We got into San Francisco later than expected and were amazed that we were still awake after more than 24hrs with no sleep. When we got off the flight, we managed to successfully maneuver our way through trains and terminals to find the hotel. Feeling proud of ourselves we found that the hotel was beautiful and heritage. It is luxurious and we feel quite spoilt. The concierge was amazingly friendly and helpful and showed us through a map of San Francisco. He told us of some events and shopping places as well as some great sites to see. We were thrilled to hear that this weekend was the Gay and Lesbian Carnival Parade and that there was a limited showing of Picasso and Monet at the art gallery!

We went shopping after a welcome shower and dined in a French restaurant to stay awake late enough to combat jet lag. The food was fabulous and the shopping more-ish! After yawning at each other endlessly we decided it was late enough and we slept.

Today we got out of bed slowly and enjoyed a brewed coffee from the machine in our room. We knew we had a big day ahead and set off in pursuit of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a 20 minute walk across town to the pier and Bay Bridge. The concierge had previously told us of a farmers market and we were determined to have an excellent breakfast. We dined on the waterfront and enjoyed poached eggs. After a delicious coffee, we headed through the markets to sample it's wares. Lynette purchased a delectable punnet of raspberries and a pixie mandarin. We were amazed to see so much stone fruit on display as we normally only enjoy these at Christmas time.

We decided to keep walking along the bay and wandered through the shops at Fisherman's Wharf. It was there that we bought tickets to the Bay Adventure Cruise and decided to hire a bike to ride over the bridge!

The cruise went for an hour and went from the wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge then back. Slowing down, to circle Alcatraz. Unfortunately we were unable to get tickets to the island till next week. It was worthwhile and we took several pictures for all to see.

The people are so friendly here! They talk to you no matter where you are.

So after the cruise we had it in mind to ride a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge! We hired our bikes and set off... It was about 5 or 6 kms from the bike hire shop to the bridge and up some exhausting and very steep hills, I might add! Then we rode over the bridge. It was beautiful! We were exhausted and we needed to ride back to the shop, at least it was mostly downhill! With wobbly legs we disembarked and sought some food as it was 6.30and we hadn't eaten since breakfast so we ate at pier 39 in a restaurant on the water.

After a fast but very tasty meal, we walked a long and jelly like journey through Little Italy and China town to the hotel. We managed to see the sun go down this night because we were out after 9 pm!

All in all an excellent day. It now feels like we are in America -even though we are kind of suspect considering we are two middle aged women traveling to San Francisco together on the gay and lesbian carnival weekend. We are hoping we look too much alike ... Oh well that's it for now,
Love to all,
Nett and Jude xx

Dikes on bikes!