Christmas Away: San Francisco!

This year for our Christmas, Kevin and I decided to head to San Francisco to celebrate!  He had quite a bit of time off this year, but I only had the 24th and 25th. It wasn't enough time to head back home to Wisconsin...but it was enough time to do something. We've been talking about going to San Francisco since we moved west, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. First of all, let me just say that travelling around the holidays kinda rocked.  The Seattle airport was super festive with carolers, jugglers on unicycles, a Santa roaming around, and even a magician. San Francisco was equally festive. So many beautiful decorations! I squealed every time we saw a pretty tree. It's true. Ask Kevin. 

Our first night we went to a place called The Crustacean on a recommendation and ordered their specialty: garlic roasted whole crab and garlic noodles. It was...interesting. The food was just "meh" but we had a good time anyway making a few funny memories. First, you had to ride this strange, incredibly slow, somewhat unmarked elevator up what seemed like half a level to get there. Second, at one point a waiter came over to our table and asked if "we ladies needed anything". Um...I know his beard is a little patchy, but "ladies"? Kevin had fun digging into that crab, too, and kindly kept putting little pieces on my plate, too. Since of course I couldn't dismantle a crab. I have this thing about touching things while they still have their faces on - with the intention of eating them. We also took our first cable car ride that night when there were only a handful of other people on board. It was instant love. I really want a cable car to be my commute to work every morning.  

The next morning we were up early and headed to the Mission. Our first top was Tartine. They are famed to have the beast bread in, I dunno, everywhere. The baker has also put out a book of the same name, which is one of Kevin's favorite bread books.  Even though we got their early the line was long. But it was expected and we didn't mind waiting. Especially since you got to peek in the kitchen as you waited. We ordered a croque monsieur (to sample the bread), an almond croissant, a quiche, and were lucky enough to get a table and dry off a bit.  Did I mention it rained for three of the four days we were there??? It was a bit of a downer, but we made the most of it. Before we left the Mission we also popped into a random burrito place with a good sized line and had a delicious burrito. It really was delicious. Spicy and savory and just yum. Our second destination that day was the Ferry Terminal, which as lots of little shops. By that time we were thoroughly drenched, so we decided to get some  Anchor Steam and Christmas Ale - a San Francisco made beer - and enjoy them in our (dry) hotel room.

The next day we had our perfect weather day. Sunny and perfect all day with no rain. We took advantage by going to Golden Gate Park and the beaches. It was my favorite day. To be more specific, we first went to Trouble Coffee for a toast, coffee, and coconut. That's right. A whole coconut. It was kind of an amazing breakfast.  Dehydrate. Rehydrate. Then go for a long walk on the beach. It was still a bit chilly on the beach, but we still saw some surfers. This bit's probably going to be better in pictures. I'll let them speak for themselves. 

After the long walk through the park, beach, and coastal trail we headed back into the city and down to Fisherman's Wharf for late lunch early dinner. Insert obligatory clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Obligatory but still delicious. And another Christmas tree. 

The night wrapped up with a Christmas Eve service at Grace Cathedral at the top of Nob Hill. The cathedral itself was beautiful and the Christmas Eve service is just what I like in a church service. Traditional Christmas hymns, a choir, a good message (which happened to be delivered in a British accent...double score), lots of people, and plenty of moments of silence.  It also helped that we got to ride a cable car up the hill and back down. And still no rain!!

Christmas Day it was, unfortunately, back to rain. Kevin found a spot that was open for Christmas brunch and not too busy. With food in our bellies we braved the rain again and headed to Coit Tower for a view of the city. Unfortunately, we didn't see any of the famous parrots on our walk up the steps of Telegraph Hill. I blame the rain.

Overall, it was a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas with my favorite person. We'd love to go back to San Francisco in the summertime or fall to experience it in non-rainy form. It's a pretty quick flight from Seattle, so there's a good chance that will happen sooner or later. For now, San Francisco: we liked you, even if you were a bit wet.