When I was in San Francisco, I couldn’t help but feel that things were looking up. That’s probably because all I did while I was there was look up: I looked up to admire the stunning architecture of the skyscrapers (looking like the consummate tourist in the process). I looked up the Peter Macchirini Steps that lead to the historic Coit Tower. I looked up at the clock tower of the Ferry Building. But mostly I looked up the city’s numerous and unbelievably steep hills wondering if I really had the will to climb them in an effort to further explore the city.
Turns out I did have the will, and my iPhone, which I used to take pictures along the way, posting them to Instagram.
Perched atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower apparently provides stellar panoramic views of the city. I say apparently because we were not able to see these views for ourselves since the building was closed for renovation. The views from Pioneer Park, which surrounds the tower were pretty nice and made the climb up that point worth it.
Descend from Coit Tower using the stairs of Telegraph Hill. Did I mention there are 400 of them? But it’s downhill and there are beautiful gardens and flora along so the way you won’t even notice.
I couldn’t wait to ride one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars and jumped on the California Street line, which stopped a couple of blocks from my hotel.
Traveling east to west the cable car starts at the Financial District and passes through Portsmouth Square (where the American flag was first raised over California in 1846), Chinatown – the largest outside of Asia and the oldest in North America – and over Nob Hill.
I got off the cable car at Nob Hill to see Grace Cathedral and forgot momentarily that I was in America.
The third largest Episcopal cathedral in the US has lots of European touches, from its design that is reminescient of Notre Dame of Paris, with its twin towers, high roof, and curved top, the labyrinths, one of which is based on the medieval labyrinth of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres in Chartres, France and its famed Gates of Paradise, which are an exact size replica of the ones of the Florence Baptistry by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Union Square, with its upscale stores and hotels, is one of the top shopping areas in the US. Since I wasn’t in San Francisco very long, shopping was not a priority, but I enjoyed doing a little window-shopping and people watching as I strolled toward the Ferry Building.
One of the most prominent buildings in the San Francisco skyline is the Ferry Building. Originally opened in 1898, the building was renovated and reopened in 2003 and is now one of the city’s most popular destinations, and houses a farmer’s market as well as a number of restaurants and shops.
This post is part of the Instagram Travel Thursday round up hosted by Skimbaco Lifestyle. Be sure to visit some of the other blogs listed below for other great Instagram Travel Thursday posts and pictures.
This is a good way to add more wearable options from your travel wardrobe. Put your cardigan sweater on backwards and upside down. The Collar of your sweater will be at the back of your waist line. arms are in the sleeves. Adjust the bottom and button. Bingo…an additional piece of clothing.
Light, fluffy French Toast in a pumpkin batter makes this Pumpkin French toast the perfect fall breakfast on cool mornings! It has just the right amount of pumpkin flavoring and spices. Top it with butter, syrup or whipped cream. #pumpkin #frenchtoast
