Category Archives: _North America_

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.

Around the Pacific … and back to the Bay

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On Saturday we made a trip up to Marin Country and Agate Beach at Bolinas to meet a meetup group for a bit of tide pooling (with plenty of mussels, snails, algae and anemones to look at – plus the occasional hermit crab 🦀) and a short hike for great coastal views. From here it was back to town for a museum Sunday around the Golden Gate Park – incl. the Paul McCartney photo exhibition at De Young Museum.

Monday and Tuesday were easy days … essentially preparing for the next part of the trip (laundry, re-packing etc.) – followed by a walk to Bernal Heights for some great city views. More views were coming up on Tuesday during a tour of some of the more arty stairs around town.

Overall another great couple of days in and around San Francisco – just without the wine and no cioppino … thanks for a great time – and until next time.

Practicing for the tropics …

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I had some time to kill this morning before making it back to the airport. As I was fully loaded (minus my big pack), most museum’s were out of question (due to stringent rules on what not to bring) – so, I decided for the US Botanic Garden … with plant showcases from most environments (incl. the tropics – to try things prior to hitting those later on). My favorite of course remains camelia sinensis, which was also on display 🍵.

Another metro trip got me to the airport – and from here it was on to Panama 🇵🇦

From Monuments into Space …

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Today I focused on the Western part of the mall and all the monuments to former presidents or other important people in US history, as well as the war memorials – from WW2, and the Vietnam to the Korean war … a tough, yet interesting ride through US (and world) history. My biggest Aha-moment was at the Roosevelt Memorial – covering the 1930s through (most of) WW2 to the birth of the United Nations – I wish today’s leaders would be more like him. From an artistic/ architectural perspective I really liked the Korean War Memorial and how it pulls the spectators in, making them part of the cause to be remembered. I also liked the Martin Luther King Memorial and how the artist literally moved a stone.

After a history-heavy morning I made it over to Georgetown for lunch and a bit of retail fun (not that I bought anything) to make my way back to the National Mall (with a stop at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In the late afternoon it was my turn to enter the National Air and Space Museum – for a taste of the skies and space.

A busy day along the mall

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Jetlag can be a blessing in disguise … I woke up early (but not too early), had  breakfast – finally leaving the hotel at around 8:00 and getting to the US Capitol just as it opened … no queues and easy access to the first guided tour of the day. The tour was a good one with a short movie about the Capitol’s history and the US legislative system … and then on through part of the building, incl. views of the rotunda and some of the many statues in the  building.

From the Capitol I continued across the street to the Library of Congress for views of the great reading hall and the many artifacts on display (incl. a Gutenberg Bible).

My next stop was at the massive National Gallery of Art and its even more massive collection. I eventually had to cut things short as my appointed time at the Washington Monument came closer.

After another security check here, it was into the elevator inside the monument for the 490ft / 150m trip up with great