We're Leaving our Hearts...

San Francisco, CA USA

April 20, 2007
N 37°48.049
W 122°24.580

The past few days in San Francisco have gone by very quickly as we visited with family and friends, ran errands for the next phase of our trip and hit as many of our favorite haunts as possible. Due to a ticketing snafu we pushed our flight out one day, reluctantly at first, but it was really a blessing in disguise giving us more time to take care of our necessary tasks.

It was wonderful to see our family after being gone for a few months, and we were able to catch up on all of the family gossip. The biggest news is Joel’s wedding in November. We plan to return home briefly for the big event.

In between visiting with family and friends we ticked off the tasks on the list we created prior to leaving Argentina; the list keeps us on track and ensures we complete all of the tasks without rushing around on the final day to complete everything. I’m sure we’ll still be rushing around on the last day though—making the extra day even more vital.

We stayed with our friend Angela on Russian Hill. When we woke up the first morning to diffuse sunlight filling her living room, we looked out her bay windows and had to admit the views were definitely better than any other place we had stayed on our trip. Angela’s apartment has sweeping views of the bay from Alcatraz all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. The spotlight from Alcatraz makes a pass of her front room every 30 seconds; not enough to light up the apartment, but just enough to catch your attention now and then, reminding you it’s out there. A hotel with views like this is not in our budget going forward, so we’re enjoying wvery minute!

We definitely didn’t go hungry during our visit. We hit all the places we have been talking about for the past few weeks including Nick’s Crispy Tacos, Giordano Brothers, House, Slanted Door and Little Thai. We even managed to have a Sheboygan Brautwurst at AT&T Park during the Giants big win over the Cards.

We truly enjoyed our time in San Francisco, but are looking forward to New Zealand. The time spent with friends and family was worth it, but at the same time the most stressful part of our vacation to date. We wouldn’t change any of it though!

24x7x365:
We have managed to spend some time apart during our visit to San Francisco. I had a few appointments during the visit, as did Marc, allowing a few hours by ourselves here and there. The funny thing is I think we actually missed each other when we weren’t together. I am sure we will be back on overload in just a few days and Marc will just sit there and listen to me talk all day long!

Other Notes:
We want to pay special tribute to Paul, a North Beach local. Paul was one of the characters in “our” neighborhood who spent plenty of time drinking up and down Columbus Avenue. Paul appeared to be in his late 50’s or early 60’s, always wore a beret, a leather vest and seemed to always have a glass of wine or beer in his hand. He was a common fixture at the outside tables at Franchino’s and occasionally at Giordano Brothers. We sat on the patio at Giordano Brothers last year and talk to Paul for hours as we celebrated Paul’s last birthday. We bought him a couple beers while he told us about his art-work, odd jobs he lined up to meet his rent, and how the FBI was renting the third floor apartment that over looks the corner of Columbus and Grant. He explained we were probably being observed by Big Brother at that very moment.

We aren’t 100% sure what happened to Paul. The story we heard is some young, drunk guy (most likely part of the “bridge and tunnel” crowd) threw Paul into a table in front of Franchino’s. The young kid was arrested and Paul was sent to the hospital. Paul was later released, but those who knew him said he felt pretty horrible the next few days. Paul ended up dying three days later from the injuries he endured during the confrontation. He bled internally and the hospital didn’t catch it.

The person taking care of Paul’s estate came into Giordano Brothers Friday night to settle Paul's debt. It was explained Paul always paid off his tabs and his buddy was making sure he held good to Paul’s honesty. The service will be held on Sunday. We will be on our way to New Zealand, but we hope Paul rests in peace and looks us up in his next life. The neighborhood was more colorful with Paul in it—he will be missed.