I was quite certain that I would fall head over heals for San Francisco once we finally had the opportunity to become acquainted. It was a hurried affair, but I can assure you, this is True Love.
After the Sequoias, SF was our next top destination for the Great California Road Trip. We had limited time, but my main wish was to walk a lot and just marvel and photograph all the wonderful buildings. The day we were there it was sunny and absolutely perfect. I tried to throw away all inhibitions over the embarrassment of appearing the Blatant Tourist and managed to only walk into one bike rack while lost in rapture over the architecture.
I am not generally a girl who loves cities, but that must only be because I was waiting for the right city. It felt like home. It was everything I dreamed it would be, but different and even more wonderful.
In the 60′s my mom lived in California for a while. She likes to distinguish the fact that she was flower child vs. a hippie. (Either way I just wish she had had the foresight to hang onto her wardrobe for her future daughter!) She has a picture of herself at the corner of Haight Ashbury so I had to get mine too for side-by-side framing of course!
The Haight District was Hippie Heaven for me and we spent the greater part of they day there vintage shopping, picture taking, eating, and just enjoying the general splendor.
This Victorian vintage shop was so lovely it was almost heartbreaking. I wish I had a better image to show you.
Here is another vintage shop that I almost completely lost my head in. An entire old meat locker filled with old hats and vintage suits. The afternoon ended with my fellow well-hatted and very dashing… (Sorry no pics, he is internet shy.. sigh…)
After returning home I discovered I have a cousin who lives (or used to) within blocks of these stunning stained glass windows.
For the sake of time and other interests we skipped the busy Fisherman’s Wharf and didn’t plan ahead enough for Alcatraz. We did make it to Coit Tower and walked up and down Lombard Street. We managed to fit in quite a bit in 24 hours and I loved every minute of it. I can’t wait to go back and maybe, maybe someday I will even be lucky enough to call it home.
{all images are property of Gypsea Tree}











okay…deep deep breath…slowly exhale…(trying not to scream!!!) All i can say is i hope jim comes home with good news. ;D San Fransisco must be the city we were meant to live near each other in…not Portland! beautiful pictures, my dear friend, just beautiful.
ah, I have to get there one day!
I’m smelling a girlie road trip, considering I’m now in WA again.
Kim will be there next week – lol!
You lucky little madam! I’ve always wanted to go to California, and San Francisco especially. It loves amazing! And you got to see sequoias too! Ever since I read about them as a little girl it’s been my dream to visit them. I’m so jealous! Also, I know what you mean about visiting cities, and finding the right one to change your mind. I feel just like that about Rome. Seriously, if ever another place felt so much like home it was there.
That was suppose to be ‘looks’ amazing. Silly me.
Oh, can I go with you next time? I love it there.
Please do Mel, what are you doing next weekend? :-)
Jess- yeehaw! I’m in! Let me know when you are available for a Welcome to Washington get together!
Next weekend as in tomorrow? Or next weekend as in 7 days from now?
Next weekend as in “whatever day you can drop everything and we can escape to San Francisco”…