San Francisco - Happy Sweet 16, dining, shopping, Alcatraz and more!

Waiting for more, what a great step mom you will be, sounds like a great relationship. Will be there for the 1st time on Thurs. You say HOT, how hot is that? It says 70 high for Thurs., so already unpacked clothes for warm weather and threw in jeans and long sleeve T's. Coming from Vegas and am a real woosy when it comes to chilly weather.

Ah, so ready for this trip report! It already sounds like the trip was a blast. Can't wait to read more... especially the Wicked part

A beautiful start - can't wait to read more! We're flying VA for the first time next week - sounds good!

It sounds like a memorable trip for both of you! I am envious!!

"I am envious!!"

Me too! Great start, Dawn!

Thanks everyone!!

LvAmy - it was unusually hot in SF - I think it got up to almost 100?? But have no fear - it was cool by Sat later at night and by Sunday back to the fogged in morning and cool weather. Unfortunately Weather.com did lead us astray - we had checked the weather several times and it had said highs of 70-74. Oppsss... I would just layer your clothing. Jeans will be fine - t-shirts and a layer over it and you may want a real jacket. It can be chilly.

Okay... onto our first evening.

I had posted on my facebook page we were leaving and a dear friend told me her brother in law is the general manager of Yoshi's on Fillmore Street. So she called him and we were set to go at 5:30. We took a cab over - it is too far to walk and I was unsure about other public transportation. The cab was about 8.00 one way. We were greeted and treated very special. The g.m. was great - gave us a wonderful booth and the sushi was some of the best I have had in my life. We had over 8 orders (I know! I know!) and a wonderful dessert. They have a jazz club that looked like it was going to be big fun!
I highly recommend Yoshi's if you like good sushi.

I had purchased tickets to Wicked as a surprise for my stepdaughter. She was anxious to know where we were headed - as I only said we had some place to be at 8:00 pm. They called us a cab and we headed over to the theater about 7:00 - 7:15 - the cab ride was short and she was THRILLED when she saw the signs in front of the theater. What a treat for us both.

I love the theater - and have been blessed to see many different plays and musicals. Wicked has to be my all time favorite. It is such an amazing story and so heartwarming. I am sure my love of the Wizard of Oz doesn't hurt in my love for this show. I had seen it once before and loved it even more the second time.... We had good seats - about 23 rows up center stage. Perfect. I found the Orpheum more spacious than the Pangates where we usually go and very lovely old building.

Stepdaughter got a sweatshirt (See $$$$$ over priced but she was thrilled) and we headed out - the concierge had said that it is hard to get a cab on the way back from the theater and that it was not the best neighborhood - to not dwaddle and head back with the theater crowd. I have to say he was correct. It was about 11:00 pm on a Friday night and I honestly did not feel safe... I know there has been a few things said about this neighborhood but walking back to Powell for a few blocks was VERY dicey and I would not recommend it. Jmo of course. I think part of the problem was that Marilyn Mason was playing at a place that was on our walk back..not good... but is well that ends well and we had a FABULOUS first day!!!

The room was very quiet in spite of being only on the 3rd floor on Union Square. We were sound a sleep by midnight and had a busy day planned for Sat...

Glad you had such a great trip!

Yes, this was unusually hot weather for SF. It gets this hot about 3 times a year for 3 days each time. Not to worry, it's over for now.

Yoshi's - isn't it great?

The neighborhood walking back from the Orpheum - YUCK! I would have waited until I could get a taxi! When we park there, usually right around the corner, it's a yuck even walking around the block. Glad you got back safely. Honestly, I think it's the "regulars" that make it seem/be unsafe, not the Marilyn Manson (I assume that's who you meant) fans.

And, last, I did the same thing to my DD on HER 16th birthday. In our case it was "Hairspray" and in Manhattan. She didn't know where we were going until she saw the sign on the marquee. Great surprise.

Okay..so it *is unsafe. I was not sure. We tagged along with two other women - staying in a group. I think I would take a number to a cab company next time and call them if someone is reading this and is in the same situation.

Oh Hairspray! I took my 12 year old to see it last Oct and it was BIG fun! I love a show that makes you feel great and Hairspray sure did. What a cool thing to do for a 16th

Yoshi's IS great - I really loved it. Even if the gm was not making sure we were doing great it would have been wonderful. The sushi was top of the line.

Keep the info coming, momma! Sounds great! You know I love SF!

Deb

Sat morning...

We were up early - 7:30 am or so - got ready and headed out to grab something to eat. I generally stay away from over-priced hotel breakfasts - I asked a good place local to eat and they recommended Sears http://www.searsfinefood.com/ right up the street. We walked up towards it but the line was very long and we had 10:00 am Alcatraz tour tickets so we went across the street to Starbucks - they now serve more warm food items and had coffee, bagel, egg sandwhich and a frapaccino for 12.00 - that is my kind of breakfast

Took a cab (It was about 8.00 again) down to Pier 33 - it was already blazing HOT. Yikes. It was only around 9:00 am so we walked to Pier 39 - I wanted to show my stepdaughter all the seals. I just love those silly seals. It was fairly quiet without crowds due to how early it was and we did some photo ops - watched the funny creatures fighting and pushing and bitching at each other and headed back towards Pier 33...got in line and were soon boarded on our way to Alcatraz!

It was hot but cooled off nicely on the water. The Ferry ride over is one of my favorite parts of going to Alcatraz. Got to see the Bay Bridge and than the glorious Golden Gate. A few notes - no food really on the Island so plan your eating accordingly - you may bring water. And that we did due to how hot it was. It is a huge hike up hill but there is a tram if you are unable to make the climb.

The audio tour is included in your ticket and really a rather well done on - my stepdaughter also really enjoyed the tour. We did not meander too much after the tour - as I wanted to get to the Ferry Building before it closed at 2:00 pm.

So back to S.F. by about noon. The entire tour took us about 2 hours round trip and as I said we did not hang around so I think that is a fair amount of time to plan in your day.

We arrived back and walked from Pier 33 to the Ferry Building. It was very hot outside and it is a good walk. Not impossible but would have been more pleasant out of the blistering heat.

We arrived and what a meca of food! How I would love to have something like that in Orange County! WOW is all I can say.

We walked around and sampled foods - spring rolls, and pot stickers, crepes & gelato all called our name .. oh my! It hit the spot as we were hungry and honestly getting a little worn out... we plopped down on the ground with many others and enjoyed our goodies and needed to just rest a bit (Okay *I needed to rest a bit - I do not think my stepdaughter did)

About 1:30 or so we headed over to the BART to catch it up to Powell Street from the Hyatt Embaradaro <sp>. Short walk and I was done with all the hiking about. It let us off right at the Weisfield plaza which is where I wanted to be. Nice. I noted to myself that I had only purchased enough on the BART ticket for r/t to the airport so I was going to need to put a little more on before our return trip to SFO.

We walked around the mall a little - my feet were a aching... my stepdaughter did not know that we had 3:00 pm appointments for facials at Nordstrom Spa.

About 2:30 or so I headed up to the 5th floor and she was once again surprised and so excited.

You are very good at keeping secrets!

BTW, the fare to the airport just went up in July, from something like $5.50 to the current $8+

(For anyone googling, it's "Westfield San Francisco Centre", not "Weisfield").


Did you get a macaron at Miette?

ahhhhhhh - SF - keep on top of my spelling because it is BAD even when I *know what I am writing about

Yes! I did forget to include of course I got a macaron at Miette! SD was in line at the Gelato place and it was right next door calling my name. It was our lunch meal of the day (all the goodies there)...and I really enjoyed it. I will say again it would have been more pleasant if it was slightly cooler outside.

Did you buy a Muni pass and ride the Cable Cars or the Market St. {F line} trolley?

I meant to remind you to keep your BART tickets, not to toss them after going in to train as you need them to get out! Seems that you remembered!

Deb

Deb - I really had planned on tackling the F line trolley and the Cable cars with the Muni pass as we talked about - having said that with everything that was going on the weeks prior to the trip I let the ball drop and was not clear on how to do what. I believe I have shared before pretty openly I am a rather nervous traveler - I suffer from a little PTSD and think that plays into it. If I do not have a fairly good handle on things I am not great about stepping out (see: it took Doug Stallings and EllenM and a few others sharing EXACTLY how to take the subway in NYC I would not have - I printed out exact directions and carried them with me!)

So - no, I did not. I stuck to the BART which I had used and learned about when my ds was going to attend Art school in SF and we went up twice. I took cabs & we WALKED.

Next time I will.

Nordstrom Spa

Abranz I believe recommended the Nordstrom spa - and it was great. I was not going to get a facial only have sd get one but on the phone the woman informed me that I needed to be present so I booked one for myself (I had thought I would just go to the cafe or something while she got her treatment).

The spa was very nice - not my favorite Burke Williams at all but nice. We were taken back at 3:00 pm and changed into our robes - sd was so cute! They then have you wait in a small "quiet room" and you get to soak your feet in a large basin of warm water. Let me tell you what - my tooties were a achin' so this felt WONDERFUL.

The treatments were very nice - only one complaint - it is the most someone has tried to sell me on products. It was a little annoying. I am not sure if they get a stronger commission because it is Nordstrom but she was pretty aggressive. It could have simply been the person who did my treatment - but over all a thumbs up! It was great to just relax for the hour.

We changed and headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up - we had 6:00 pm reservations at A16 that I was pretty excited about.

Dawn, it sounds like you and your stepdaughter had such a wonderful time!

Hi MomDD, sounds like a great trip! I'm glad the BART & Westin St Francis both worked out well (and you got a great deal at the Westin IIRC).

Great report and sorry you hit the heat wave! Sunday was freezing here.

I am reading your report like a fairy tale

Waiting to hear what you thought about A16 - we liked the food ok, but it was so noisy!

A facial, ahhhhhhhhhhh. Too bad about the hard sell, I hate that anywhere.

More, please!
Deb

Sounds like you had a fantastic time in one of my favorite cities! Thanks so much for posting a report.

Lee Ann

Okay back again - had to go out and deal with real life. Blah.



We headed out for A16 - the first cab driver had NO idea where we were talking about - even with the doorman giving him the address - so that was sort of funny - we arrived in the second cab about 5:40 - so early and they sat us.

I had heard about the noise level but it was not bad because we were there so early I think? We sat all the way in the back - right but still inside (there is a small indoor courtyard area in the back of the restaurant.

I had the Mozzarella burrata with olive oil, sea salt and crostini - which was AMAZING. Highly recommend it if you like mozzarella, for dinner I had ocal rock cod, Penn Cove mussels and bay scallops in acqua pazza with basil - which was honestly just good - not bad in anyway but not 100% amazing. My stepdaughter had a salad which she liked and the Ricotta gnocchi in brodo with cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil which was excellent. The deserts were also very good - Bitter almond semifreddo with cornflour cake, peaches, and lemon and gelato. Excellent. Service was very good - in face other than the grumpy desk clerk at the St. Francis the service at all places we were was excellent.

We got a cab back after dinner and it had FINALLY cooled off - YES We walked around Union Square and up to China town - as I wanted her to see china town -

After she was pretty tired and so was I! We headed back to the room and curled up in our beds and watched a movie on pay per view. A fine end to a busy great day.

Sunday morning hit early - ohhhh yeah! We looked out the window and were delighted to see FOG - we cleaned up and headed out to have breakfast at Sears - the line was long but it moved quickly and I always love chatting it up with other folks.

Pretty sure my children think I am one of the friendliest people or just crazy

Breakfast was good - they are "famous" for their pancakes which were okay - but I had the french toast and it was excellent. Again, great service.

It was almost 10:45 am by the time we were done and it was time to head out already... originally we were going to stay until late on Sunday but my stepdaughter had to be at dance at 8:00 am this morning so we made it an earlier flight.

We headed back on the BART no real issues - and just made our flight - and we were home by 2:00 pm or so.

Fun was had by all!

Your mention of Burrata makes me salivate. I wish I have easy access to burrata here, but I don't. A few weeks ago, we had burrata at a neighborhood restaurant. It was simply drizzled with honey and sprinkled with roasted pistachio nuts. So simple yet so tasty! I tried reciprocating the dish at home using fresh mozzarella, but the consistency of the cheese is different.

One thing I am curious about and wanted some feedback on is the homeless situation in downtown SF.

I have traveled to some great cities in the world - hardly as many as most here - but Rome, Florence, Paris, Chicago, New York, DC, San Diego - and have never seen as many homeless nor as aggressive of homeless population.

I shared I felt unsafe walking home from the theater but that in general did not appear to be a homeless situation. In Union Square there were so many... as we walked to China Town on Sat evening - still in the day light - a homeless man whipped out his private parts and urinated right in the middle of the side walk.

I researched it a little since being home and it appears that SF has the largest homeless population if the numbers I am seeing are correct.

One article touched on the impact on tourism and I will confess it was a little overwhelming and the first time in my 5 or 6 visits the the fine city (I do LOVE SF) that I have been so aware of it.

Thoughts?

yk on Aug 31, 09 at 07:05 PM

Your mention of Burrata makes me salivate. I wish I have easy access to burrata here, but I don't. A few weeks ago, we had burrata at a neighborhood restaurant. It was simply drizzled with honey and sprinkled with roasted pistachio nuts. So simple yet so tasty! I tried reciprocating the dish at home using fresh mozzarella, but the consistency of the cheese is different.
*****
How funny... I was going to try to recreate it as well!

Should have been "replicate", not "reciprocate". Argh! My brain is not working well right now, probably due to a burrata-deficiency.

MomDD, the city mayor Newsom announced the city is "the safe heaven" for all homeless, in addition we have all kinds of programs for them, add to this rather mild climate without snow - you got a recipe for disaster.

Besides, how can you teach the tourists not to enable panhandling? I remember just a few years ago we had banners all over city "jesus would give cash, and so should you." This is wrong, even a $5 check to a charity is better then any cash to homeless.

We have a problem. We just don't have anybody to deal with it.

I've loved reading your report! My dh and I are headed to SF in a week and a half. Interesting about the homeless people... we took our 10 yr old daughter to Chicago last week and were shocked at all the homeless people! Will be interesting to see how it compares to SF. Thanks for the "heads-up." My dh quickly grew tired of handing out money in chicago. Now we'll be prepared to handle it in SF.

What do you say to someone who asks for money? We're not used to this!

Dayenu - interesting comment about Christ. I actually normally do give money to homeless people - following the "what you did for the least of these you did for me" thought process. Having said that I did not in SF - it was so overwhelming. When we shared with dh he blamed it on Newsom. He is not a fan. I assumed the weather, like San Diego, which has it's share - no doubt. I agree with you that the 5.00 check to charity is better then cash to homeless. What was interesting was in many cases their cheerful spirit. Yes, you do have a problem, and I have no idea what the answer is but was just curious as to the locals feelings. What I read seemed to be a mixed bag...

4Sharie - I learned quickly to ignore - and not make eye contact and move quickly and with intention. Chicago paled in comparison, honestly any other city I have been to paled. I seriously would just ignore - it does increase the problem not assist it.

I give money to the homeless when I'm in SF....NOT everyone for sure..LOL I'd be broke, but I do give to some of them. I can't help myself. I can't look past them like they are invisible. I know, I've heard it all but I don't care, if I feel like it, I'm giving.

Re the homeless - I am so torn on this. BUT, our minister who is charge of the ministry for our church and in the network for the city STRONGLY DISCOURAGES giving money. Strongly. We are known as a place to come for what you need (and the homeless do) and we are part of an organized schedule that provides meals every day for every one who wants them.

I know that in SF Glide Memorial provides 3 meals a day to the homeless - every day of the year -
http://glide.org/Meals.aspx

So, going on what I'm instructed to do "at home" and knowing that similar resources are available in SF, I don't give money.

My church is near the Fox theatre and there's usually someone asking for money as people leave the shows. When I'm asked, I shake my head and say "I can't. Rev. XXX won't let me". They immediately (very politely) back off, and I've had some immediately leave the corner and stop asking. They don't want to get in trouble either.

I park at the church lot and walk several blocks. One friend was stuck in traffic so I hid the ticket and went on to the show - alone. A man greeted me as I left the parking lot. Hours later, the same man was standing at our corner watching for me. I'm quite sure he was watching out for me for safety reasons. We greeted him as we approached and he asked how the show was. I was happy that he was looking out for me.

I don't know how strong the network of support is in other cities, but I know that in mine and SF the homeless are looked after and have access to good meals if they want them. I don't like to give money that will spent on their addictions.

crefloors - trust me I know... it is hard but seriously how do you pick? Which one is "needy" and which one isn't? It was an interesting experience as I am generally the person to open my wallet and hand it out. There was something different this time - not sure what... perhaps the peeing in the street in front of me

I don't like to give money that will spent on their addictions.
****
One had a sign that said "help me to drink" nothing like being honest?

Some people won't use the homeless services for one reason or another, often because of fear and/or mental illness. I'm not throwing dollars out everywhere as I walk along my way, but under some circumstances, I'll give 'em some money. I'm too damn ornery and old to change now.

When they pee in the street in front of me is when I'd say no Dawn. LOL However, that IS one of the problems of living on the street...where do ya' go? Thank gawd I never had seen that in Paris!!!!!!! LOL

In Chicago a guy came up to us with his 10 year old son and said they were homeless and bouncing around from shelter to shelter and he asked for money. What do you do when you're standing there with your own 10 year old daughter who is holding a BIG bag of $250 worth of American Girl stuff?? But there were other times we just ignored and walked on, or said we had already given out so much money we couldn't anymore.

Wonderful trip report!

Usually, as the economy gets worse, the numbers rise, but I haven't noticed more homeless here in NYC - not yet anyway. I don't give money to panhandlers. I give to charities and one that I especially like is the Doe Fund. They hire homeless men and counsel them and give them jobs cleaning the streets. After awhile, they are ready to go 'on their own' and get better jobs. I always say hello to these guys. They're getting their dignity back and re-entering society. It's a good thing!

Oh, yes! The burrata at A16 is amazing! I don't think you can duplicate in most home kitchens.

When I was in NYC this past December, we went into one of the many wonderful cheese shops on Arthur Ave and ordered a burrata. They made it fresh for us! It was simply, to die for!

For those poor souls who have never had the pleasure --

http://www.foodhoe.com/?p=4358

Deb

OMG Deb, that link makes one want to lick the screen!

oh my! that looks amazing! and I was just getting ready to ask what burrata is! thanks for sharing the link!

Ditto everything Dayenu said. If you lived here, you would understand, but locals tend NOT to give money to the homeless/panhandlers. I don't struggle with this anymore -- I honestly think giving money to individuals on the street is a bad idea. I used to have a hard time just walking by without making eye contact, but you learn to do what you have to do, and when you work where I do, you absolutely have to do it.

Sf - I learned in about 20 minutes - when there are SO many I am not sure how it is avoided? I am really a softy... but there was something *undesperate - almost like "yeah, I am homeless so what?" It was odd.

Anyway - I love S.F. and will gladly return but I might stay outside of Union Square and perhaps not encounter as many? Maybe stay over at my old favorite Casa Madrona Inn ... and head over to enjoy the city...

Dawn, you are a wonderful Stepmother. Your SD is so lucky to have you in her life. Your trip will be a wonderful memory for both of you forever. Glad it was so much fun. I too have noticed a large number of very aggressive homeless people on our recent trips to SF. Kind of scared me too. We go to LA and other LA County areas often and I have not noticed anything as aggressive as I did in SF. Maybe I am just closing my eyes when I am here as I know the area so well, but don't think I am.

MomDDTravel,
I live about 30 min's south of SF now and I want you to take me on a sightseeing tour!

I've lived in both Chicago and SF for a number of years and the homeless situation is worse in SF. What really bothered me when I lived there were the numbers of homeless children and teenagers in desperate situations. As others have posted, I give to local charities. I have learned that many homeless shelters are women/children only or men only, so it's hard for homeless families to stay together. I donate to Shelter Network, which has apartments for families and a timeline to help them find work and housing of their own.

BMarie

Bmarie - come on over!

Regarding the families that is very sad... and I did not encounter any children - that would have ripped my heart out. Great on the Shelter Network.

Cali - dh said that this was a trip that my stepdaughter will always remember - I hope so.

I feel like I have to defend San Francisco vis-a-vis the homeless situation. It is awful and has been since all the mental institutions were closed (Ronald Reagan as governor I believe -- this was before I lived here). As for homeless teenagers, they're not all FROM here, they COME here from all over the country. Also, honestly, I don't find our homeless/panhandlers aggressive at all, numerous, but not aggressive. They sit or stand on the sidewalk with their hands out and yes, they ask for "spare change", but they don't generally approach or accost people physically, which is why it's pretty easy to just walk on by. I understand that if you're not from a big city, this may be scary to you, but I'm curious what the "large number of very aggressive homeless people" were actually doing.

ut I'm curious what the "large number of very aggressive homeless people" were actually doing.
****
I appreciate your standpoint - and was not trying to be offensive at all. They were approaching, one followed us for a block and continued to try to talk to us and ask for $$ - another in front of the theater grabbed mine and my stepdaughter's hand and clasped them together and said that God loved us and could we please give him $$$.

I do think that they "come" to SF - interesting on the flight home, while watching tv there was a special on the street children from San Diego (teens) and several were speaking of moving to SF - so no doubt.
And the number alone is daunting to *me - I can see how it would discourage people from returning to vacation. As I shared, I would stay outside of Union Square on a next visit.

Actually MomDD, I wasn't referring to your post, I was referring to Cali's, but I'm very surprised that they were so aggressive toward you. I have never experienced that in all my years here (but maybe I'm just oblivious to it, because you have to be)

I was not sure - I also think I should add - that I have been to SF 5 or 6 times - it is one of my favorite cities. This was the worst I have seen it - could have been poor timing - you know - someone relieving themselves RIGHT in front of you was sort of surprising.

If nothing else I was sadden by it and curious if it has indeed become worse over the last few years (I have not been to SF since the spring of 2007).

Interesting news about A16 in today's Times. The 30 year old chef and partner, Nate Appleman, has abruptly left to move to NY and begin a restaurant with Keith McNally (owner of the Water Club). Also interesting is that A16 is opening a branch in Tokyo tomorrow.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/02/dining/02nate.html?_r=1&ref=dining

Dawn - I know it was very hot when you walked, but approximately how long does it take to walk from Pier 33 to the Ferry Bldg?

Ohhhh, good question! I'd like to know too!

cpg, do you mean from Pier 39? If so, you can take the F line - the streetcars

http://blog.streetcar.org/maps.html

Oh, Pier 33 for Alcatraz. Well, still the F line -
http://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/directions.htm

starrs, what a great link for a map of the street cars! I needed something like this!

Yes, it would have been way better - it was a pretty long walk - it would have been fine if we had already not walked so much and I was really trying to stay out of the sun...and it was blistering down on us.

I think you walked 4 miles.

It's actually closer to a mile (Google Maps is wrong if you type in Pier 33).

I am thinking that Pier 33 to the Ferry Building takes me something like 25 minutes, without rushing but without stopping along the way. I have never really timed it however. But I love walking along the Embarcadero.

It felt like 22 miles Ha! I generally love to walk - I was just a little tired..and worried about getting my chest sunburned which I did

We walked from 33 to 39 and back to 33 and then up the mountain climb at Alcatraz ... and back... and then to the Ferry Building.

I was very thankful for the BART

sf is right. I used google maps. I stayed along Market (back and forth) and then out to the Noe Valley. I'm not sure I'll ever get over to Fisherman's Wharf area again. Well, wait a minute. That's not true. The night of the cable ride we ended up there and picked up the F line back - and took it all the way to Castro.

I LOVED riding the streetcars

starrs - it didn't look like 4 miles on the map. Thanks for that link though!

I want to walk as much as possible. The weather looks great for next week - sorry, Dawn! I walked a few miles about 10 days ago when the humidity was 100%. I thought I would collapse! One mile is not much. Like LI, I was thinking about a half hour. Any place for breakfast along the way?

And I'm hoping that 'mountain climb at Alcatraz' will counteract part of a dinner!

CPG - you can completely walk - seriously no issues - I was just tired. Yes, we ate our way through SF so I was glad to walk - and very glad when it was time for the facial and warm water on our feet

I hope the weather is wonderful! I want to go back now and have "real" SF weather

Dawn - that heat is debilitating. You definitely have to return to get the 'real' weather! Hopefully, soon!

oh sorry - no not really any place that I noticed to eat between the two but you need to wait to EAT at the Ferry building OMG

I can't help Centralparkgirl, as I have never looked for a place to have breakfast along the way. Enjoy your walk, I always have.

sf7307, I am sorry if I gave the impression that I thought SF was the only place with a serious homeless population. I do not and I also agree with you that many of them come from all over the country to many places in CA where it is generally warmer and easier to live on the streets. I was mostly surprised at the aggressive panhandling, etc. I am pretty street saavy and I felt uncomfortable. Sorry if I made it sound like I thought only SF had homeless people. I do not and I love San Francisco and I will be back.

Thanks so much for a great report momdd' . Saving for our October trip. I am also going to hunt down the thread you mention re the NYC subway. I too had not heard of Burrata, thank you. that site is amazing, consider us there.

Thanks again.............

Love your enthusiastic trip report, Mom! Took notes for a return trip in May. What a special way to celebrate a 16th birthday. So happy you enjoyed a great time!

Deb, I'm a poor soul who has yet to eat a burrata at A16 but it's on my list for May.

starrs, my mom said the same thing when I wanted to give $ to a man holding a cardboard sign in the town where she lives. She volunteers at the shelter / soup kitchen in town which she said is well known amongst the homeless there and they know where to go for help, etc., when needed. Still, I find it hard not to give.

Momdd, I've tried to find the link you mentioned re NYC subway, having trouble finding it (there's a lot of threads to read though). If you get time would you mind posting the link for me? thanks in advance ad

Aussie - I changed my screenname - I will find it for you.

Aussie - I cannot find it - but if you post a question about the NYC subways - Doug or Ellen or one of the many wonderful NYC posters will respond. They walked me right through it - to the point of walk out of the hotel and turn to the right... go down one block... walk down the stairs...

How'd I miss this???

Excellent.
Makes me want to go back again.

Cali, it's just that I have never experienced the level of aggressiveness both you and MomDD mentioned. But again, I live here, so I think I've just learned over the years a certain amount of obliviousness (is that a word).

Mom,

I finally got around to reading this, sounds like it was just what you needed in the midst of your long wait for good news. I love SF and DH and I used to make it there every couple of years but somehow we have missed out and I have been hankering for it and now after reading your report I am wanting to go even more. Thanks DebitNM for the link, the pics look heavenly and as someone else said I wasn't familiar with the burrata (love the "foodhoe".)

Your adventures with your daughter made me wish I had a daughter to do girl things with, how wonderful that you have two!

I felt the same way about the homeless the last time we were in SF and I too am used to being in cities with large homeless populations. Something kind of aggressive that I didn't feel other places.

I had to laugh at "If I do not have a fairly good handle on things I am not great about stepping out"! I am the same way and I always feel like I have conquered something when I am a big girl and do something on my own. It has backfired on me though, took the Chicago subway with DS when he was about 15 and misjudged when we needed to get off and then thought we could walk to our destination and found ourselves walking past Cabrini Greens housing project! Thank goodness it was midday and he was 6' tall!

<<<and then thought we could walk to our destination and found ourselves walking past Cabrini Greens housing project! >>>

We did this once! I was pretty happy to be on the "other side" of chain-link fence.

sf307--it is probably because you lived there and don't need to look around to get your bearings (let alone make eye contact, which we don't). We went about three years ago, and of course things may have changed since but we noticed it then.

One fellow offered to "help" us find where we were going. (Nope, I had great directions from reading Fodor's!) He was little hard to shake. I also had one person make a really rude comment to me when I went by without making eye contact. That was surprising.

On the other hand, the people waiting in line for breakfast (locals) and at the bus stops were friendly and had some great suggestions. I would hope anyone reading this not be discouraged from visiting San Francisco.

Yes, this was not meant to discourage people from visiting SF - they need to decide for themselves. It does have one of highest per capita of homeless in the country.
Some people do not like Italy - they say too many beggars/gypsies - they never bothered us -
I will go back to SF - I love the city - but as I said, for me? I would stay over in Sausalito <sp> - one of my favorite hotels is there anyway.

IMHO, the homeless issue in SF is out of control and they have become way more aggresive than I have ever seen and I wish that Gavin would take a stand on it.
We so love SF but as a tourist and a native Southern Californian, I am ashamed of what this city has become.

Maybe because I've been going to The City since the 60s and then the 80s/90s when it was really bad I don't see it as that bad at all now.

Of course, at my size and being called "Officer" by some of them....

Anybody remember Frank Jordan's "Matrix Program" (he types while starting to duck)?

Oh..and Happy B'day to your S-D!!!!