San Francisco

Twin Peaks overlooking San Francisco CityHaight Ashbury
That's Alcatraz Prison in the background Picnic Golden Gate Bridge


On Golden Gate

How to eat an Artichoke

We've been to San Francisco a few times before, but this is the first time we have ever walked on the Golden Gate Bridge - but I am getting ahead of myself! First of all, we returned our rental car and were promptly picked up by our Sacramento friends, Marie & Eric. They had bought a picnic lunch for us, but first they drove us up to Twin Peaks for a bird's eye view over the city, then a drive through the Haight/Ashbury area that was made famous by the 1960's hippie movement. and the 1967 "Summer of Love". At that time, the area was very cheap and made ideal accommodation for the hippies; a bit different now, as it is a very trendy and upmarket district with beautiful houses lining the streets. Next they drove us to Chrissy Park within the Presidio (military district) and in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. where we sat and ate our lunch. We had the picturesque bridge in front of us, the city of San Francisco behind us, and Alcatraz out to our right. It was a delightful spring day. After polishing off our ham & salad sandwiches, we walked up onto the bridge, and along to the first of the two spans. The view was beautiful, and it was just amazing to think we were actually walking on the famous landmark.

After our bridge walk, we drove over the bridge and by-passed the Napa & Sonoma valley to reach Sacramento. En route we called into a Baskin Robbins icecream shop for a hit before completing our journey. Once at their home, we had another treat in store - yesterday I mentioned we passed the artichoke fields, and after we told Marie that we had only ever had marinated artichokes, she sent Eric & Murray to buy us fresh ones ($3 each) which she steamed and proceeded to show us how to eat them. They were the size of a grapefruit, and you peel the leaves off one at a time, and with your teeth, scrape off the bit of flesh on the bottom of each leaf. You dip the leaf into melted butter or mayonnaise first. If my description leaves you wondering, take a look at the steps on this link: http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000262how_to_cook_and_eat_an_artichoke.php

Now we are off to bed ready for an overnight stay in Yosemite National Park tomorrow night.