The Jetpacker

By the end of the day, we came to the conclusion that we need to move to San Francisco.  Not for the seafood.  Not for the scenery.  Not for the temperate weather.  But because of the skinny people.

Even though we spent a good portion of the day riding around the city in a car, the workout we got from walking up a few hills was enough to burn all the calories we’ll eat for the rest of the year.  If we had to walk these hills every day, we wouldn’t need to waste our money on products from late night infomercials like those belts that electrocute your abs into six-pack form.

Cheaters riding the cable car.

Driving down the world famous Lombard Street wasn’t difficult.  Walking back up the hill made us feel as if we should have been awarded Olympic medals by the time we reached the top.

A block away from the twisting turns of Lombard Street, we stumbled upon a small but tranquil park called Fay Park.  There wasn’t much to see because most of the plants were dead, but the walk up the steep two-story staircase to a bench waiting atop the hill was worth it for the challenge alone.

A few miles away we joined the crowds in Alamo Square to see the Painted Ladies, a string of Victorian houses made famous by the opening credit sequence of “Full House.”  The view of the San Francisco skyline from this vantage may very well be the best in the city, and luckily it’s unobstructed by the Olsen Twins.

From there we ventured into the Mission District where many of the city’s best restaurants are located.  We couldn’t wait to eat at La Cumbre Taqueria, the place where the Mission-style burrito was invented.  The best thing about a Mission-style burrito is that it’s a full meal wrapped into tortilla — rice, beans, veggies, meat, cheese — that can easily be eaten on the go.

The reviews were great and various television shows have profiled the restaurant in the last year… but we thought it was just fine.  The food was good, nothing more, nothing less.  A little pricey ($8 a burrito).  Even though we’re writing home about it, it’s really nothing to write home about.

Colorful alley in the Mission District free of homeless people, trash and gang warfare.

A few blocks away is a popular gourmet ice cream parlor serving unique homemade flavors.  The Bi-Rite Creamery has been called the best ice cream in the city and the long line outside supports such a lofty claim.  We waited a full HOUR before trying the orange and cardamom, honey and lavender, and toasted coconut ice cream.

The ice cream was smooth and packed with flavor, but we didn’t think the wait was worth it.  We’d eat it again if they opened a shop locally, but ten minutes waiting in the warm sun is about the limit.  After that, the ice cream is only good for alleviating a sun burn.

Casper haunts a sidewalk.

It’s getting late (and we have to be up early), so I’d rather not think of a thousand words to describe the Golden Gate.  Instead, I’ll let the pictures do the talking…