[last days] colourful San Francisco

The last few days in San Francisco where beautiful! The sun was shining as we wondered Fisherman's Wharf and walked The Haight Ashbury. It continued to shine as we went back in time at Alcatraz and at a pub as we cheered on the 49er's football match on a big screen. 

Some of The Stachel's Instagram snap shots above show what a colourful and creative city San Francisco is!

We had some of the best meals in the last few days- a scrumptious breakfast pizza at La Boulange bakery on Union Street, some amazing tortelloni pasta at The Stinking Rose and the best coffee and cake at Caffe Greco on Columbus Avenue! A visit to Ghirardelli Square involved a burger and shake at retro inspired Lori's Diner, a yummy lemon cupcake at Kara's Cupcakes and afternoon tea at the Crown and Crumpet tea salon. (not all in one day) Of course we had to pick up some famous chocolate at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company for the family.

Window shopping along The Haight Ashbury was very colourful! Lots of vintage clothing and music - the window display's were very imaginative!

[just the first 3 days...] San Francisco e x p l o r i n g

COLOUR along The Pier

THE STREETS @ night and by day

ON THE WATER @ Pier 39

THE GOLDEN GATE, the bridge and the views

Due to the amount of photos I took in San Francisco I have had to break it down (otherwise there would be no posts for a month!). This is just the first 3 days of our time in San Francisco!!! The next 3 are on the way....

[looking up] architecture of San Francisco

Just look up and you'll discover what such a beautiful city San Francisco is. On the double decker red bus tour with our awesome guide we explored The Bay Area. It was a perfect way to see the city and become familiar with our surrounds. There is such a diverse mix of architectural styles which is like a visual map to the cities history. There were Victorian houses next door to Art Deco styles and across the road from Italianate styles. There were also whole streets of Victorian houses all lined up in a row, each only distinguishable by the colour it was painted. 

Fire escapes also drew our eyes up!
There apartments are so stylish- no brick boxes to be found.

The weather in San Francisco couldn't have been more ideal. Blue, clear skies were the perfect backdrop to these inner city buildings (works of art). 

On an evening walk...

Doors, doors, doors. 

Each one as pretty as the last. 

Wouldn't one of these be so welcoming to come home to every day?

[Seattle] with local guide

During the planning of our trip my friend and I deliberated over many coffee dates about which cities we wanted to visit. The only two we were certain of was New York and Seattle. My friend had previously spent a year studying at the University of Washington and wanted to go back to visit the city she had fallen in love with. (knowing of course, I would too!) So she was my very own 'local' personal guide.

 

We visited the markets where fish are thrown, A Cappella groups are jamming and fresh fruit and vegetables are stacked high. There was a buzzing atmosphere as we walked through the isles lined with buckets of tulips and vendors are calling for your attention.

 

Walking home from the markets we stumbled across this little antique shop (above). When I say 'little', I mean rows and rows of treasures, treasures hung from the ceiling, treasures stacked in the corner and treasures extending all the way to the back of the shop, which we couldn't even see! I did manage to find a little treasure (below) to take home amongst all the beautiful things. I could have spent hours in there- unfortunately we found it about 15mins before closing. 

The University of Washington
We wondered through the beautiful grounds of The University of Washington on one overcast morning. My friend being my personal guide, pointing out which buildings she attended lectures in and where the library was and of course the sports facilities! Go Huskies!!

The Space Needle