#sfo restaurants

[migajadepam]

:. Elena’s Mexican Restaurant - 255 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, Estados Unidos .:

[we-re-always-alright]

seven years in a row!!!!!!!!

[mariacallous]

Had breakfast at the hotel (smoked salmon avocado toast) and said goodbye to everyone.

My mom and youngest sister came to pick me up and then we talked and drove back to where my family is currently staying and living and just hung out and talked and caught up for a while before we went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant they really liked where I got to have some of the birria my mom got and had a lengua burrito which I’ve been craving before saying goodbye to my parents and niece and then my sisters and I stopped by McDonald’s drive through to get drinks and then drove to SFO.

Said goodbye again, dropped off my luggage, got through TSA, and then stopped to buy some souvenirs (a stuffed chocolate lab, a new Marple story collection, and two CA keychains - one sea lion and one California Republic flag). And now I’m at the gate with over two hours to kill until boarding.

I already don’t want to go back to NYC - I didn’t really realize how much I missed the Bay Area but what I mostly mean is my friends and family, and how very alone and isolated I feel and am. I was also one of the few people in our friend group who was single, with several having marriages and kids and homeownership and whatnot already under their belt.

Lots of strong emotions tonight. Thank god it’s a redeye flight so I can have plenty of time to try to distract myself and sleep.

[travelonourown]

Big Europian trip 06/21/2023 - 09/11/2023

June 21-23, 2023

Surprise, surprise! Our BA Premium Economy tickets to London were upgraded to Business Class! This means we were able to enjoy the British Airways Lounge at SFO, had a nice G&T and some crisps, whilst relaxing on a comfy couch. Our Business Class seats were amazing- Elena is facing backwards, but we had loads of room. Meals were very good, and served on china and glassware. An auspicious start to our LONG holiday!

After arriving at Heathrow on Thursday afternoon, we had an easy time with border control and commuting to Paddington on the Elizabeth Underground line. On our walk to the Chilworth Hotel we saw the “man in the clock”, cleaning and repairing the inside of a clock on the side of a building. Two little boys (ages 4-6) and Elena were dazzled by the sight, convinced that it was real. Hours later, at dinner, Elena was devastated to learn from Edward that it was an animation. The magical crystal that is London was broken! In the evening we headed out for a walk to Little Venice, a charming canal area with long boats, restaurants and outdoor artwork. Had a light dinner and headed back for rest before embarking on our Cotswold hike.

[hoteliersinsight]

Thanksgiving in S San Francisco, CA

November in S San Francisco, CA, is a time for giving thanks, enjoying seasonal flavors, and creating lasting memories. Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport N for a warm and welcoming holiday retreat.

1. Thanksgiving Feasts and Markets

Explore the Ferry Building Marketplace, where you’ll find fresh produce, artisanal foods, and holiday treats. For Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy a feast at one of San Francisco’s renowned restaurants, offering traditional dishes with a local twist.

2. Scenic Walks and Tranquil Settings

After your meal, take a leisurely walk at Golden Gate Park or enjoy the peaceful surroundings at Rockaway Beach. The cooler weather makes November ideal for exploring these iconic locations.

3. Your Holiday Home

With spacious rooms and modern amenities, our SFO Airport free shuttle hotel is the perfect place to relax and recharge during the Thanksgiving season.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in comfort at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport N. Book your holiday stay now at www.lqsfoairport.com.

[greenbagjosh]

Day 2 and 3 - 10th and 11th October 2009 in Kyiv - not the original post. Written in October 2014

Please note, some of the links are a bit old. This was written in October 2014, as opposed to October 2009.

Sorry this post is long, but it means a lot to me. Five years ago today, I went on possibly the longest airline flight since November 2003 when I flew directly from SFO to Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok airport on Lantau/Tung Chung. It was DFW to IAD (Washington Dulles), then to DME (Moscow Domodedovo), and finally to KIE (Kiev Borispol) on S7 Airlines. It beat the time it took flying directly from SFO to Hong Kong. I did not get to Kiev until about 7 PM local time. Were there direct flights from the USA to Kiev in October 2009? I was using some miles that time from an undisclosed major US air carrier, so that would not have been an option anyway. What did I have for supper? I went to a Czech restaurant near the US Consulate, had a pork chop with dumplings and gravy, and Staropramen beer plus a bottle of pasteurized non-alcoholic Kvass that I bought at an "outdoor 7 Eleven". Those outdoor 7 Elevens are as common as McDonald's, one of Kiev's greatest conveniences, plus the bus ticket sales and marshrutka cash-only minibuses. For the metro you have to go to a station to get the turquoise tokens for two hryvnias, approx $0.23 US apiece, good for one entry and "unlimited transfers" until you go up the escalator to the exit, and after that? Too bad, use another token to re-enter, comrade!— in Kyiv, Ukraine.Lots of cool stuff to see in Kiev. Saturday 10th I went on the Lonely Planet Guide walking tour, saw the parliament building and presidential building, the park where dozens and dozens of wedding photo parties going on, one with a Chrysler 300C limo. Then St. Michael's, St. Sophia's and St. Volodymyr's. Watch out for the "turkey droppers" who try to scam tourists with cash they drop. I don't fall for that nonsense. Sunday 11th I went to the Lavra, it's a complex of Orthodox chapels, south of downtown Kiev. I also went into the military museum about a mile away, had Indian for lunch - that place just stuck out but I had to try it anyway. Monday the 12th I went to the Chernobyl museum, much safer than the actual site itself - I bet most of you cannot remember the incident in 1986, one of the Soviet Union's most embarrassing moments, it's too depressing to describe, won't go on unless you really want to know. Had lunch at the Garbuzyk, had the best authentic Chicken Kiev. Visited the big complex way south of downtown Kiev, with about fifty different architectural styles seen across the Ukraine. For food, I recommend the Original "Bierstube" http://www.lonelyplanet.com/.../entertain.../other/bierstube for their excellent Stroganoff as well as "Viola's" http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCYQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lonelyplanet.com%2Fukraine%2Fkyiv%2Fentertainment-nightlife%2Fother%2Fviolas-bierstube&ei=sgg2VNWoNcGTyASa94DICA&usg=AFQjCNE9LTTofE_d3Kv0IIHTDwyZs6U_Kw&sig2=117lapTNVhSNjwUOewpSHg&bvm=bv.76943099,d.aWw, also "Shalena Mama" http://www.lonelyplanet.com/.../res.../european/shalena-mama. For breakfast, I recommend "Double Coffee", they make excellent egg and meat dishes. Lots of other good places are at Maidan Nezhaleznosti / Kreshchatyk.

Four days later, namely Tuesday the 13th I would take a long train ride from Kiev to Minsk via Korosten. Had an interesting adventure in a town that seemed to still be stuck in the Soviet times, ending up ordering pizza and hot tea. Hot tea with pizza? When it's raining cats and dogs in the Ukraine, and it's in the upper 40's, Coke, Pepsi and beer might not be the best thing to have. Soviet coffee has not really improved since I first visited July/August 1990. Also it's hard getting long-distance train tickets in the former Soviet Union, even in 2009, regardless of one's fluency in Russian. Despite computers, they did not have an online booking function with either Ukraine or Belarus. No such thing as a Eurail pass for that part of Europe. Your basic choices are "Platskartniy" or "Kupeniyi" classes. Platskartniy is sort of open seating and you might have to share an open compartment with a "babushka" Kupeniy class is the traditional four berth compartment, meals are included, tea is cheap by the glass. I ended up in Minsk, about Wednesday the 14th at 5:30 AM local time. McDonalds was open but they were serving lunch for breakfast. Photos from that time available on request - including the mug of mustard from the Bierstube! The Fitness Studio boat doesn't come for another week at least.

[traipseartist]

The dregs of October 11th, October 12th - Paris, Rome, Naples, Bed

After bon vivanting around Paris, Aneyn was kind enough to take me out for another round of drinks and dinner--this time a little closer to home. We trekked to a bar or two in the Marais hopeful but pragmatic about the nature of Paris on a Friday night and eventually settled in at a place called The Cambridge Club (truly adorable coming from my Oxford-grad host). The vibe was perfectly gloomy and the drinks fabulously twee.

Then after flirting with the blonde, beach-haired server, we paid our dues and made our way to a new spot called Piccote.

We ordered with eyes to functional dishes and received some unique takes on certain French classics. I am still wishing I could summon our cheese course back into existence. Then, sleepy eyed from the week, wandered home, sneaking some mango and chocolate ice cream from a late night spot that sold empanadas (?) on our way back.

Back in Aneyn's flat, I mentally prepared myself for the early morning tomorrow, repacked my suitcase, and watched Aneyn's stockinged feet bob along to a Beatles' song while hanging off the side of a loveseat huddled in a corner of her studio. She read me the history of Grace O'Malley (lady pirate, Irish, general bad-ass) and her piratical career. I am thankful to have good friends after all this time and after all.

I am sometimes reluctant to count travel days because the airport, especially, eats my soul. (I promise, one day, I will post a long and unoriginal kvetch about airports. I am currently fighting that impulse.) But I don't think you get to traverse three major cities in a day and write it off, so I report in despite this being a hobby I do for fun.

I took the metro to O'rly after bidding Aneyn and her lovely Parisian flat adieu. I decided at some point in the packing process to only pack a duffle (that has straps to easily wear it as a backpack) and an incidentally matching backpack (which I wear on my front like a nervous tourist or that weird kid you went to middle school with) because in my experience navigating airports and the metro with wheeled luggage--especially subway systems that existed before escalators were common--is harrowing. It also has the added bonus of giving a mobility that people with rolly-bags do not have. I am almost always able to rush down the stairs to catch a train. I always make it through passport control first. I can snake down stairwells while everyone waits cow-eyed for the elevator. Usually it's worth the cost of carrying literally everything I'm traveling with for X days on my back. But sometimes...

Well, let's just say Europe was definitely built for skinny people and tiny bags. And not the wonky, lateral disaster that is Marisa the Mobile-Luggage-Sandwich.

But we hobbled through security, ate airport quiche (that had no right to be of the quality it was), nodded off on an easyJet full of giggling French humans sneaking away for the weekend, and loped through FCO on a mission to meet Rose, who had landed about an hour earlier from her 12 hour slingshot via SFO.

We needed to be in Naples by 2100, and it was only 1430... How much of Rome could we squeeze in?

Turns out... Some!

We scuttled to Roma Termini via the airport's train hub and (for a small fee) left our bags with very audible humans who urged us on. From there we bumbled across the touristic landscape, locking eyes with old buildings--famous and unfamous.

Rose and I chatter about recent life events while stepping around slow moving tourists and tiny merchants trying to hawk everything from external batteries to tiny, water-spitting fans. Catching up, we wove our way to an early dinner at Osteria Da Fortuna.

The energy inside the little restaurant was minorly riotous. Humans slipping in and out and by and through. The menu was too long for a place that had a woman hand cranking penne by the host stand... You were getting the pasta--why else were you here?

I had a glass of rosé rosato that made me mourn America and after some deep breathing (to fit in more pasta) we slipped out and bolted back to the train station to meet our insistent Neopolitan Airbnb host that was getting increasingly nervous that he didn't have a solid arrival time from us yet.

We bought tickets for the next train (accidentally for the following Saturday... Oops), pulled our luggage back from the jaws of the bagliagi deposito, and waddled with earnest fury to the platform that would send us at breakneck speeds hundreds of kilometers south to Napoli.

After a little confusion we hopped from Garibaldi station down to the local metro and bobbed and weaved around teenagers, small barking dogs, and the dark mysteries of late-night Naples. Winding our way through the Centro Antico like rats in a maze, we dove out of the way of speeding Vespas and ducked under hanging laundry in the tight and high-walled streets of the ancient city.

Our host, tired of waiting to hand us keys, sent a cryptic video of the path to his Nona's house from the front gate of our rented apartment and I sat whistling a tune while Rose disappeared to go negotiate with a non-English speaking grandmother.

After sleuthing to figure out which of the dozens of units was ours off of the main courtyard, we whispered to four separate locking mechanisms. Climbing up another flight and a half of stairs and into beds firm enough to put bounced change in ceiling plaster, we beelined it for bed.

Tomorrow, Napoli in daylight. Capri from the water.

[albusparker2131]

Top Facilities at SFO Southwest Terminal

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) stands as a key gateway for travelers venturing into the bustling Bay Area. Among its four terminals, the Southwest Terminal—officially known as Terminal 1—plays a vital role in managing the large volume of passengers that travel with Southwest Airlines. This terminal is not only designed to enhance the travel experience but also to provide a wide array of facilities that cater to both convenience and comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the top facilities at the SFO Southwest Terminal, offering insights that will help you make the most of your time at the airport.

1. Efficient Check-In and Security Screening

One of the primary concerns for any traveler is a smooth check-in process. At the SFO Southwest Terminal, efficiency is a priority. Self-service kiosks are strategically placed throughout the terminal to allow passengers to check in, print boarding passes, and tag their luggage with ease. For those who prefer a personal touch, staffed counters are available to assist with check-in and baggage drop.

Security screening is streamlined to minimize wait times. The terminal features multiple TSA PreCheck lanes, expediting the process for those enrolled in the program. Additionally, the CLEAR program is available, providing an even faster security screening experience for members. For international travelers, Global Entry kiosks are conveniently located to speed up the re-entry process.

2. Dining Options to Satisfy Every Palate

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, the SFO Southwest Terminal offers a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences.

Lark Creek Grill: A favorite among travelers, this restaurant serves classic American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can enjoy a hearty meal before your flight.

Amy’s Drive Thru: Perfect for health-conscious travelers, Amy’s offers organic, vegetarian, and vegan fast food. Their menu includes everything from veggie burgers to hearty salads.

Wicker Park Sushi: For those craving something more exotic, Wicker Park Sushi provides a range of sushi rolls and Japanese dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Starbucks: Need a caffeine fix? The terminal features multiple Starbucks locations, ensuring you’re never far from your favorite coffee or tea.

These dining establishments not only offer delicious food but also provide takeaway options for those in a hurry.

3. Shopping for Last-Minute Essentials and Luxury Items

Shopping at the SFO Southwest Terminal is an experience in itself, offering everything from travel essentials to luxury goods. Whether you need a quick purchase or want to indulge in some retail therapy, the terminal has something for everyone.

Newsstands and Convenience Stores: Several newsstands, such as Hudson News, offer magazines, books, snacks, and travel necessities. It’s the perfect stop for last-minute purchases.

Luxury Retailers: For travelers looking to splurge, the terminal features high-end brands like Coach and Michael Kors, where you can find everything from handbags to accessories.

Technology and Gadgets: Need to pick up some tech gear before your flight? InMotion Entertainment provides a wide range of electronics, including headphones, chargers, and travel adapters.

Duty-Free Shopping: For international travelers, the terminal offers duty-free shopping with a selection of premium liquors, perfumes, and cosmetics at competitive prices.

4. Relaxation and Wellness Facilities

Traveling can be stressful, but the SFO Southwest Terminal is equipped with numerous facilities designed to help you relax and rejuvenate before your flight.

XpresSpa: Located conveniently near the gates, XpresSpa offers a range of services, including massages, manicures, and facials. It’s the perfect way to unwind and pamper yourself before a long flight.

Yoga Room: SFO is one of the few airports to feature a dedicated yoga room, providing a quiet space for travelers to stretch, meditate, and relax. The room is open to all passengers and is equipped with mats and peaceful lighting.

Rest Zones: If you have some time to spare, the terminal’s rest zones offer comfortable seating and charging stations, ideal for catching up on emails or simply relaxing.

5. Family-Friendly Services

Traveling with children can be challenging, but the SFO Southwest Terminal is well-equipped to ensure a smoother journey for families.

Kids’ Play Areas: To keep young travelers entertained, the terminal features several play areas equipped with interactive displays and games. These areas are strategically located near gates, allowing parents to relax while their children play.

Family Restrooms: The terminal offers multiple family restrooms, providing extra space and privacy for families with young children. These restrooms are equipped with changing tables and are easily accessible.

Children’s Meals: Many of the terminal’s restaurants offer kid-friendly menus, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something they enjoy.

6. Connectivity and Business Services

For business travelers, staying connected is crucial, and the SFO Southwest Terminal ensures you can remain productive while on the go.

Free Wi-Fi: The terminal provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, allowing you to work, browse, or stream without interruption. The connection is fast and reliable, ensuring a smooth online experience.

Workstations: Several areas within the terminal are equipped with workstations that offer power outlets and USB ports. These are ideal for those needing to catch up on work or charge their devices.

Business Center: The terminal also features a small business center equipped with fax machines, printers, and copiers. It’s a convenient spot for handling any last-minute business needs.

7. Accessibility and Assistance Services

The SFO Southwest Terminal is committed to making travel accessible for all passengers, with numerous services in place to assist those with special needs.

Wheelchair Services: Wheelchair assistance is available throughout the terminal, and can be requested at any point from check-in to boarding.

Accessible Restrooms: The terminal features multiple restrooms that are fully accessible, equipped with wider stalls, grab bars, and lower sinks for ease of use.

Visual and Hearing Assistance: For passengers with visual or hearing impairments, the terminal provides TTY phones, braille signage, and visual paging systems. Additionally, staff members are trained to assist passengers with special needs.

8. Ground Transportation and Parking Facilities

Getting to and from the SFO Southwest Terminal is convenient, thanks to a variety of transportation options and well-organized parking facilities.

AirTrain: The AirTrain system connects the terminal with other terminals, parking garages, and the BART station, making it easy to navigate the airport.

Parking Options: The terminal is served by several parking garages, including short-term and long-term options. Valet parking is also available for those who prefer a more convenient service.

Rental Cars and Ride-Sharing: For those who need ground transportation, rental car services are easily accessible, and ride-sharing pick-up points are clearly marked.

Conclusion

The SFO Southwest Terminal is more than just a transit hub; it’s a space designed to enhance the travel experience with a variety of top-notch facilities. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, shopping for last-minute essentials, or simply looking to relax before your flight, the terminal offers everything you need for a seamless journey.

[rabbitcruiser]

Millbrae, CA (No. 11)

The International Terminal is composed of Boarding Areas A and G. Designed by Craig W. Hartman of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the terminal opened in December 2000 to replace the International Departures section of Terminal 2. It is the largest international terminal in North America, and the largest building in the world built on base isolators to protect against earthquakes. Food service focuses on quick service versions of leading San Francisco Bay Area restaurants, following other SFO terminals. Planners attempted to make the airport a destination in and of itself, not just for travelers passing through. The international terminal is a common-use facility, with all gates and all ticketing areas shared among international airlines and several domestic carriers. Common-use terminal equipment (CUTE) is used at check-in counters and gates. All international arrivals and departures are handled here (except flights from cities with customs preclearance). The International Terminal houses the airport's BART station, adjacent to the garage leading to Boarding Area G. The SFO Medical Clinic is located next to the security screening area of Boarding Area A. All gates in this terminal have at least two jetway bridges, except gates A3 and A12, which have one. Gates A1 and A2 can accommodate two aircraft. Six of the gates are designed for the Airbus A380, making SFO one of the first airports in the world with such gates when it was built in 2000. Gate A11 has three jetways for boarding. Four other gates have two jetways fitted for A380 service.

Source: Wikipedia

[seniorlivingmedford]

Welcoming Community

Many older people choose Weatherly Court, a senior living Medford facility, for various reasons. Here, residents can enjoy a charming boutique-style community with amenities like a plush theatre for watching movies and an elegant dining room for chef-inspired meals. The cozy fireplace on the outdoor patio provides a perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee under the café lights. In addition to these amenities, senior living facilities offer companionship, security, and assistance with daily tasks, allowing older adults to maintain independence while receiving the care and support they need. Weatherly Court provides a warm and welcoming environment where seniors can thrive and enjoy their golden years with peace of mind.

Embracing Comfort and Care

Assisted living facilities, like Weatherly Court, offer many benefits for older adults. Residents can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have access to 24-hour care and support in a welcoming community. At Weatherly Court, seniors experience refined living with chef-inspired dining and a vibrant social calendar. Family-owned and operated, Weatherly Court is committed to enhancing the independence and well-being of its residents. With a compassionate and dedicated team, seniors receive personalized service tailored to their needs. When it comes to an assisted living Medford community, Weatherly Court brings warmth and refinement to senior assisted living and memory care, ensuring residents feel comfortable and cared for in their new homes.

The Livability of Medford, Oregon

Residents of Medford, Oregon find the city a fantastic place to live. With its beautiful scenery and mild weather, there's always something exciting to do outdoors. The people here are friendly, and there are a lot of parks and hiking paths to explore. Plus, Medford is known for its delicious food scene, with lots of restaurants serving tasty fares to try. Whether you're into art, music, or sports, there's something for everyone in Medford. Schools in Medford are great too, so kids can get a good education. Overall, Medford is a super livable city with lots of opportunities for fun and adventure.

Harry & David Country Village in Medford, OR

Harry & David Country Village is a really neat place to visit. It's the flagship store of Harry & David, famous for its tasty fruit baskets and gourmet treats. You can explore the store and find all sorts of delicious snacks and gifts. Plus, there's a cute little village area with shops selling souvenirs and local products. You can even sample some of Harry & David's yummy goodies while you shop. Outside, there are beautiful gardens to stroll through, ideal for relishing the fresh air and sunshine. Whether you're looking for a tasty treat or just want to explore, Harry & David Country Village is a fun place to visit.

United Airlines Boeing 737-800 Plane Lands in Medford, Oregon With Missing External Panel After Taking Off From SFO

Flying safely with a missing external panel on a plane can be risky. External panels are important for aerodynamics and protecting crucial parts of the aircraft. Without a panel, there could be disturbances in airflow, which might affect the plane's stability and performance. While modern planes are designed to handle certain damages, flying with a missing panel can still pose dangers. Pilots and airlines prioritize passenger safety, so if a panel is missing, they would likely take necessary precautions, such as inspecting the aircraft thoroughly before flight or postponing the journey until repairs are made. It's crucial for planes to be in optimal condition to ensure safe flights for everyone onboard.

Link to Map Driving Direction

Harry & David - Country Village 1314 Center Dr A, Medford, OR 97501, United States

Get on I-5 N from E Barnett Rd 4 min (1.2 mi)

Continue on I-5 N to OR-62 E. Take exit 30 from I-5 N 3 min (2.8 mi)

Follow OR-62 E and Poplar Dr to your destination 3 min (0.7 mi)

Weatherly Court Senior Assisted Living & Memory Care Community 2184 Poplar Dr, Medford, OR 97504, United States

[teethpaste]

Thinking about the one time I was in San Francisco in 2018 and I had bought gummies at a dispensary out there and when I was getting dropped off at the airport, I became too terrified to risk taking them through security so I stood in front of SFO and downed 100mg of blue raspberry edibles. I went inside and it began to hit in security and I felt like my feet were glued to the floor and then I sat at their version of a “southern fried chicken restaurant” for 5+ hours and fell asleep in a booth bc my flight kept getting delayed.

Never again.

[migajadepam]

:. 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117, Estados Unidos .:

[asterlizard]

UK Trip October 2023 (Part 1)

(oh boy I have missed doing one of these!)

This was the first time travelling since the pandemic began, so of course there was a bit of stress while prepping for this trip. But because we were careful throughout the trip, we avoided anything that could have hindered us.

This felt like a part two to our trip back in 2019, with some unfinished business finally feeling finished. And yet, with only two weeks of travel time, even more unfinished business was made!

Like our previous trip, our flight would leave in the middle of the day, so we had to wake up pretty early in order to get to SFO, check-in, and board the plane on time.

Unfortunately for us, we didn't get much sleep that night. We also used a different ride-share service this time, rather than taking the bus, because our schedules would have conflicted.

We met up at 7:15, and had a good chat with our driver for almost the entire trip, who was from a small town in the Balkans of Bulgaria. When he brought this up, I brought up what I knew about the culture, mainly roses and yogurt (cultural knowledge is a really good ice-breaker!) While chatting, we'd deviate to other topics, including computer science and the rise of A.I. As we drove through San Francisco, he even recommended a restaurant to us! (Kevin's Noodle House)

We arrived at the airport after 9 AM, and checked our bags in pretty quickly. Our flight wasn't until 12:30, so we had plenty of time to kill. I did have a little something to eat before going through customs, but alas I wasn't hungry enough didn't have anything else until the flight.

The flight itself wasn't packed at all! I'm so used to flying during busy seasons, and this flight was like half full! We even got to move to an empty row so we could have a space to ourselves! (Thanks Shawn!)

While we wanted to be careful and were prepared to wear our masks during the flight, because we had plenty of space (There was someone in the row ahead of us, but they slept almost the entire flight, and an empty row in front of them) we didn't really need to! There was also plenty of hand sanitizer on board which I used multiple times to keep my mind at ease. And there were no screaming babies! It was a very pleasant flight!

Wildfire over Idaho?

Entertainment-wise, I got to watch two films on the flight:

'6/45': a funny Korean film about soldiers from the North and South fighting over a winning lottery ticket across the DMZ

'Lost Love': a bittersweet Hong Kong film about a couple who recently lost their young child to an illness, eventually trying out fostering children

Also got to listen to some 80s and 90s music (no 60s or 70s anymore it seems, RIP)

During the night portion of our trip, I saw the stars so clearly (alas I couldn't take good photos) It's also been a while since I've arrived in LHR during the dark. Day just started to break as we were landing.

Once we got to LHR, we travelled by rail to stay at a friend of mum's for a couple of nights (first time taking the Elizabeth Line! Though there were some delays)

When we got there, mum's friend drove us to Hastings and gave us a bit of a tour along the beachside.

Note: I'm using an old camera that has a few cracks in the lens that is unfortunately visible in some photos like the one above. I won't be sharing much of these.

They had a cute working mini railway! With a proper mini crossing!

>:U

Stopped to have a sample of some fudge (it was really really good, mum commented it was how her mum used to make it, I wish I had more!)

This place is so charming!

Tumblr is now limiting how many photos I can add to a post, and I don't have the heart to remove photos I want to share, so this journal will be split into multiple parts.

Here is part 2: [link]

[twobillionseconds]

December 9th - December 17th 2023

Ok a long multi-day post. Let's see how much I remember. What are you gonna do I was on vacation and traveling.

December 9th:

I found out in the morning that our reef tour was canceled. When we went to the counter the lady said that a cyclone off the coast was causing unsafe conditions. Oh well. We booked another tour that wasn't too far out. It was a tour to Green Island. It wasn't too bad. We got to see the reefs and I saw a sea turtle. Freaking large animals. I ran into some people I met at the conference the week before.

We came back in the afternoon. I went for a run. We got dinner at a pizza place. We then had a drink at a roof top bar. It was great.

December 10th:

We woke up early to catch a flight to Brisbane to head to Gold Coast. We had to take a train from the airport to Gold Coast. It was a 3 hour long ride. Got cheap dinner nearby the hotel and decided to enjoy our hotel room. It had a view of the ocean.

December 11th:

We decided to walk around and explore the southern part of Gold Coast. We stopped by a breakfast place and got some late breakfast. After we walked through a tropical forest park. It was cool seeing some of the wildlife.

Then after we decided to checkout a place where wild koalas were living. We got to see couple wild koalas and checked out a wildlife sanctuary.

After we grabbed a beer by the beach and headed back to figure out for dinner. We decided to get pho. At the end of the day we clocked in 35,000 steps.

December 12th:

Woke up and got breakfast a nearby cafe. We then decided to checkout this place where they had wild kangaroos running around. It was an hour bus ride. But we got to see some wild kangaroos.

It was pretty cool. I mean growing up in North America you only saw them in zoos, but to see it in the wild was neat. After we checked out the north part of Gold Coast and got a snack. We came back to the hotel and rested up for dinner. We got burgers and then after we stopped by a bar and got a drink.

December 13th:

Had to wake up and leave early to catch the train to catch the plane. It was mostly travel day. We landed back in Sydney and checked out Centennial Park. It was like their Central Park. For dinner we went to Lord Dudley's Hotel. We came back early and watched some Peaky Blinders.

December 14th:

It was going to be a hot day so planned on spending most of the day indoors. I booked a Sydney Opera House tour. It was cool seeing the inside of the Opera house. I've always seen the outside in pictures but never got to seeing it up close and inside. After the tour I figured we should watch a concert so I bought tickets to a Christmas concert for Friday.

After we got lunch and we headed to the museum of contemporary art. We spent a couple hours there. Then we headed back to our hotel to wait out the heat. After when it cooled down just a bit, we then headed to Bondi Beach. We walked around and just enjoyed the scenery.

We came back and had a snack and some drinks at the hotel. We then walked over to Harry's Cafe De Wheels. Apparently it's a famous Australian fast food joint. It was ok. They had meat pies or whatever. We came back after and watched some more peaky blinders.

December 15th:

Last Day in Sydney so we decided to checkout their zoo. It wasn't a big zoo so we saw everything in 4 hours. Great views of the city.

After we came back and got some snacks at a mall food court. It wasn't too bad. We came back to our hotel and got ready for dinner. For dinner I made a reservation at Chiswick Woollhara. It was a place that Anthony Bourdain visited before. it was a nice restaurant.

Then after we headed to the Sydney Opera House for the concert. It was a fun concert and the choir and the orchestra was great. I am glad that we got to see a concert there.

We headed back to the hotel and started to pack.

December 16th:

Woke up and headed to the airport. It was a travel day. Landed back in SFO around 7AM. Caught my flight back to SD and came in around 10AM. After I unpacked my stuff and rested up. The wife landed around 1 PM and I picked her up and then we picked up our dog. After we lounged around and we went to a holiday party that one of the wife's friend was hosting. Came home and watched more Peaky Blinders.

December 17th:

Woke up around the usual time. Went to church. Had lunch and met someone who was a potential to sit our dog. He wasn't a good match. In the afternoon we walked the dog and lounged around the house. Made some Aperol spritz and probably have a late dinner and watch some Peaky Blinders. Good vacation. now back to reality.

[la-lauren]

We were planning to go to the Bay for Thanksgiving with Dani’s German side of the family already, but someone close to them passed away up there and the funeral will be on Dec 1. We can’t stay a whole extra week there because she has to be in the office here. Sooo we’ll be flying back to SFO a week after being there.

Our calendar is so freaking full. My life went from so boring to jam packed with concerts and restaurants and bars and flights and hotels, all paid for by her.

It’s exciting but also so scary somehow.

Edit: apparently she’s deciding not to go to the funeral? I’ll see if she changes her mind though because she seemed really bothered by not being there

[aal828aal]

22 years ago today this morning, I watched the World Trade Center attacks live on television at my restaurant next to our bakery in San Francisco while having coffee with our banker. I did not know how to describe it to my children and my wife when I came home.

Today I'm sitting here at the Vancouver airport waiting for our flight back to SFO. The September 11, 2001, attacks evoked many emotions globally, especially in the United States. Some prominent feelings are shock, disbelief, fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, anger, and outrage.

These feelings were complex and often intertwined. As a person who grew up witnessing the effects of destruction and atrocities, the emotions surrounding that day are still fresh, even years later, as I get through the airport checkpoint today. The process of healing and remembrance continues. The World Trade Center was on my bucket list to visit before it was destroyed. My immediate participation in the national September 11 Memorial & Museum at the site serves as a point of remembrance for me. .

Healing is a long and individual process, but I hope we all find ways to move forward. September 11 will forever be a defining moment in our lives and our great nation's collective memory. Visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum will be on my new bucket list.

http://www.national911memorial.org

https://www.911memorial.org/support/donate/sponsor-cobblestone