Made it to CA!

California, here we come (ummm... are!)

Phil and I made it down around 20 minutes earlier than we were supposed to, (made it by 12ish CA time). That was quickly burned waiting at the Thrifty car depot... the line had to have 15 people in it and only two people working. 1/2 hour later, we had our car.... San Francisco Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf... here we come!

We got unpacked (waited another 15 minutes in line), freshened up and hit the Wharf... the main tourist drag.... think any costal town and multiply by 10.

I got to say, first impressions are that San Francisco is an incredibly diverse, growing and RICH town. The buildings are impressive, varied, glass, steel and concrete in amazing colours and textures. The city is quite easy to navigate (all roads run North, West, East, South, basically) and its even made easier because Phil brought his GPS unit. Cool!

Seems like a lot of homeless, but they stand out. Most of them are mentally ill (as in most cities) but what was most interesting was there didn't seem to be many 'working class' people out on the street. (probably, most of them were working...) People seem to be very affluent and well off, dress really well and were very physically fit (lots of joggers & runners, even on this SUPER hilly city... I've never seen such hills...)

Lunch/Supper at 3pm ... was starving. We decided for a late supper tonight, but I'm feeling pretty bagged already.... maybe we'll just grab something from close by the hotel later tonight.
California style Clam Chowder (amazing & mildly spicy, just enough kick to give it some bite... GREAT, lots of veggies and bacon!) Blackened Salmon (seemed like a chili/? red spice crust) with a creamy mustard condement (anjou?)

I'll be uploading some pictures shortly... stay tuned.