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Post by welle on Sept 15, 2009 11:05:28 GMT 2
This thread is dedicated to my favorite place, the San Francisco Bay Area. I'll put some random stuff up over time of my favorite things to see and do around here.
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Post by welle on Sept 15, 2009 11:15:18 GMT 2
First up, the San Francisco Botanical Garden. You can see a little map and some reviews of it here: www.yelp.com/biz/san-francisco-botanical-garden-san-francisco-2It is a great place to come to and relax. If it's sunny, take a book and work on your tan. Lots of benches and grassy areas to get comfortable on. It's a big place, you can go for a longish walk. There are lots of interesting plants from around the world-you won't get bored. Do remember to bring a jacket, as the fog can roll in quickly in this area (and San Francisco in general). Admission is free for San Francisco residents. Bring your ID to show your local addy.
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Post by welle on Sept 15, 2009 11:24:12 GMT 2
While you're in the area of the Botanical Garden, you could stop by my favorite video place, LeVideo. It is in the heart of the inner sunset district. Looking for martial arts movies in Chinese? Lola rennt in German? Hungarian films? Cult films you thought were lost forever? You'll find them here and more. This place is truly unique, for anyone interested in movies you have to visit here. The place rents VHS and DVDs. The only caveat is that the late fees are vicious... do not be late returning their stuff. Here's their official website www.levideo.com/And general info: 1231 9th Ave Between Irving & Lincoln San Francisco, CA 94122 Phone: 415.566.3606 Update: www.sfgate.com/business/article/Le-Video-survives-thanks-to-partnership-with-5402071.php#photo-6165552Update #2: The video section is pretty much gone. It is now a branch of green apple books. RIP Le Video! You are missed.
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Post by welle on Sept 15, 2009 11:32:23 GMT 2
I was going to put up where to check on the Ocean Beach surf report-but I think in order to not incur the wrath of my fellow surfers I won't. Just pm me if you're thinking of going surfing here.
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Post by Big Iain on Sept 15, 2009 11:34:40 GMT 2
I had been thinking about starting a thread on the travel Branch, but well done for not only beating me too it, but in highlighting one of my favourite cities. Is it OK if I put up some pics/links too?
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Post by welle on Sept 15, 2009 11:36:51 GMT 2
Of course!!! I figured this would be a nice place for people to get info on some of the lesser known stuff when they come to the Bay Area. I'm curious to see what your favorites are.
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Post by Big Iain on Sept 15, 2009 11:55:37 GMT 2
One of my fave places is the Wave Organ. On my first morning in SF I woke really early and could not get back to sleep, so went for a walk from the appt on Chestnut down to the waterfront. I happened, by accident really, to find this bizarre place out at the end of the jetty with the most amazing view of Alcatraz and much of the bay. I sat to watch the view and became aware of all these strange gurgling noises and vibrations around me. That atmosphere along with the old stones from the Church which are all around was very relaxing. I felt very much at peace there. It became my "thinking place" where I went to be alone for peace. www.exploratorium.edu/visit/wave_organ.htmlI still think of it as a special place. This is one of the better articles I have found about it.
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Post by welle on Sept 15, 2009 12:11:09 GMT 2
Neat!!! I've never been there, I'll have to check it out.
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Post by siduri on Sept 15, 2009 19:41:55 GMT 2
This is great, welle! Bring on more tips!!! I should finally make it to SF before Christmas, cause we fly to Istanbul from SF and will spend a day or two before/after flying. It would be so cool if I could show off with some insider tips to the Mr. :-)
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Post by shrjeff on Sept 15, 2009 20:07:19 GMT 2
and then there is my favorite dim sum restaurant on geary... the golden river... between 22nd and 23rd... excellent and cheap, too...
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Post by Ethel Mertz on Sept 15, 2009 20:13:23 GMT 2
Welle, You're gonna make me cry. I miss SF so much. Wish it could be right next door to Oaxaca.
Gotta tell you. Yesterday I went to get my Oaxaca drivers license. Standing in a loong line of Oaxacaenos when I heard english being spoken right behind me. Turned to look, and it was a gringo talking with two locals who spoke english. Turns out they're all three living in Canada, together I think. The gringo lived in SF years ago. The other two had never been there. They spent a week in SF on their way to Oax. Raved and raved about it. Were so cute telling me about their SF adventures. Just as I was about to ask if by any chance they'd gone to BBB, when they piped up that Beach Blanket Babylon had been one of their favorite experiences.
They said that Valencia near 16th has become quite the in place. True?
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Post by Ethel Mertz on Sept 15, 2009 20:15:33 GMT 2
Oh dear god, Jeff, don't even mention dim sum. I CRAVE it. Honest, I do.
The Golden River? I'm in tears. It's dim sum heaven.
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Post by Big Iain on Sept 25, 2009 0:19:39 GMT 2
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Post by siduri on Sept 28, 2009 0:28:31 GMT 2
Welle, I need more tips! 2-3 more weeks and we'll be headin to SF for a weekend :-)
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Post by welle on Sept 30, 2009 14:36:23 GMT 2
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Post by welle on Sept 30, 2009 15:31:19 GMT 2
They said that Valencia near 16th has become quite the in place. True? true
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Post by Big Iain on Sept 30, 2009 16:01:57 GMT 2
I had no idea what was on this headland! Pity I have missed it.
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Post by welle on Oct 8, 2009 2:01:31 GMT 2
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Post by deyana on Oct 13, 2009 17:58:38 GMT 2
Great pictures, Welle. I've seen San Francisco bridge high up from a plane one time, amazing sight. It really stands out.
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Post by Big Iain on Nov 8, 2009 10:59:03 GMT 2
I was showing best mate some old pics of San Francisco last evening because he and family are thinking about having some time therein the springtime. Nearly all my pics from there are pre digital camera prints, but I found this one on the web of some houses that I adored. They are near Haight Ashbury. I used to love that neighbourhood for leisurely midweek coffees and always longed to have one of these intricately faced homes.
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Post by gina on Nov 9, 2009 15:48:21 GMT 2
Wow. Real nice. I like the combination of colors.
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Post by siduri on Dec 15, 2009 0:10:17 GMT 2
Yay, it seems I'll finally make it to San Francisco. Just for 1 1/2 days but it's better than nothing! Welle, have you heard of the Japanese bath in SF? It's called something with a K, kamiko, kamizo??
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Post by siduri on Jan 12, 2010 20:16:40 GMT 2
Ok, bring it on! More tips on San Francisco. We finally made it there and spend 1-2 days before we left and after we came back.
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I need more tips on nice cafes and I'm looking for a nice and reasonably priced B&B in the city or at a nice location near the city. A smallish place that comes with breakfast would be fab. I'm not a big fan of hotels that don't serve breakfast.
I'll surely plan frequent trips to SF if I suceed in finding a place to stay that won't leave us bancrupt.
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Post by Voy on Jan 13, 2010 0:50:52 GMT 2
ps - the botanical garden in Berkeley is also superb..
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Post by Voy on Jan 13, 2010 0:51:55 GMT 2
hey! ethel is going to be there in Feb -- welle, siduri... a dimsum meal sounds like an excellent idea.. you will adore ethel!
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Post by Ethel Mertz on Jan 13, 2010 2:36:10 GMT 2
Dim Sum is one of my must eats when I'm there. It's a long trip for Siduri, but it would be great if she could join Welle and me. I wonder where Lisaknitter is. I had a great Italian dinner with her and Mr. Knitter a year ago.
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Post by siduri on Jan 13, 2010 21:36:19 GMT 2
You'll be there in February? If that is the case, I'll use that as an excuse to go to San Francisco! When I go there solo, I could even take the train. It takes much, much longer than going by car but I would love to make that train journey.
We've walked past the Botanical garden in San Francisco. That's not the same than 'Berkley' botanical garden, right?
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Post by Ethel Mertz on Jan 13, 2010 22:04:57 GMT 2
Siduri it would be wonderful if you are able to make the trip. We'll have a stuff-up. I wish I could offer you a place to stay, but I'll be staying with a friend in a tiny apartment. Maybe Welle knows of a hostel or an inexpensive place to stay. I can't imagine anything in SF being inexpensive, though.
The SF and Berkeley botanical gardens aren't the same.
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Post by siduri on Jan 13, 2010 23:44:38 GMT 2
The train ticket is much cheaper than I expected and if you meet over the weekend I could take the train on friday and go back monday, perfectly doable. If I know the date in advance I'm sure I can find a good deal, february is not exactly high season.
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Post by Voy on Jan 15, 2010 1:22:52 GMT 2
jealous jealous.
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