also means can’t check in for the subsequent 14 hr flight on Qantas and therefore could have landed a bum seat if not already paid the $180 for exit row seat!

2. USA need to work out their currency and drop the small stuff like we did. Just round up or down folks – it works! This may be a small point for the credit card mad society we live in but international travellers still feel safer dealing in cash overseas? I know I do

3. Related to that, the GST or whatever it is called here is a pain in the ass. By all means charge your tax but why does something nice and simple like $6:50 always become something ridiculous like $7:18?? Advertise the bloody real price and round up. Once again the card carrying folk would not give a crap of course 😇

4. Solo travel has its benefits and it negatives. Moving to your own rhythm is great and liberating. It also forces you to be a bit more sociable which is not a bad thing. It can be lonely at night and your dining options are a bit limited though. And you have to do your own washing!

5 US TV is crap. Really is , especially early in the evening and mornings.

6. Very large Asian population in SF especially around Nob Hill which of course is next to Chinatown. Some people love the busy cluttered streets , I don’t. Compared to Chicago a lot of SF is simply messy and unclean. Tai Chi everywhere uh look as well

7. The cable cars are interesting certainly but you quickly realise they are simply tourist attractions and as such are always over crowded and big delays in actually getting one. Despite the hills often easier to just walk. The staff running them though are amongst the most pleasant and helpful “service ” staff ever dealt with

8. There is no real cafe culture as we Aussies would understand it. There are plenty of cafés of course but they are set up for quick service of quick food with limited menus. The food portions of course are always very generous but that is not necessarily a good thing 😟

9. I have always felt safe in all cities and the people generally friendly. There are many homeless people around although not in Nob Hill – which must mean something 😉In Chicago they sit around a lot just waiting for handouts whereas in SF you have the more disturbing sight of actually eating food straight out of rubbish bins. Evidence of sleeping out overnight readily apparent in both cities. Seems like an issue for all cities sadly

10. USA is big bold and brassy and more pop culture than culture of course but I like that. It is what it is and doesnt try to be anything else. SF may not hold a lot of interest past a day or two for some but for a movie geek growing up on 60s and 70s movies it is great – for about 4 days anyway 😍

So time to sign off and await the return to reality. The solo experience has indeed been interesting and probably easier than expected with a few riders of course. Will there be any more solo trips in the future? Probably more an issue of finances than anything else and of course have a great trip to Europe next year planned with CLP which should keep wanderlust at bay for a while.

Or maybe not….

A glorious day dawned once more for the final full day in San Francisco. No fog and no real places to be seen either . So the plan was twofold in its infancy. Check out some coffee places and rid myself of small change – these could actually go together. Chicago and SF were interesting choices for this trip if for no other reason than the fact both were seriously ravaged by natural disasters many years ago – and rebuilt of course. Chicago architecture is of course well known – time to check out downtown San Francisco. One last cable ride downtown and then we walk – but no mingling. Nice and flat down here folks, and some impressive buildings. Bank of America was of course the standout but there were other notables. Thought 3 coffee places before lunch was probably maximum sensible option. So we lined up Coffee Bean and Tealeaf, Peet’s and my local Gallery cafe. The coffee was only so so but did get rid off 11 dimes! And man did I power up those hills on the way home – no need for cable cars for this little caffeinated black duck. A pleasant few hours wandering around downtown was tres enjoyable but does leave the afternoon stretching long ahead with limited funds and diminishing interest. Time for a casual wander around Fishermans Wharf after lunch perhaps and see if I can avoid buying any more souvenirs? Do some people watching instead. And let’s travel light with no jacket or camera! Breathe. Breathe.

Still got my phone right 😉

Later Dudes

I woke in a cold sweat. The sun was out, had I slept through until midday!! Are Tsetse flies endemic to Alcatraz and I had got a little prick? No folks – there was no fog! Well that screwed up my whole day. I would have to forego more stimulating breakfast TV and get out while the getting is good. Today was Golden Gate Park day and surrounds. Now like an old seasoned pro my app told me where to and when to go but today was on the edge of your seat – or hanging out a cable car if you like – stuff. I was trying something I never thought I would say – multiple routes! A cable car here, a bus there, jump on a train and then a ferry should have you there. Ok, a cable car and a bus but exciting stuff folks – and so very easy , or so I thought. More later. It was a glorious day and GGP is big but a pleasant walk around whilst heading in the general direction of Kezar stadium for one more DH highlight. From there it was onto Haight-Ashbury and Castro for a couple of distinctive SF neighbourhoods. To finish off my gay day I looked at some flowers near some Painted ladies. This leisurely walk had filled in a few hours, including an excellent coffee at the Flywheel Coffee Roasted near hippieville. Who would have thunk Such a lovely day so also took the short trip back to City Hall for more photos. Now, should I make one last effort to check out the famous sandwich emporium Ike’s place? It was a bit out of the way but I was a public transport freak by now. One who does need glasses though apparently when looking at an iPhone app. I had the monthly clipper card which paid for all my cable car and bus trips. My app was telling me to enter the Metro subway and catch the L train to 16th street. I thought it was a train, bloody small icons honest. So let’s try BART out. It says clipper card empty ? Ok, refill I guess . Only had 20s on me and machine only gave max of $4.95 change! In sense of adventure ok bung $15 on. Fuck me if the machine didn’t give me 19 dimes change!!! Ok calm down son , part of the experience. Now why don’t these trains have the numbers I am looking for ? After 5 mins gave up and thought would walk, having already paid the fare of course. But it was bugging me. So went back down and what do you know. There is an underground Muni system as well! I didn’t need BART or the extra $15😡😡 Anyhoo caught train, walked to Ike’s , lined up for 20 minutes and finally got my Al Bundy. Tourist checkpoints finished. Caught a bus ( above ground!) back to Powell Street and cable car Central where the line up was about 70 deep or let’s say 5 cars worth at least = good 30 minute wait. So walked up to Union Square and ate half my sandwich in the glorious sunlight and then walked home over hill and dale. It really was not that bad. Maybe I am a supreme athlete.

So , one last day to go and no real plans at this stage. Yes it is freaking me out CLP 😍 Smack bang in Chinatown really so not the sort of place where you wander the streets aimlessly looking for a coffee or a beer. Sadly none of those neck massage places either😰 You need to either walk or cable it to white folk place – you know where all the fat tourists hang out 😉. So maybe will wander down to Fishermans Wharf for one last walk around and see if I can add one more to the ever growing list of T Shirts only ever worn once!

Had the late afternoon visit to Alcatraz planned for later in the day what to do in the morning fog? KKK inspired me. Kimmy, Kayne and Kill me now. Please. If I thought US TV was abysmal last week they have exceeded themselves last couple of days with that deplorable circus. But it did inspire me at least to visit AT&T park which once again is rather impressive. And as luck would have it it was within walking distance of two more DH sites – Hall of Justice and the ” Go Ahead Make My Day Burger King cum later day Maccas” from Sudden Impact. Even had a very decent coffee at Cafe Roma across from Hall of justice. Seemed like a safe place with all the cops around. Certainly an interesting mix of people coming down the stairs from my street window view. Well dressed lawyers, less well dressed “defendants” and of course cops up to the ying yang. And the line up of double parked B&W cruisers. And on way back to unit, time to get up close and personal with the Transamerica building

So as 3pm approached the mist suddenly lifted and a stunning afternoon and sunset followed, that sadly my camera cannot do justice to. It was crowded tour but all worked smoothly. The cell block audio tour was very good and the rest of time was spent gazing across the blue blue yonder to the bridge or the city. Simply glorious weather. Heading back after 6:30 pm gave first real glimpse of the city lights and they were spectacular

So think just about touristed out with 2 days to go. I have mingled enough with the great unwashed to last several months . Maybe a trip to Golden Gate park and scan some architectural delights over next 2 days

I believe all Aussie meteorologists should spend 2 weeks a year in San Francisco to get their confidence back. You can’t get it wrong clowns. There will be Fog tomorrow. Now today was the Electric Bike ride across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausolito and take the ferry back. But first an Irish Coffee pick me up at Buena Vista Cafe. Same company as the Segway and once again a small group of 4. Knobber Knobber. So whoever invented the wheel was a half- assed clown because he should not have stopped before making the electric bike as well. They are sweet man! Nothing better than shooting past the spandex warriors going uphill while drinking a frappe, texting and chewing gum. Now these guides are not only knowledgeable but also friendly of course. My guy wanted to bond as the other two were a couple so he said “You remind me of the TV Doctor House MD, but not the personality of course ” I replied ” Its still early pal, why don’t you shut your pie-hole and get us out of this fog”

So in relative quiet we headed in general direction of GG but first a stop at Palace of Fine Art. A couple of tourists mistook me for Sean Connery returning to the scene so I gave them a couple of autographs just to get them out of my photo! As we approached GG the fog was slowly rising but never going to be clear. We stopped at the nominated “photo spots” before heading up to and across the bridge. I am no fan of heights these days so the mid bridge stop was a tad unsettling. Of course by time we got across the sun was out but you turn around and the bridge is still covered in mist – and oddly enough a couple of apes. We then headed down towards Sausalito for a brief stop and a horrible coffee before catching the Ferry back. It was a beautiful day for a trip on the water and once again the tour turned into a very enjoyable treat.

Back on dry land I was finally able to shake loose my guide by promising him I would indeed friend him on Facebook. Time for a quick lunch at In n Out Burger – sounded like my life goal. It was like Maccas only unhealthy. So walking back and checking phone when the bloody Bushman got me 👏. Back home for a slight rest and then headed out for a couple of cable rides before ending at Sotto Mare Oysteria for an early dinner. Thought I would try the Tour Guide approach so said to the waitress ” I’m here all week. I’ll try the Veal” With a straight face she said “we are a seafood restaurant”. I had crab. Should I be concerned the chef walked past with a big can labelled “Dungeoness Crab”. The Fawlty Towers line came to mind but I kept drinking my Peroni. Anyhoo it was fine and the actual restaurant has a great atmosphere.

Alcatraz tomorrow afternoon but what to do in the fog in the morning? Count my loose change? May not be finished by 11:00….

Now San Fran is not suited to morning people, which I am. Champing at the bit to hit the ground early but no point even thinking about it before 08:30 and even then you need a flashlight and a bell to move around. So thought I would spend the foggy 2 hours AM catching public transport to City Hall for another iconic Dirty Harry site. Ok Google maps is about as useful as the American Good Coffee guide but there some brilliant apps available . In Chicago it was the CTA one, here it is 511.org. Simply brilliant for getting a round and knowing when next bus/train due. So headed off to Union square and then on a bus the the City Hall precinct – impressive building even in the mist and inside is tres spectacular. Then as the fog started to lift thought I would search some Bullitt sites which were on way back home anyway. There was Mark Hopkins, Grace Cathedral, Franks flat and even his grocery store all in close proximity. By the ends of this week I will also have travelled a lot of the streets of the famous car chase but as it was shot in seveRal areas it is not a continuous path to follow.

It was time to play Karl Malden after lunch, only a less handsome version of course, and walk the streets of San Francisco .I generally planned to wander down around pier 39 but as the cable car was delayed started walking up a couple of hills near Vallejo st and while almost in cardiac arrest the view was worth it. Got to top and there were two homies drinking a beer and having a joint . Once they knew I was from Crocodile Dundee territory they even offered me a toke – which I declined. But we had a great chat while pulse returned to its stead baseline of 130. Back down dale to Filbert Street and there in the distance was Coit tower beckoning like a temptress. It looked close enough, maybe because it was about 70 degree incline at the end. What the hell, so off I set. By now all fog had gone and the sky was a brilliant blue. The climb was worth it for the view then went down other side using the famous Filbert steps. It was a very pleasant day for a walk once on flat ground so took my time wandering back to Fishermans wharf via the various Piers. Pier 39 is a tourist haven and the sea lions were rather amazing. As always Alcatraz loomed in the distance. A couple of mod souvenirs and then back on the cable car home.

Tomorrow it’s off on a bike ride across Golden Gate Bridge. Hope I get one with a seat

The first day dawned and things were looking better. The weather forecast was good but of course at 08:00 in morning there is still mist/fog/cloud but I caught my first cable car and headed down to Fishermans wharf. It was too early to see too much but did have a coffee and bagel at Boudins and then in keeping with carefree attitude – hey it’s almost 09:00 lets see if any free spots on Segway tour over there. Well what do you know. So off I headed and it was great. Fun guide as always and a small group. Clear skies would have been perfect but still had a ball going up and down hills. Did a few spots of Dirty Harry film locations and then up to Coit Tower before heading back down towards the water. Even got to see The Bushman perform .By the time we got out to Hyde Park pier it was a booteeful clear day and could see Alcatraz clearly. GG bridge of course was still largely shrouded in mist. Great way to see San Francisco and have now done Segways in 3 different cities. Dropped back for a break at lunchtime and then will head back down to Fishermans wharf this afternoon just for a wander and to pick up some dinner. Very tourist heavy down there . So, initial reservations about SF have passed and look forward to the next few days with renewed vigour.

So we come to the midway point and the largely wasted day. A good nights sleep for a change and woke to a another glorious day in Chicago so thought I would head into town and burn some more Ventra credit which was useless after today. My foodie guide yesterday assured me Intelligentsia Coffee was good and there was a store near Millenium park. So one more ride on the 151 to Sheridan and then let Google Maps guide me. Ok one street was shut down for shooting a film or commercial and the cops were not messing around. I have had my fair share of trouble with google maps this trip and today was no different. Apparently there is a “Pedway” I needed to access but damned if I could find it. So basically a wasted hour and back home for my usual cereal and crumpet breakfast! Most of the packing already done I naturally allowed myself plenty of time to get to airport and left before 10:30 for a 14:00 flight. The cab ride was fine with some heavy traffic at times. Then I remembered you had to pay to check in luggage within USA. The security check line up was long and slow but at end of day got to lounge K19 at midday with 2 hrs to fill in. Stopped in the very noice Bubbles (just for CLP) and in some mad fit of health mania went for the rather bland shrimp salad to accompany my Sav Blanc. Why I passed on the meat and cheese platter may stay with me until my grave – which hopefully now may be a few weeks later. So I sit and wait. Had to delete my kindle app so I could download again to get 30 mins free wifi😄

At this stage flight is on time. The worst thing about flying solo is having to take your carry on luggage everywhere with you – including the urinal! So there is just the wait and the rather spartan 4:30 flight. Left knee is really giving me hell at present so 4:30 of sitting in bent position could be problematic. It’s a bitch getting old. No longer will I be Chillin in Chicago – but let’s face it I will be cool wherever I am

Especially with my Cowbell T shirt