Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - AAFF: Wish me luck!

Sorry about the delay but we were little tired yesterday and stayed in bed all afternoon and slept. There is not much to tell really.

Sunday morning we decided to rent:

http://www.gocarsf.com/

It was a fun way to discover the city with the computerized audio guide. We also stopped for lunch in the Wharf area and did some shopping. We got back to the hotel ~3pm and there was an envelope from the manager addressed to me. Inside was a gift cert for $100 for the Cityscape Restaurant http://www.cityscaperestaurant.com/ on top of the hotel. Very nice gesture. I did take the time to search out the manager and thank him personally.

I called my friend and they along with few of their friends decided to join us for dinner that evening.

I had preplanned flower delivery to our suite at ~7p. Came right on time. 6 dozen of the most beautiful red roses I have seen in a long time. She was somewhat puzzled at the number of flowers but not totally surprised as I usually give her flowers once or twice a week and also have them delivered when I'm gone on my trips.

Anyway, I asked her to have a glass of our favorite California Chard http://www.chalkhill.com/ on the balcony and as we were sitting there sipping the wine and staring at the amazing bay view I just got on my knees, pulled out the ring and asked. She was surprised at first but a big smile followed just few seconds later and she said - YES!

Simple. We're little too old for some grand engagement presentations.

Our friends came up shortly after. We had another round and went upstairs. The dinner was very nice, The Maitre De presented us with a free bottle of bubbly and a slice of cake for everybody in our group. (he really should do this for everyone as this place is expensive). We sat there for almost 3 hours after which we called it a night as we wanted to be alone. She also wanted to call her mom as she did not have a chance to do so before.

Her mom made us promise that we "kinda" repeat the engagement in couple of weeks at her house. You know how moms are. I lost my parents few years back so my sister will be representing my side of the family. My best friend (I call him my brother) will make a stop at his old stomping grounds here in Florida to support me at the party before they head out to their new home outside of Dubrovnik, Croatia. His gf is originally from there. She has a beautiful house on the coast. Her father is getting very old and needs help and support. It will be nice to have a place to visit in that area. :-D

That's it folks!

Highly recommend the SF Hilton if you don't mind HUGE convention type hotels. The staff is very helpful and friendly, somewhat unusal for this size hotel. Location is pretty good. Union Sq just around the corner, Chinatown just few more blocks. Cable car just 2 blocks away. It can get very expensive, very quickly. 4 drinks on the first night at Cityscape = $60. Mini bar - small bottle of white wine = $20, minis = $8. Cityscape Restaurant = expensive! and so on. But we mostly ate out in town at some great Thai and Seafood restaurants. Much cheaper.

Cityscape Restaurant - Very nice food, not exceptional but very much acceptable. Best views in town. Worth it.

The little GoCars are a lot of fun.

My "brother" friend and his gf took us out to a restaurant by the airport on Saturday evening, I believe in Burlingame(?) right on the bayfront. Can't remember the name. Nice food, nice place, service slow.

We're home now and it's time to get back to reality.

I'm going to London in 2 weeks. Unfortunately she can't join me. :-( It's a short 5 night/4 day trip. Mostly business but I'm also going to the FA Cup Final in the new Wembley, between my ManU boys and the hated Chelsea FC on Saturday afternoon.

Today ManU is playing Milan (live on ESPN2 2:30pm ET) in the second leg of the UEFA Cup Semi-Final.

If they tie or win it's on to Athens at the end of May for the final against Liverpool. btw, congrats to Liverpool. I just hate Chelsea. Unfortunately I will have to watch this game at home.

Thanks for all the support and good wishes.

See YA!