Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Japantown to the Mission District (5/30-31)

Moving Day! After deciding we were taking up far too much of Magnus's "me" time, Magnus tactfully asked us to leave. It was our fifth day; who could blame him. We did leave with a little parting gift though--remember the Before?
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The After:

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Ah. Makes me feel clean.
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I couldn't do anything about his closet. A girl can only do so much.
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What's that? You're looking for a grille that has dollar signs written in rhinestones? Why, it's the strangest thing!
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I saved that tidbit about Magnus's grille for you until after we'd left...I didn't want you to prejudge him or anything. It's cool guys, I only saw him wear it in public once. It might also be safe to tell you now that he loves the new Melrose Place, candy and any romantic comedy you might throw his way. Single alert!

Once again we tried braving the chill and exploring Golden Gate Park. This is the view of the California Academy of Sciences, recently redesigned by Renzo Piano, from across the Music Concourse. It's beautiful, and the museum is a lovely place, but we came too late this time around to go inside.
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The De Young Museum is across the Concourse. We also missed it. (Note: arrive earlier than 5 p.m. if you actually want to, you know, visit.)
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Then we headed over to Manny's, where we'd stay the rest of our trip. He's a former coworker of mine who moved to the Bay Area. This is Manny.
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Here's his room. In case you were interested, Manny's taste in movies is a little different. We watched Dumb & Dumber the first night. It was hilarious! I did not expect that. One of his roommates, Stephanie, had an impromptu dinner party that she welcomed us to join, so we did.
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More on that room later. In the meantime, Lauren and I went to hunt down some food. First of ly, I had to find an ATM, which resulted in the creepiest hunt-for-an-ATM-in-a-hospital-in-the-mist ever. The only photographic evidence I have from that period is a shot from inside the lobby (I'm pretty sure we had to go inside some dude's office to get to the ATM).
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Luckily, we made it out and found our way to Farolito Taqueria, another recommendation from yet another former coworker. Are you aware of the LA vs. SF Mexican food feud? I might be making this up, but I believe there's this ongoing battle of Mexican cuisine in the two regions. San Francisco's known for their big burritos. Naturally, we had to try it.San Francisco

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My torta--I couldn't stomach a burrito, but I tried some of Lauren's.
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I'm not biased or anything, I'm just saying Mexican food in San Francisco sucks. Los Angeles Mexican food blows it out of the Bay! But let's not argue. I'd much rather have peace in this world (and all other worlds). That's why I'm leaving you with this photo taken back at Manny's. Remember I said I'd tell you more about Manny's room? This was on his closet door. Ladies, you'd better act fast!
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

San Francisco Day 4 (5/29)

Ever been to the Ferry Building in the Embarcadero? It's a loooong building...by the ferry...with lots of little foodie shops. Like Faneuil Hall in Boston. Or Costco on the weekends.
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At Joy's suggestion Lauren and I headed over to the Cowgirl Creamery inside, an artisan cheese shop. In other words, I was in heaven. We had a very helpful lady who discussed cheeses with us and we ended up with a variety of wedges. All we needed to do was get a loaf of crusty bread from Acme Bakery next door and we had lunch!

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From left to right, San Andreas (semi-firm sheep's milk), Ewe's Blue (a sheep's milk blue made in the style of Roquefort), Mt. Tam (the creamery's award-winning signature cow's milk) and Fenacho (a semi-firm goat's milk). I happen to have a deep affinity to sheep's milk cheeses; they are always so earthy and complex. I loved the Ewe's Blue, but I could have eaten my way through the entire shop. The Creamery's Library of Cheeses is a great place to go drool--thanks for the recommendation, Joy!

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Lauren dragged me into some hotel nearby and we sneaked on to the glass elevator. Pressing all the buttons! It did have a nice view.
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Tomorrow: Lauren and Christine move to the Mission!

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