Trip Report: San Francisco, day one

7/13/07, Day One:

Our United Flight was delayed for almost 1 hour due to a baggage loading backup. When we arrived in San Francisco, our bags came in on a later flight, 45 minutes after we landed. So much for hitting the ground running on our trip. After salivating over the culinary delights that awaited us in a great food city, our long-awaited first meal was: sandwiches in the airport Subway while we waited for the bags. Sigh.

We opted for a cab ride to our hotel--The Orchard. Easy check-in with a very friendly young woman at the desk. Equally friendly Doorman helped us with our bags. Either Fodor%26#39;s or Frommer%26#39;s--I forgot which--said Orchard%26#39;s lobby was ';postage stamp size.'; That%26#39;s a bit of a misstatement: it%26#39;s at least as big as one of those special edition commemorative stamps. It really is a very good hotel and our stay was a happy one.

Shortly after getting settled, we walked up to Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill. Wow! Even though I had been to SF 19 years ago, nothing prepared this lifelong midwesterner for those steep streets. The cathedral was worth the invigorating climb. It%26#39;s a magnificent, imposing edifice with wonderful details (thanks to Puter for tipping me off about the sensational brass relief doors). Inside, it was peaceful, with light entering through stunning stained glass windows. We completed this inspiring, calming experience by walking the labyrinth and enjoying the fragrant honeysuckle in the garden.

Dinner that first night was at A16 (oh, I forgot to mention that we bought two 3-day MUNI passes at the airport), to which we arrived on a #30 bus. It was a great meal. Italian food is best when the ingredients are fresh and high quality, simply prepared: why do so many get it wrong? A16 got it very right. We both had pasta for our entrees and they were prepared perfectly. Dessert was a great almond cake. We took the 30 back to Union Square and walked the short distance back to our hotel. For anyone apprehensive about taking buses in the city, i can safely say that while drivers may vary in their demeanor--some practically welcomed riders as old friends, others barely acknowledged us--each one answered riders questions patiently. Riding the buses was not scary in the least. Our only problem was finding one that wasn%26#39;t full on Saturday night. But that%26#39;s for my next post.

Trip Report: San Francisco, day one

So far, so good. I see food is a high priority for you, which makes this SF foodie happy. We love to show off.

Trip Report: San Francisco, day one

I%26#39;m so glad you liked A16. it%26#39;s one of my favorites. and looks like you had a good time figuring out the transit. keep %26#39;em comin.

Exerguy, I%26#39;m looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip-sounds like a great start! Thanks for the reassurance as far as the public transit goes.

I%26#39;m planning a weekend in SF, and your informative, detailed posts are a great help! Keep them coming.

I%26#39;m a Chicago resident, too, and am interested in hearing about your experiences with public transport there... it%26#39;s always fun to try a strange city%26#39;s version of the CTA!