• 04Jul

    After the big parade, we all walked down to the Civic Center, where all the food concessions, live entertainment and dancing is set-up. The summer smells of BBQ’d everything was wafting though the air on this fun and sunny day. We had a drink along the way … or two, then make a quick trip through Ferry Village (not to be missed, if you’re up for a bit of live X-Rated stuff … I didn’t post any because most of the naked people are *not* the ones you really want to see naked … as you’ll see in the video here … watch closely, if it’s your thing). Every year, we see the same naked ones and trust me, it’s never pretty, darn it. I wonder how many end up on line and if their mothers or co-workers ever spot them? I just can’t imagine.

    I loved doing this video and love watching it. It’s a real slice of the whole day. You’ll see it all in this 8 minute video - all types, shapes, genders, outfits and more. The music was next to where I was sitting, which added a great little ambiance. I love watching people kind of “half dancing” as they walked by.

  • 16Feb

    This North Beach landmark might possibly live forever. It was co-founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953 during the Beat Scene. It was the first bookstore in the US that stocked only paperback books. It’s one of the only bookstores I know of that encourages readers to hang out, lounge and read. I know of one other, but it’s in Paris - Shakespeare and Company. In fact, the owners know each other and occasionally spend time together. At one time, they had plans to trade stores and even the management, but they never did.

    Both stores are fun. Both are quirky, and both are definitely worth visiting.

    City Lights Bookstore

    City Lights Bookstore

    north beach city lights bookstore 3 300x225 City Lights Bookstore

    north beach city lights bookstore 2 225x300 City Lights Bookstore

  • 25Jan

    Enjoy two new virtual reality tours below. One shows the latest improvements for the parking lot and paths that overlook the old Sutro Baths. My Dad remembers swimming there and I’ve seen some amazing photos; so it’s a little sad to see them now. It is fun to walk around the area and try to visualize how popular these public swimming pools were, back in the day.

    The other is from the sea side of the Cliff House, which was totally re-done a few years ago and is so much nicer than it was. Sadly, the prices are a bit high, but try to overlook that and enjoy a sunset cocktail, or a cold afternoon with some hot chowder, overlooking the point. It’s still a great spot.

    Click on the picture to see the fullscreen Panorama:

    cliff3final Lands End, Sutro Baths and The Cliff House

    lands end stairs Lands End, Sutro Baths and The Cliff House