Another "to do" item is figuring out transportation. I always like to try to take public transportation on trips, since you experience the local culture from a first-hand point of view that you cannot appreciate when taking a taxi. Also, it is often much cheaper! Of course, given the location and the timing, this might not be possible or worth it. For example, earlier this year we were in Turkey (perhaps I will blog about that in the future), and when researching for things to do and see, I could not for the life of me understand the public transportation system from my computer in the USA. I am sure the language barrier did not help either. However, after a day walking around Istanbul, the bus system seemed pretty easy to navigate afterall. And, my did we save money - and we got a free (unintended) tour!!!
Another "to do" item that can occupy countless hours (if you let it) is itinerary planning! I am the type of person then when I travel I want to see the most I can without becoming exhausted. Do I find time for sleep? YES. Do I make time for spontaneous detours and long lunches? SURE. But when I am home planning for my next trip, it always seems that the longer I have to plan (e.g., months), the more I want to see/do/explore!
Our next trip is a 4 day in San Francisco, and this is what I have on the agenda....
Day 1: Alcatraz tour in the morning (booked) and comedy show at night (booked). In between the two, I have lots of potential items to see/do, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Ferry Building. Basically, just wandering around the city. Maybe take a ride on the cable car?
Day 2: Reservations at the Stinking Rose. This restaurant specializes in GARLIC, and since my hubby loves garlic it was a must-stop place. I decided to do lunch here (hopefully we can sleep late), since the real focus of the day will be going to Candlestick Park (last season the 49ers will be playing there). Yup, 49ers are a hubby's fave too, so I guess Day 2 is really his day. With that said, nothing else is booked. I am sure the trip to/from the stadium, tailgating and the game itself will be exhausting enough. Oh, and yes, we are taking public transportation there!
Day 3: Renting a car (so excited about this - first time using ZipCar and we reserved a convertible!!) and headed north to the Muir Woods, Sonoma (mmm, wine) and Sausalito. This will be an early morning since the Muir Woods website says the parking lot fills up quick, so we want to avoid that rush. Then off to Sonoma. I have a few wineries in mind, but nothing is set in stone. As for Sausalito, I have NOTHING planned yet. The only thing I printed is where to park the car. But, I hear its a great town, so I am looking forward to having dinner there and lollygagging.
Day 4: Booked a morning tour about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge, so we will be headed there bright and early. I read online about some bakery nearby that has the best foccaccia in the world (we'll see....), so that is a must-stop! Nothing else is planning, but I am thinking perhaps Japanese Garden in Golden Gate Park.
So those are the plans so far. If you have any suggestions for must-see/must-do/must-stop places, let me know. I will be sure to update the blog with a review once we get back from our journey.
-Journey Paradise
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