A Beaten City

I was in the office today and decided to take a stroll down to the Ferry Building during lunch.  This was my normal lunch hour routine.  It seemed so long ago...

When the City ordered everything shut down back in March 2020 to combat COVID-19, no one would have thought that the virus could take down the city and transform it so dramatically.

I walked down California Street and saw all those familiar places no longer opened.  Locked up restaurants.  Boarded-up storefronts. Quiet streets.  No more flower stands.  No more shoeshine guys.  No more street performers.  Even no homeless people.

It was quiet in the Ferry Building. Most businesses are shuttered.  The few remaining eateries were doing some business but it was because there were no other choices.

It is a beautiful day in San Francisco, but it is just not the same.  There is no energy.  Everything seems so tired.  Even the cable car bell-ringing does not even sound perky.

I just hope this is not the new San Francisco.

It is Fall! Summer is Here!

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

Every time I see or hear this phrase, I see gray sky, chilly wind, cold damp air, buildings and hilltops and bridges hiding in thick fog.

Who made that famous quote anyway?  Nope.  Not Mark Twain.  As a matter of fact, this quote wasn’t even directed at San Francisco originally.

According to Quote Investigator, James Quin, an actor in London, made this remark when he was asked whether he ever had a bad winter in the 1700s.  Mark Twain used the Quin quote in an 1880 letter while complaining about the weather in Paris.*

 

The modern phrasing of this saying was initially directed at Duluth, MN in the early 1900s.  Over a span of 100+ years, many cities were attached to this quote. This includes Milwaukee, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Puget Sound, Buffalo, Minneapolis and, of course, SAN FRANCISCO!*

So what does this all mean?  It means that we get to enjoy two summers in a year.  One cold.  One hot.  And that is beautiful.

Happy Fall Equinox!

* Source from: https://quoteinvestigator.com/2011/11/30/coldest-winter/

Remembering the Earthquake

October 17, 1989.  Has it been 22 years? And the bridge is till not finished?

Can you believe there is now a generation of people who wasn't even born when the earth shook on that fateful day?   To them, the Loma Prieta earthquake was just a piece of history - very much like the 1906 quake to me.  Yes, folks, it did happen. I wasn't here for the 1906 but I was here for the 1989.

Funny there was very little mention of it in today's news.  I wonder why.  Perhaps they are saving the big hee-haa for the 25th anniversary.

It was a very scary day for many of us and we will never forget.  Yes, we will be talking about it our whole life! Just like the 1906 quake survivors retelling their stories.

A little shake by Mother Nature and the earthlings flipped up side down.   A reminder from Mother Nature: be prepared; never take things for granted; treasure what you have, and learn from it.

October 17, 1989

If you were in the San Francisco Bay Area that infamous day, then you will remember exactly where you were and what you were doing at 5:04:15pm when the earthquake hit.

I was in the Controller’s office preparing payroll with her when everything on the table started moving then the floor started shaking. We looked at each other not registering for a moment. Then, the big glass window started flexing – yes going in and out like it was going to blow. There was a rumbling sound coming from nowhere. I remembered the Controller let out a scream and docked under her desk. She didn’t even invite me. I stood for one or two seconds longer then I bolted out her office like a bunny, flew into my office and dove under the desk. That was when the big shake really started and it seemed like it was never ever going to stop. I remembered I even cried out Mommy!!! because it was very scary and I thought that was it. If you were here that day, you know exactly what I mean.

When the earth finally stopped shaking, all of us rushed out of the office to the parking lot. There was a surreal quietness outside - no sounds, no alarms, no birds, no cars... Everything seemed frozen except the ground was still swaying…

We regrouped and everyone looked pretty shaken (literally). I called mom and dad right away. I was lucky to get through because the phone lines were jammed soon after that.

There was still electricity in the office but no radio signals (so eerie to hear just statics…) so we didn’t know what was happening at first. Then slowly, we got news that BART stopped running; the Nimitz Freeway buckled; and the unbelievable news that the Bay Bridge had collapsed. It felt like we were being attacked by aliens like in The War of Worlds.

So I was stranded in Oakland (my then office was on Hegenberger Road). No bus, no road, no BART, no bridge, no way home. I went to a co-worker’s house in Alameda since I had nowhere to go. I finally got hold of my parents around midnight and found a ride back to the other side of the bay. Albert was on his way from Oakland to SF to go pick up his wife so he swung by to pick me up. We took the San Mateo Bridge and as we approached the western span, we saw the entire SF skyline pitched black. It was like the whole city was swallowed by a monster.

Home never seemed so warm with lights on and everyone safe. Our house stood tall and nothing fell. We were truly blessed. I said a prayer before going to bed. It was an awesome act by Mother Nature but why some have to suffer?

I woke up and went back to work the next day as usual. The office was surprised to see me but they were even more surprised when I handed the Controller the timecards all calculated and ready for payroll that day. How that happened? Well, in my rush to get out the office, I grabbed my bag and the timecards for whatever reason. I went over them while stuck in Alameda. No, it was not job dedication. I think it was more of a natural response and a subconscious act to maintain some control over my life. No matter what happens, life goes on.

It's Perfect Kind of Summer

What a gorgeous day! Warm and sunny. May I dare hope that this is the start of our Indian summer?

Indian Summer. Sounds exotic doesn’t it? But it actually means FAKE summer. It’s what Mother Nature ekes out in late summer to comfort those of us who brave these cold summer months.

Real or not, here in San Francisco, you are finally able to wear shorts, tank tops and apply sun screens. You can even sit outside by the piers to enjoy the sea, the breeze and the view.

For those who came in July and shivered in the fog, come back. You won’t be disappointed by our fake summer. We save the best for last.

Soul Food

Sue and I have planned a dinner at Acquerello Restaurant more than a month ago. She said it is a fu-fu place but it's worth every dime. I told her that I wanted to try and I would start saving $5 a day so I can afford it.

So with money in our pockets, off we went last night and we were not disappointed. Menu offering included 3-course, 4-course, 5-course or the almight 7-course chef's tasting menu. If I could, I would have the 7-course (and more)... but I settled for a 4-course meal with wine pairing. Every bite was a delight and every sip brought up happy bubbles. Yes, it was heaven!

Check out reviews on the restaurant. I won't repeat what most people say. I totally agree that it's worth all the stars. Further, it has the Michelin stars!

Back to back, I had a great lunch today. I had a chance to try out RN74, a Michael Mina restaurant! Two fantastic restaurants in 2 days? Who can ask for more?

By the way, RN74 stands for Route Nationale 74 in France which passes through Burgundy. What's that mean? YES, GREAT WINES!!

But even with great food and wine, a great dining experience MUST be shared with friends and people who enjoy and appreciate as much as you do. We took time to chat, catch up and share the great tastes.

My tummy is very happy but my soul is even happier. A great time with buddies over great food and wine is just priceless.

Cheers!

A Joy Ride through City Streets

Happy Friday Folks. BART had a problem during the afternoon commute which stopped all the trains going south last Friday. Everyone all had to off board at the 24th Street station. BART did not mention where we could go from there. Just get out, good bye, good luck.

Poor commuters spilled out to the streets above the station and flooded the plaza. 24th and Mission. Where the heck is this place? We were like little lost ants trying to figure out our next move.

I figured that one of the buses will get me out of there. I caught a bus, 49 I think, hoping that it was going south since it said Alemany which I recognized. I asked this guy next to me if this bus would take me anywhere near Glenn Park, City College or Daly City. He told me that I should have caught 14 or 26. Oops, wrong bus. But what the heck, it was going south so I decided to ride for a while. After some stops, the nice guy told me that I really should be getting off. I wisely listened.

I waited for bus 14 or 26 next. 26 came but turned the corner before it stopped. I chased after it, got on and asked the driver the same question. Funny he didn't know but another nice passenger told me that the bus would take me to Balboa Park, and from there I could take 29 or 54 to go to the Daly City BART station.

At the Balboa Park station, I noticed more people were coming out of the station. BART still wasn't running. The sidewalk was crammed with people. The street was jammed with cars and packed buses. I squeezed on the 54 along with other poor souls who were trying to find the way home. It was a long way home.

But, I had an interesting ride through the streets of San Francisco. How often do I get to do that? I went through valleys and climbed the hills. I knew I was going the right way because I saw fog waiting at the horizon.

It took me almost 2 hours to get home on Friday. Can't complain though. I at least know that there is a way to and from work if BART does decide to go on strike.

So I think there is a message in this. I'm going to buy a lotto ticket and here are my numbers: 49, 14, 26, 29, 54 and the mega 4(for my 4 rides).

The New CA Academay of Science

I got to visit the new California Academy of Science before the grand opening today. It has always been one of my favorite places in SF even though the old building was crowded, dim, dark, and desperately needed a make over. Well, after years of planning, it got more than a face-lift. The old museum was torn down and a brand new shiny building took its place. It's a FABU building!! Grand, spacious, and modern. Simple lines supported by classic columns. Natural light beams down from little round windows from the dome ceiling and fills the entire space softly -- just perfect for picture taking. You know there are millions of species of animals (including human) under the roof, but you don't feel the squeeze. There's plenty of room for everything and everyone.

The land animals are displayed on the ground floor; the marine life the level below - very appropriate. The glass wall, ceiling, floor at strategic places allow people to peer through giving the entire place a very 3-dimensional feel. A giant glass sphere in the center houses the rainforest. It was closed though on my visit.

After my visit, I walked away with great appreciation for being able to share this planet with so many beautiful creatures. It's up to us humans to keep it up and to preserve for the future generations.








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Hold That Coffee!

THE BEST SMELLING STATION! The smell of freshly brewed coffee permeated the terminal as I ascended from the BART platform. What a wonderful smell especially so early in the morning. The riders are greeted by the great coffee aroma and eyes just open(well, mine anyway). Wow! I thank whoever came up with the idea and I thank whoever approved the idea. This is the best thing that happens to the transit system.

SIP NOT SPILLS. Of course the biggest worry is coffee spills in the trains. Do not fear. A non-spill cap is provided with each cup of coffee according to BART. I am curious to see how it differs from the regular cap. I'll post a picture when I get a chance to buy from the underground Peet's.

Neither Here nor There

The Olympic Torch is in town but nowhere to be found. It was supposed to go by the Embarcadero waterfront but the people scared it away. It escaped from the crowd and appeared on the Marina waterfront instead. You can read all about it on the newspaper.

CHEER IT. BOO IT. For whatever causes they represented (Tibet, Sudan, Taiwan, anti-Bush, organ selling, animal testing, homeless in America - you name it, it's there), thousands of people conjugated at the Ferry Building and at the AT&T Ball Park wanting to make a statement. Signs of all sorts bobbed up and down among a sea of people. Competing for attention, some signs were even towed by planes circling the area. From afar, it looked quite festive with colors, balloons, noise makers, music, etc...

I think more people showed up to see what people are doing than to see the torch. Even if it were to go by, you couldn't really see it anyway. The signs got in the way. For what it's worth, it was a free advertisement day -- It's all good.

Wear Fog not Flower in Your Hair

Today (oops, past midnight, so yesterday) was one of those famous foggy days in San Francisco. The fog rolled in and out all day long. Sometime it hovered high and at times it floated below. This morning, it was so thick that I couldn't see a thing outside my window on the 30th floor. Then around noon, it cleared up without a trace.

THE FOG came back for an encore performance in the afternoon. It decided to blanket the bay and to cover up the Bay Bridge. This picture was taken around 3pm. The Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge looked like they were high above the clouds.

One look and you will leave your heart in San Francisco.

Hmmm, why do I sound like I'm singing?

Bon Voyage!

Sue and her hubby are on this very ship cruising out to Alaska. I’ve told her that I see cruise ships in and out right outside my office window, so she said she would wave good-bye when they depart.

Blowhorn blasted loudly as the cruiseline announced its departure. This big ship backed out the pier pretty quickly and gracefully. I’m sure Sue was waving like crazy and jumping out and down out there as I snatched these pictures.

It’s the thought that counts. Sue!! Hey, you just might catch up with Delta and Dawn – the two lost Humpback whales that finally left the San Francisco Bay on Wednesday - on your way out to the sea.

Go Under

OK, I was wrong and I stand corrected. Muni Metro DOES take you to the AT&T Ball Park, aka Pac Bell Park. So, I guess the down arrow on the street sign is accurate. See... the City does know what they're doing after all (map from the SF Muni website).

This Way Please

I was walking down on Market Street and saw this sign on the sidewalk. Here, there, turn right, make a left... very helpful arrows.

I guess the City wants to make sure that visitors and locals don’t get lost. But, what’s up with the one pointing down? I’m local and I’m puzzled. Feel bad for out-of-towners… Hey folks, whatever you do, DO NOT go underground to the BART/Muni station and catch a ride. You will never make it to the ballpark this way.

Hello Gorgeous!

"Who? Me?" asked the sea gull...

"Ya? That would be me," said the seal... 

Sorry buddies, I was actually referring to the weather. It was one of those picturesque day in San Francisco yesterday. Bright sun and not a cloud in the sky. Air was on the chilly side but the sun warmed it up just right - not too hot and not too cold. My animal friends felt they couldn't miss it either.

Queen Mary 2

There was a big hoopla about Queen Mary 2, the largest ship ever to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, yesterday. Thousands of people, lined along the waterfront, cheered and welcome her as she entered the San Francisco Bay.

This morning, as I was getting ready to start my day, I looked out the window and there she was: Queen Mary 2 docked at Pier 27. She was very pretty and HUGE. Everything seemed so tiny next to her.

I decided to check her out during lunch. I joined the crowd and walked down the piers. I thought it was a short walk but it took me almost 15 minutes to walk there.

Note to self: distance seemed a lot shorter from the 30th floor.

People, including me, were wooing and ahhing looking at her. Hard to image anything can be so big and float and move...

It was a short visit for Queen Mary 2 but she felt the love. It sailed for Hawaii tonight. There will be an empty spot on the pier when I look out the window tomorrow morning...