After Lombard, we walked around a little more to soak in the artistic vibe of San Fran before heading off to our next destination....
Now to The Palace of Fine Arts...!!
Modelled after the gardens of babylon, The Palace of Fine Arts is essentially a museum. The looming pillars together with its large domes reminded me of ancient Rome. There's a man made lake on the compound with fountains and a school of ducks that were delightful beyond words.
Caught this swan watching me watching her. Haha..
Another swan busy building a nest
These mandarin ducks couldn't be bothered with us
Notice how the statues all face inwards? Baby got back?!
I asked but nobody could provide an explanation.
I like how we all look so happy in this picture
There were houses around the museum which benefitted from the marvelous view. I wonder how much one house would cost. And I wondered when I would be able to live in a house (being a maid doesn't count) like that even more.
Picture taken by Francis, shamelessly ripped from his FB
A tour bus just outside the museum (pic also by Francis)
Next, the bus brought us across the entire length of San Fran's most iconic structures - The Golden Gate Bridge.
Eat. Your. Heart. Out.
I was here!!
Declared as one of the seven wonders of the world, The Golden Gate Bridge spans 1.7miles and links the city of San Fran to Marin County. Even on this particularly hazy day, I couldn't help but stand in awe at the massive structure that sliced through the Pacific Ocean.
The Golden Gate Bridge offers sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island (guide calls it "Orchestra Island" once again). He also went on and on about "Angle Island". It was discovered to be "Angel Island" upon reading our itinerary.
The Bridge consists of huge ass 6 lanes that see vehicles of every make zip through and seperate paths for cyclists and pedestrians. We even saw some actual hitch hikers holding up signboards on the side lanes hoping to catch a free ride.
Epic fail jump shot. Hahaha..
Now this is what I call a jump shot!
We stopped by North Vista Point to look at some exhibits and to use their toilets. The one thing I have to rave about America is that their toilets are fucking clean! You can literally sleep in the loo. There's no disgusting stench of ammonia or super disgusting maxed out pads stuck on gawd forsaken nooks or crannies.
But, I also have to add - there's always a wide gap between the doors of the cubicles. Sharon Lee says nobody peeps through the gaps while standing in line to use the loo. I vehemently beg to differ because, I do! Hahahaha...
Well, it wasn't on purpose!! I swear..!!
Anyway, I grew out of that 'pervert' phase after a couple of days and I refrained from using the front cubicles because I didn't want to put on a free show for other folks!
The view from the Bridge
Next, we scooted off to San Fran's premier bay attraction, Fisherman's Wharf over at Pier 39! I cannt begin to tell you how pretty everything is there! The shops, the walkways, the trinkets on sale etc!
Credits to Francis
Dreyers ice cream!
Perhaps the main draw of Pier 39 must be the SEA LIONS...!!
Here's a pic of them kissing! Sweeeeeet...!
Though they look cute, the sea lions are damned stinky. Super duper damned smelly. If you must know how bad they smell, take some shit and smear it on your face. The smell that follows comes close. It is also an offence to feed them. Be it french fries or real fish, there are wardens around that WILL prosecute you if you try to throw them food.
Stay tuned for the final instalment of day 2 =)
