San Francisco, CA (2003)

This is our second visit to San Francisco. But we intended to spend the whole day this time because the first time was almost like just passing through the city and not seeing much of it. This time we really wanted to go around the city and see the sights.

From San Francisco, CA

What better way to see the sights in San Francisco (other than taking the tram) but to take a cruise to see Golden Gate Bridge up close (from the sea) and also Alcatraz (but did not go to the island because the tours need to be booked days before). It cost $20 per adult and $12 per child.

From San Francisco, CA

San Francisco as seen from the cruise

This city is famous for its hills (as can be seen from the picture).

From San Francisco, CA

approaching Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. As part of both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1, it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed during the year 1937, and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California.

From San Francisco, CA

From San Francisco, CA

Alcatraz from afar

After the cruise, we took a ride on the famous San Francisco tram to get around the city.

From San Francisco, CA

Most of the passengers are tourists. Mark got the real experience from hanging on the poles of the tram! Kelvin and I were comfy in our seats. But we still had to hold on especially in the uphills and downhills.

From San Francisco, CA

It was amusing to see how 2 people try to manually turn the tram around (this is done at the end of each tram line/route) so that it can go back to the where it came from. We also witnessed how the tram was the king of the road in San Francisco. It is a vehicle not to be messed with. It was ALWAYS on the right of way.

From San Francisco, CA

we visited this church. There was a labyrinth inside.

From San Francisco, CA

Kelvin beating the heat. Some people actually sunbathing (even topless)!

From San Francisco, CA

Tram museum

From San Francisco, CA

Ghirardhelli Square. The home of Ghirardhelli chocolates! My HAVEN! They were giving out free chocolates upon entry to the shop. We bought a few bags to give to our relatives on the East Coast.

From San Francisco, CA

From San Francisco, CA

Kelvin befriending the gorilla.

From San Francisco, CA

Fisherman's Wharf - Frisco's #1 tourist destination.

From San Francisco, CA

San Francisco's Painted Ladies (at Alamo Square). Painted Ladies is a term used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in three or more colors that embellish or enhance their architectural details. The term was first used for San Francisco Victorian houses by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book Painted Ladies - San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians. About 48,000 houses in the Victorian and Edwardian styles were built in San Francisco between 1849 and 1915 (with the change from Victorian to Edwardian occurring on the death of Queen Victoria in 1901), and many were painted in bright colors.

Of course, we wouldn't miss driving thru the crooked Lombard Street. We had it on video!