Open Up Those Golden Gates!

Bill has invited me to go with him this next week when he makes his bi-monthly run to San Francisco. Don't automatically assume that he's feeling apologetic about something and trying to make amends. He ALWAYS invites me to go with him on business trips. Remember Hawaii..Bill does not like to be alone. I usually decline because of YW activities (it's not a calling--it's a lifestyle) or projects that I need to finish or just because I have an absolute horror of being bored. I know that this will make no sense at all to busy young mothers who, at times, would sell a kidney for a few quiet days in a lovely hotel, but I have nothing that I need to take a break from. I'm at a point where I kind of feel like my life IS a vacation (with the exception of the aforementioned YW activities). I am reluctant to trade my happy rut for a few days in a hotel next to the freeway, with no car, no sewing machine and bad TV. And so I usually politely decline Bill's invitations.

But this time he has added an inducement or two. Last week he was contacted by the Marriott who want to woo him away from his usual Hilton. He normally books about 90 nights a year, so apparently it was worth their while to wine him (figuratively) and dine him (literally) with the added incentives of a great rate and membership at the "Elite Platinum" level which includes a room on the concierge floor, an arrival gift and free food. AND...the Marriott is surrounded by restaurants and shopping. So if one leaves the hotel to go for a walk there is something to see besides a tangle of freeways.

So I have graciously accepted the invitation to accompany him next week to check out the new digs. To sweeten the pot even further, Bill has promised me a trip into "The City" one afternoon. I grew up in the San Francisco area and love taking BART across the bay to do the tourist thing. We will catch a cable car at the BART station and ride down to the wharf. I can already smell the big pots of crabs and the wafting scent of chocolate from Ghirardelli Square. The best part, though, is the people-watching.

San Francisco is a human zoo. It has always been that way. Birthplace of the hippie era, of free love (of every persuasion) and streaking, and home to some of the world's most expensive real estate makes for a fascinating mix of folks. I will have my camera along and, as I LOVE a project, I would welcome your participation in a little game of "San Francisco Scavenger Hunt." Send me your suggestions for interesting things that you would like me to seek out and photograph. If I get any particularly interesting shots I will post them when I return.