We spent a whirlwind 36 hours in San Francisco on our way up to Oregon. Last summer we spent a few days there and explored a lot of the more touristy things and we’ve both been there in the past, so this trip we figured we didn’t need to worry about seeing or doing much. So of course we packed it in.
The best part of this trip is getting to see so many friends and family members. I’m certainly looking forward to exploring new places and taking in the beauty that surrounds, but i’m most excited about the people. Apparently I’m a people person- who knew!
Mitch’s friend Max, who has been a friend since high school, was kind enough to let us crash on his couch for the two nights we were in town. So we did the old friends thing- Pizza, beer, and its-its. If you don’t know what an its-it is, you are missing out and should head to the bay area stat! It’s a delicious ice cream sandwich, original to the area, and made with oatmeal cookies. You also have your choice of vanilla, mint, strawberry, and some other flavors that don’t matter, for the filling, then dipped in a chocolate coating. They’re available at any divey liquor or corner store. And they’re magnificent. I’m also a food person- but that’s not really a surprise to anyone.
The next morning we headed out to Berkeley. I love Berkeley! It’s beautiful and quaint yet cool and sophisticated. And it was summer so no students were around! We met up with my friend Dorie for breakfast. Dorie and I have known each other for over 10 years and met when we worked at a summer camp in Wisconsin. After breakfast we did some campus wandering, making me want to be a student, but without the classes and papers and stress. Is that a thing? Because I really like being on college campuses. Then we headed over to Oakland for lunch with Cydni, a friend of Mitch’s who he worked with years ago at a summer camp. Yes, we both worked at summer camps. I was fortunate enough to get to know Cyndi while she was living in Tucson working on her masters. She’s now back in her native CA and teaching children with visual impairments. Our friends are really awesome people.
After that we headed back to the city to explore a bit while Max was at work. We hit up the coolest, quirkiest shop: Paxton Gate. Its in the mission district and you should go there. There are also an abundance of divey liquor stores, so you can grab an its-it on your way. Paxton Gate is filled with oddities. They have a variety of unique taxidermies, including a bunch of mice in period attire reenacting Shakespearian moments. You can buy a blow fish to hang or a raptor talon to display if you’d like. They also have books, cards, terrariums filled with succulents and air plants, and lots of minerals. It’s absurd and wonderful. After that we found a giant old Dutch Windmill, attempted to walk towards the beach, nearly got blown over by the wind and each got a mouthful of sand. Saw the beach, declared it a successful venture, and hurried back to the car where there is no wind or sand. Had dinner with Max followed by a breakfast of pastries the next morning (you can guess who chose the breakfast location) and continued to venture north.
Friend and Family count so far:
1 sister and brother in law
1 brother in laws brother and girlfriend and some other acquaintances
2 camp friends
1 high school friend
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