Tuesday was the day we were going to show the Georgia Garmons a whole lot of San Francisco. I had planned a full schedule of sightseeing, eating, strolling and driving. San Francisco is an amazing city that even after almost four years here, I still discover hidden treasures. But this wasn't a day of searching out hidden treasures; this was a day of just touching the bases. Jefferson, unfortunately, stayed behind at school. He had a concert to attend and a science project he was in charge of, and as such didn't want to let his friends down. I know it was a hard decision to make, so I was very proud of him. Nevertheless, it felt weird not to have him with us.
The first thing we did was dropping everyone off at Union Square, where they could experience a ride on cable cars. Elijah and I drove our cars toward Ghirardelli Square where the Powell-Hyde line would end up. We couldn't have chosen a worse day for crazy traffic in the city. Several streets were having a makeover and as such the other routes were very congested. I couldn't wait to get out of the Financial district, where most of the commotion was taking place. I really feel bad for those who have to commute everyday in such a traffic. What a horror!
Fortunately, Elijah and I arrived at our pick-up destination right on time to meet our crew. We drove altogether toward a parking lot, and then continued our adventure with Pier 39. I had promised my kids that they could do one exciting thing in this trip. James chose to ride the cable car. Gillian, on the other side, wanted to try the bungee jumping. She looked like she was having a great time. Charlton followed with choosing to ride the carousel with its beautiful, antique horses and other pretty rides. Gillian had to accompany him since he had to go with an adult, and the adult here doesn't like things like this, so I sent her. To be fair to them all, James accompanied them as well. Oh well, so much for rules.
With our children satisfied with their selection of ventures, we continued with our stroll through the many shops and restaurants of Pier 39. Charlton managed to pull out some quarters from Papa, and headed to buy his own candy, which he did. Gillian and James had their own money, but I think they too were given a few dollars from their generous grandfather. James was especially having a great time, since he had dad all to himself. Charlton isn't considered competition since he gets attention for just being the baby, and since Jefferson, who is the competition with his great ideas and non-stop conversations, wasn't with us and Gillian was sharing her time between me and her grandfather, James seemed to cling to Elijah whenever he could. He was very proud to show him all of the fun places and things to do. Having children is the most exciting experience ever, ceaselessly.
After stopping for lunch, we picked up the car and drove around San Francisco. We drove up Nob Hill with its replica of Notre Dame, Grace Cathedral; passed through Pacific Heights and Japantown with Filmore Street full of shops; had several impulses to stop by Union Street to shop at the small, but cool stores; Looked for the Painted Ladies in the Height-Ashbury district, and then headed toward North Beach district to drive through crookedest street, Lombard Street, and ending up at the top of Telegraph Hill. We concluded our tour by taking the elevator up the Coit Tower, where we were greeted by mesmerizing views of the city.
