San Francisco Impressions

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On Thursday we hit tourist country, heading out for the Cable Car Museum – and continuing into China Town for a bit of a wander and a dumpling lunch. I made my way back on foot – staying on Mission Street for most of the 7.5km, taking in the ever-changing vibe from SoMa to 29th. Dinner was at a Mexican place in the area as well.

I was already heading back on Friday, so there was not much time – and we stayed local in the valley, making it up to Billy Goat Hill and Walter Haas Park for some final views of town.

All in all another action-packed few days at the bay … with great food, drinks and company – leaves me to say thanks – and until next time.

Back to Alameda – Craft Beer with a View

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Public transport was the name of the game today … bus and Muni light railway got us to the ferry building – and a quick ferry ride later we had crossed the bay and had made it to the Alameda Seaplane ferry pier.

Today was a leisurely day – checking out some of the craft beer places in the former navy buildings of Alameda island. This time we were focusing on Faction Brewing, which we kind of had missed out on during previous visits. The tap room of this one not only features some good beers, there are also amazing views over the old air field across the bay – today even including a blimp.

Rosie the Riveter

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We made it to the East Bay today, crossing the bay bridge over to Oakland and then North to Richmond – for a trip to history at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park.

Rosie the Riveter is the iconic symbol of the American Home Front during World War II, representing the millions of women who entered industrial jobs while men served overseas. Richmond’s four Kaiser Shipyards became a powerhouse of wartime production, employing women and minorities and building more than 700 ships. The park’s museum tells their stories – from diversity and equality at the workplace to housing shortages and innovative childcare and healthcare systems.

A worthwhile trip – with great views over the bay from the former shipyard (and later Ford factory) … followed by a surprisingly good pho in a Vietnamese restaurant next to Richmond’s marina.

Of Peanuts and Wine …

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Today we were heading North, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County and then on to Sonoma County and Santa Rosa. First stop of the day was at the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Charles M. Schulz was the creator of the Peanuts, introducing the world to Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and their friends. He spent the last four decades of his life in Santa Rosa, California, where he lived, worked and drew the strip until his death. Up to today Peanuts are an important part of Santa Rosa’s identity – and the legacy continues through the museum, ice-rink and and Peanuts-themed landmarks around town.

After lunch in the Warm Puppy Cafe we took the route towards Sonoma with a stop at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards for a quick wine tasting (featuring one of the best Merlots I ever had, as well as a super-smooth Zinfandel); more wine followed at Walt Wines in Sonoma proper – this one providing a great selection of close-to-perfect Pinot Noirs.

From Punch Card to Google

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It’s been quiet here for some time now … being new on a job meant to stay patient for some time – and … well – finally … I am back to travel – kicking it off with a short trip to San Francisco to visit Lisa and get that cioppino, I missed out on when I was here last year. I made it in Saturday afternoon – and straight on to Anchor Oyster Bar – so, that one was taken care of immediately. 😉

Today we were heading South towards Mountain View and the Silicon Valley – first stop being at the Computer History Museum for a comprehensive overview of all computing – from the abacus, punch cards and vacuum tubes – all the way to super computers, chat bots and mobile telephones. To me a very interesting dive into computer history and worthwhile visit.

From the museum we continued to the nearby Google Visitor Experience at the Google Gradient Canopy building – essentially an official Google Office with a shop, coffee bar and huddle open to the public, plus an arts park around it. As there was no need for us to buy the newest Google gadgets, we stuck with a walk around the building and checking out the art installations. From Google we continued to Cupertino and the Apple Park Visitor Center – another shop and coffee bar … and really nothing else. While we could spot the massive circular building and surrounding park on the other side of the road, this one was well fenced off.

Before heading back to San Francisco we had some good – and more than well-spiced – Indian food.

Back to Delhi

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Today was another major transport day. We left Dharamsala in the morning for the 90km trip to Amb Andaura train station. Here we changed into one of the fastest (where tracks allow for that) and most modern trains on offer in India, the New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, covering the 412km in about five and a half hours – and in relative comfort.

We arrived in Delhi in the evening during a massive monsoon downpour – and streets turning into swimming pools.

The (somewhat) Golden Temple of (well) Kangra

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From Kangra Fort we continued into town and made our way to the Shaktipeeth Shri Brijeshwari Devi Temple, a rebuilt Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshvari – with plenty of activity all around.

The way back got us along Mandir Road, a market for offerings and other religious paraphernalia. On the way back we were hit by heavy monsoon rain.

We made it back to Dharamsala and our hotel in time for lunch. The afternoon saw us doing little given the continued rain fall. I ended up in a nice little cafe around the corner from the hotel over some excellent banana cake.