Beck Talk: More San Francisco

Leaving San Francisco by ferry

We took the ferry to Sausalito for the 4th of July. We ran to catch the very last ferry of the day at 6:45 pm. Things always feel better when you work for them!

It was a beautiful evening and we could see the entire skyline as we moved across the water, along with the fog rolling over the city. But it was perfectly clear on the water.

Angel Island State Park seen from Ferry

Sails at Play

The Ferry Look

Arriving in Sausalito

I had never been to Sausalito before and it was picturesque and charming. In an interesting blurb on this colorful area I read about a local history that encompasses, "dons, extravagant fiestas... Portuguese boat builders, Italian fishermen, Chinese shopkeepers, rail yard workers, ferry crewmen, and dairy ranchers,...Out-of-town rumrunners, local police, basement speakeasies, backyard stills...painters, sculptors, dancers, writers, musicians, mask makers, bohemians, hippies and houseboaters." You know. Colorful.

We had a lovely dinner at Sushi Ran,
one of SF's great sushi restaurants. They were amazingly creative with their vegetable appetizers and did a stunning vegan sushi selection for Irad. Again too dark for good pics.

We used Uber to get back. We pretty much Uber-ed to get everywhere and it was an amazing convenience. As they promised, "With just the push of a button, Uber will connect you with the closest available driver in town, ready to pick you up in minutes. You’ll see a photo of your driver, the car they are driving, and even watch them on the app as they drive toward you." It was like having our own (interchangeable) private driver wherever we went, and several of the drivers were really warm and friendly. Some of them added personal touches like stocking their backseats with mints or packages of gum. Since we are hip deep in a tech company, we constantly interviewed the drivers about their experience with Uber, marveled at the business model and success of the company. Beyond global village, it is the new networked village.

On Saturday morning I returned to the Ferry Building to meet Jackie for walking brunch. The Farmers' Market was amazing!

We could go to a restaurant, a stand or just cruise through samples!

Lots of samples

Fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods and flowers galore. I have never seen so many beautiful and unusual flowers available in one place, and so reasonably. I got myself a small bouquet of sweet pea flowers for our hotel room, and some large bunches of dahlia and some flowers I had never heard of that I can't remember now for Jackie to bring home.

Jackie's Bouquet Finds a Home

Fortunately I don't live in SF or I'd be back obsessively every Saturday for more of these giant oreos (Can't remember name of bakery farm-stand. Jackie?)

In the afternoon Yuval and I went on a little shopping museum spree. The standout shopping store was Flight 001,

a store dedicated to travel technology, luggage and gadgets. I turned Yuval on to compression packing, which subject I will save for another blog. I consider myself mildly expert in packing.

de Young Museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron

We went to the de Young museum in Golden Gate park for a remarkable museum experience. Yuval, who was an architect in a past life and a fan of Herzog & de Meuron, gave me an impassioned tour of the building, its special construction, views and approaches.

detail of facade, constructed in Kansas City, perforated so that no two panels are alike, in homage to the digital age of pixels

He is very good at communicating his knowledge and love of things he cares about and makes an amazing travel companion. Everyone should have the experience of being introduced to this museum by Yuval.

We spent some time up in the Hamon Tower appreciating the incredible city views, park views, ocean views, and Marin county views, in this city of views.

I loved the African and Art of the Americas galleries, where everything was set in the dark, in a bath of warm wood floors, walls, and ceiling, with spotlighting that made it all sparkle. It really felt like entering a mysterious and magical world of exotic art. I find that when I visit a museum I get more out of slowly taking in one or two areas than trying to see everything and just brain-blurring.

We sat in the in the cafe, soaking up the atmosphere. It was closing but they gave us a cup of tea on the house so that we could enjoy the last few minutes. I find that sitting in a cafe after taking in a lot of amazing art is a great way to percolate the dream machine. Leads to great conversation. Walked out to Uber back to the hotel.

Sunday before our flight we were back at Blue Bottle for breakfast. I would be there every morning if I lived in SF!