This is a really interesting city. As cities go it is quite small 700,000 ish and very multicultural. Chinese and Italians arrived during the Gold Rushes but lots of Russians, Spanish etc.

We had a ride in a trolley car this morning which is a bit like a roller coaster - photo shows how steep it is.

We did a tour this afternoon. We saw all of the sights: Golden Gate Bridge, Nob Hill, China Town. The guide told us lots of tid bits -
-the buildings, all side by side, with flat rooves, do not have common walls. There has to be an inch between so that when an earthquake occurs, and fires start, firemen can go to the top of the buildings and pour water down between. Let's hope there are no earthquakes until after tomorrow at least.
-There are very few supermarkets here, just small corner shops. People eat out most of the time;
-San Francisco has very cool climate - a large beach here but not much swimming done as the water very cold.
-Saw lots of movie & TV settings such as Pursuit of Happiness, Mrs Doubtfire, Kindergarten Cop, Full House

A couple of things we have noticed ... not too many dogs around(maybe because noone seems to have a backyard); the thinnest straws I have ever seen; the biggest breakfasts I have ever seen.

Just off to try some Clam Chowder and sourdough bread - a speciality here.

written by  Sally Delaney on April 17, 2007 from San Francisco, United States
from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007
Send a Compliment

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Hi Sal

Love your new nom de plume ;-) Have a fantabulous time & keep blogging so we can look on with envy.

You are such a star - go girl go!

written by  Merelyn on April 4, 2007

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Have a great time. make sure you add some photos also. keep it real.

written by  Emmalane on April 9, 2007

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Hey Sal, great to hear it's going great - are you showing them how Western country girls party?

written by  Mark P on April 17, 2007

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Hey Sal, so good to hear you are doing good. Keep the interesting stuff comin', letting us know some of the quirky American traits - like eating out all the time, how expensive would that be!!

written by  Maria Vallely on April 17, 2007

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I do love the TAFE bag featured front & centre in the photo!
Chris

written by  Christine Leys on April 17, 2007

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Hey Sal - hope San Fran is the first of many happy landings - keep the tid bits comin' gal - your blog is so coooool...yeehaw!
love
Janie
x

written by  Jane van Beek on April 17, 2007

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Hi Sal,
Life in Pymble seems very quiet by comparison! I think Rog and I shared every meal in the States, they are all so HUGE! Love
Jen

written by  Jennifer Beard on April 19, 2007

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