I continue my role as tour guide for my wife's European relatives.
Tonight we are in San Francisco. Flew in from San Diego (world's most beautiful and efficient airport) and got an Uber with a very funny and smart Indian driver. He gave an excellent account of why Hillary C lost the election ("very corrupt, lots of baggage, and a lousy campaigner") and thought we all should give Donald T a chance.
We quickly whisked into town thanks to very light holiday traffic, checked into our hotel at the Fisherman's Wharf, and went off to do tourist things. Huge crowds everywhere. Lots of European and Aussie tourists doing their best to help our balance of trade and make Trump happy. We had a mediocre but expensive lunch, which fortunately consisted of small portions so everything balanced out.
We just came back from watching the fireworks--excellent, despite the fog and cold breeze--and listening to lots of patriotic music booming out over the loudspeakers--yes, in San Francisco, so not all is lost. The anti-terror police presence was heavy, impressive, and most welcome.
Anyhow, more tourist things tomorrow. I think we are either taking a bus tour of the city or going on a boat to freeze in the Bay. One or the other.
I have been a bit lax in reading and listening to the news, and yet not only do I survive but so does the Republic. I see the President is dominating the news cycle again with his wrestling GIF. The news media is beclowning itself, once again, letting President Trump not only troll them but show them up for the weak, watery, half-melted snowflakes that they are. The man is a political genius, no doubt about it.
OK, not much more to say. I am folding up my new Apple laptop and hitting the sack.
Don't take the tour that Steve McQueen is driving.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding? That's the only one I'd take.
DeleteJoe the Cop
Reader #004
Anon,
DeleteThe thing is I think I could out drive him.
That Uber driver sounds out of place in ultra-left San Francisco. I presume he was an immigrant? It would be the height of irony if immigrants to that sanctuary city bring in conservative tendencies.
ReplyDeleteHe was, indeed, an immigrant from Mumbai. He deeply resented all the taxes and regs which impacted his ability to make a living. He also thought the homeless were a "bunch of fakes." He should run for office.
DeleteBut probably in someplace other than San Fran - he sounds to out of synch with that town.
DeleteIf we can have a gay Indian as next PM of historically Rebel, Conservative, staunchly Catholic, Celtic Ireland - anything is possible.
Deletehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/02/leo-varadkar-becomes-irelands-prime-minister-elect
That is grotesque. Looks like the Irish have shrugged and given up as well.
DeleteGlad to hear your visit was nice. After my last visit, I had lived there twice for several years, I said I would never go back. The filth and aggressive homeless people turned me off.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine that.
DeleteWhat is the owner doing about it?
What do the authorities do about it?
Blame Republicans?
DeleteIn my youth I used to hit SF with a van full of buddies to troll the nightclubs but now I consider it 1) cold, 2) filthy, 3) crowded, and 4) expensive.
DeleteYou might want to visit Trader Vic's in Emoryville, the Tonga Room in the Fairmont, or perhaps Smugglers Cove on
ReplyDelete650 Gough St, San Francisco if you like Tiki.
Thanks. My wife wants to hit the Fairmont today. I barely remember it for many years ago.
Deletemediocre, expensive, and unfulfilling.... your lunch, yes... but I couldn't help thinking about socialized (communized) medicine. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, if they want the 'only in northern california' experience that doesn't include 'offended snowflake people', hit up Muir Woods... the trees, God just doesn't make them like that anywhere else.
ReplyDelete- reader #1482
+1000!
DeleteBEAUTIFUL hike through there. Of course, if they wanted to road trip a little, Avenue of the Giants is unsurpassed...
"The anti-terror police presence was heavy, impressive, and most welcome."
ReplyDeleteErm... you do understand, don't you, that in SF the police protect the terrorists, not the tourists? If you wear a MAGA hat, they will turn away when you're attacked by antifa thugs; you'll be on your own, and the police won't lift a finger.
Watch your 6! San Sanfreako isn't a place to be too relaxed!
Napa Valley; mid October; good spot to visit?
ReplyDeleteMost definitely!
DeleteAlthough, ANY TIME is a good time to visit Napa valley for some wine tasting!
Meanwhile Trump gets ready to slap China silly over NK. Will he do it ?
ReplyDeleteMethinks that the Chinese Communists will find a way to live with any sanctions a Trump administration might place on them over NorK, stand firmly behind its ideological ally, and use China's patriotism and closed access to outside information to be sure NorK doesn't go under.
DeleteChina could surely invade N Korea and impose its will. That would presumably scare the pants off South Korea,though, and Japan.
DeleteNor would an easy victory be guaranteed.
DON'T CALL IT FRISCO! That gives you an instant Scarlet Letter in what's referred to as "The City" here. To old timers, hearing this makes you "gum on shoe."
ReplyDeleteAlso keep in mind Mark Twain's reminder:
"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."
That's why I call it Crisco...think about it.
DeleteFrisco is less than a million in population. There are another 5 million who could care less what you call the coldest place in the bay area. San Jose has more people. Santa Clara stole the football team.
ReplyDeleteYou should try to take in a Giant's baseball game The ball park is amazing. The Giant's play this year not so much. Good food, great views. Get your picture taken with Willie Mays statue. Be sure to dress like you are traveling to Siberia.
Irish coffee at the Buena Vista near the cable car terminus just west of the Wharf. Awesome and it takes the chill off.
ReplyDelete