A Day at Fisherman's Wharf
We're staying on the 'Wharf, which is rather touristy, which leads me to believe that I could substitute Chattanooga, Myrtle Beach, etc, close my eyes and there would be little difference. Except for the historical stuff, like Boudin's Bakery for authentic Sourdough bread avec tour of the bakery.

Next was the Aquarium with 2 tunnels of fish, rays swimming overhead, kids squealing with delight. We never saw the Bushman, but there was a covey of homeless milling about, some with show, others rattling an In-and-Out Burger cup. Oh yeah, the seals barking was the best show, but with my eyes closed...I was at Atlanta Zoo.

Okay, so I had a terrible cold, throat that felt like razor blades were inserted when the wind whipped around my head, so I'll try not to be too negative. Finally, took a taxi to the Davies Symphony Hall for a piano performance by virtuoso Murray Parahia. Not sure about the spelling. Our idea was to eat after the show, which ended at 10p.

So, we started walking, not on a hilly street, mind you, but ALL the way back to the wharf! My estimate is 25-30 blocks, and after 5 blocks, the wife took off her heels and went au naturel (barefoot)! She went straight to the hotel room, while the boys and I ventured the final block to In-and-Out Burgers. Inside, escaping the cool evening were all the street folk eating supper with the money collected during the day...I watched one pay with bills.

As I sent the wife off to the room, headed for the burger joint I stepped around what appeared to be a young woman with 10" platform clogs, long coat and extra clothing typical of the street crowd. But what bothered me was the baby doll she carried hooked under her left arm. Don't know the reason, I can only guess what horror stamped her memory so that she resigned herself to wandering the streets. Wondering as I lay down to sleep if we could have helped her in some way.

Tomorrow: cable car ride. Thanks for reading! -stu