I left it here...

I arrived in Los Altos, California yesterday and returned to the retreat house for a few days of visiting. I'm seeing my good friend, Fr. Bob Fabing, and saying hello to the rest of the community. I chatted with the Jesuits at preprandials before a very fine dinner. Afterwards, Bob and I went out for frozen yogurt and a conversation while walking the streets of Los Altos.

Today, we toured San Francisco. It was a perfect day with temperatures at 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I got a mild sunburn - my first of the year. We traveled over the Golden Gate Bridge and then went to the new GG National Park. It used to be the old military installations at the Presidio, but the government turned to land over for recreation and development. The beach is filled with many sun worshipers and people out for a stroll or to walk their dogs. It is quite an addition to the city, which is becoming more eco-friendly.

Bob, a native San Franciscan, showed me the highlights of the city. Of course, he played "San Fransisco (Be sure to wear flowers in your hair). This song was sung by Scott McKensie to promote the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. We hit all the touristy spots: Golden Gate Park, Nob Hill, Union Square, Ghiradelli Plaza, Fisherman's Wharf, SoMa (South of Market Street), and many other fine places.

We ate at Alioto's at 8 Fisherman's Wharf. Alioto was a classmate of Bob's and the Jesuits frequent this restaurant because of his close connection with him. I ate Barramundi. I had no idea they served it in the States. I ate it many times in Australia as it is one of their favored fish. ~ Two bands played on the green outside of Fisherman's Wharf. It is a vibrant area filled with tourists and young people. So much energy is present in the city.

As more construction and renovation are done along the harbor coast, it might be nice to demolish some of the piers to provide a view of the harbor. Many of the old piers and storage units are moved to Oakland, which means the piers are empty or not used for their intended purpose.

It is a city where many can leave their hearts... To see photos of San Francisco, click on the link below:

1. Pics of Golden Gate Bridge

2. Pics of Golden Gate National Park

3. Pics of Streets of San Francisco

4. Pics of the Roman Catholic Cathedral

5. Pics of Being Near Fisherman's Wharf