Fishermans Wharf

Yesterday was such a strange day - I spent the day with a girlfriend who I haven't seen since April - who I know from Geelong days - in SF! We both flew here on the same day! So it was soooo lovely to spend the day sightseeing with someone I know! Not to mention all the goss we had to catch up on.

After finding out that Alcatraz was booked out for the day, we decided on meeting up in the city. We caught the cable car down to the famous Fishermans Wharf. We'd both heard so much about the area, it was an absolute must visit.

Down at Hyde St Pier we went on a free walking tour with "Ranger Tom" who gave us a great insight into all the small boats they have down on the water there. Also about a fantastic program (with me and my love for Marketing, and Allyson and her love for Teaching we thought this program was fantastic) which invites school groups (woodwork classes I guess) to come and build a boat, a dingy sized one, over a 2 week period. The boats are then sold, with funds going to the school. Many of the kids come back and volunteer thier time in the workshop they have.

After the boat tour we went and got some lunch at a local place. Considering that Fishermans Wharf is famous for its Clam Chowder (say it properly.... CHOW-DER)... even though neither Allyson or I like any seafood... we thought we'd better try some. Mum would have been disapointed if I didn't I'm sure!

A very retail Christmas

They certainly know how to do a great Christmas here thats for sure. All the shops are just lit up beautifully.

We headed out for a bit of a walk last night and I am just in love with the Christmas windows that they do.

This is the tree in Union Square, just next to where I am staying.

Saks Fifth Avenue done up in all its glory. Haven't had a chance to actually check out the inside yet, but I thought the windows looked great.

And Macys - this was my fav.

Sydney to San Francisco

What a long long Saturday it has been.

After doing the all important voting, we left for the aiport around miday on Saturday - its still Saturday for me, and that was 24 hours ago.

Murray took me to the oh-so-exciting International airport where I was faced with ques for everything. Lining up for money exchange, then for boarding pass, then for customs, security, then for actually boarding the plane.

Here is our goodbye at the Security Gates. They wouldn't let him go any further. A bit of a teary - but I think I'll survive. Two weeks will be the longest I've spent away from him in the 5 years we've been together! I've no doubt he''ll be enjoying every moment of it! ;-)



After meeting up with Daryl for a quick drink in the Qantas Lounge, we quickly boarded the plane. I was down the back unfortunately - but at least its the safest place to be in a plane - you never hear of planes backing into anything do you? Luckily there was a spare seat between me and the girl in my row - so that made our long long long 13 hour journey more comfortable.

All in all the flight was pretty good. A bit bumpy towards the end - but that was okay, I was too excited to worry about any of that. The flight was made of up of....

About 6 hours of this...

Followed by about an hour of this...

Then about 6 more hours of this

I tried to get as much sleep as I could though - which is probably part of the reason I've woken up okay today. Also managed to watch 2 very good introductions to America on the way - The Simpsons Movie, and Borat. Both great snoozing movies.

We touched down in SF, and then there was more lining up for Customs and baggage. But once that was done we jumped into a car that was waiting for us and headed straight to the Grand Hyatt Hotel SF. So far the hotel seems great, and the rooms are fabulous. Oh - and the showers. After having these "water saving low pressure" heads for a while - The pressure here nearly knocked me over. Its soooo goood - just what I needed.

After settling in and freshening up we went for a bit of a wonder and a bite to eat. I had a Bagel! Very nice too. We walked down to the Ferry Terminal, grabbed a Starbucks (what else?), and had a bit of a browse around the streets.

Overall the city has a very Melbourne feel to it so far. Its been one of those days where you need to wear your coat and scarfe, but take your sunnies and wear something light underneath too.

I also scored a free facial and makeup session - which I needed like you wouldn't believe after that flight - with my "cute Austraaaalian accent". So I'm feeling like I've walked right off the catwalk runway, not the tarmac runway.

For dinner I think that we're going to Home - which is supposed to be a good example of American cuisine. Then tomorrow we hope to go to Alcatraz! Which I'm VERY excited about!

Also - because the weather here is so mild at the moment I was thinking of hiring a bike as a good way to see the city. To ride up to the bridge etc.

Its not nearly as scary as I thought it was going to be here - so far - so good.

xxoo

Melbourne girl in San Francisco!!!

Bon Voyage peoples! California here I come! Today I start my whirlwind 2 week trip over to the United States for work!

I'm nervous about forgetting something, feeling under pressure to pack light (which is just impossible), excited about the opportunity, and really looking forward to working with people - this whole working at home thing is getting a bit old.

At 3.35pm my flight leaves for SF!

Be sure to keep an eye on things here - I hope to keep things well updated and with lots of photos.

Also - a big CONGRATULATIONS to Murray who starts a new job in 2 weeks.

xxooxxoo

Its been a while....

Okay everyone - I realise its been a while since I showed my blog any love. So I thought I'd better update you on a few things.

I started writing about our wonderful trip up to the Blue Mountains for our FIVE year anniversary. FIVE YEARS. Yes. You read right. And no, no ring, no babies. But that was such a perfect time away - it was so close to Sydney, yet we felt a million miles away and very refreshed.

Other than the Tea shop and dinner at Silks, we also went to the Janolen Caves. I love caves. They're amazing. Just so spectacular. We also went to Bathurst to do laps around Mt Panorama. That was less amazing, and less spectacular. Especially the part where I had to stand on the side of the road at the top of the mountain and take photos of Murray coming down. Did i mention it was raining with thunder and lightening while I was out there? He enjoyed it though.

What else has happened...

Clare and Ads were up in Sydney the weekend afterwards so we caught up with them for a drink. It was great to see them as always. We sat inside a bar called.... I can't remember... something to do with a basketballers name.... Kobe something. And watched a spectacular thunderstorm over Darling Harbour that night. It was such a wet night, but so mild and warm.

There have been a couple of birthdays since my last post too!

So big HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to two of my favorite girls - Emma and Laura!

Had a great night polishing off a few Vinos and some fine food with Emma. A very respectable night. I managed to balance that out nicely by smashing back far to many cocktails with Laura and walking home at 10.30 in the morning through Canberra!

Oh yes - I made a trip down to Canberra to see Laura for her birthday. I also got to catch up with Petal while I was there. Always great to see her - she's one of those people where it always just feels like I saw her yesterday. Picked up a lovely box of Cherries on my way out of Canberra too - 2kg for $24. Very impressed.

There's just one more peice of news.... that needs a post of its own though.