4 June 2009 – San Francisco Day Three, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
All remixed:
- Pink scarf - H&M
- White eyelet top – TJMaxx
- Red-orange cardi – Zara
- Navy cords – Limited
- Brown cord jacket - thrifted
- Damask flats – Old Navy
- Green tote – Kenneth Cole Reaction
- Earrings – gift from mom
- Silver heart pendant – gift from T. from Salzburg
Click for more images and travel accounts…
Endnotes:
Yesterday it actually warmed up a bit, so I was happy for all my layers, which I gradually started shedding as the sun came out. I had less time to explore yesterday so I took the BART into town and then decided to go check out Nob Hill. I didn’t really know what I was looking for, but it was on my map as a sightworthy place and I’d heard people mention it, so off I went. It was a steep climb, but the views were amazing.
4 June 2009 – San Francisco, originally uploaded by academichic.
After enjoying the sights from Nob Hill, I meandered back down through Chinatown to end up on Market, where I only had about an hour before having to take the BART back to my hotel. I wasn’t sure what to do so I just started walking along Market, where I stumbled upon a section I had not walked through before. It’s the shops and boutiques section right by the Financial District and, can I just tell you, that there I found the hugest Forever 21 I’ve ever seen. It’s the Mecca of F21, sporting three floors of pink damask walls, gaudy chandeliers, and racks and racks of colorful and crazy fashion. I was in love.
So after that, the deal was sealed. I’m officially petitioning T. to move to San Francisco when we’re done with school. And I will spare you the much longer list I presented to him and give you here the abbreviated version of Why I Love San Francisco:
- The eco-friendliness. There are recycle containers everywhere on the streets and people actually use them.
- The people. This has been an incredibly friendly city. People stop to ask me if I need help when I’m standing around looking at my map and they queue to get on the BART! As in – they wait politely for people to exit first and then they get on in a polite and patient manner – I had to pick my jaw off the floor when I noticed this.
- The culture. There seems to be an air of politeness and peaceful co-existence all around. For example, cars actually let you cross the street. I just have to look at the road and they all come to a screeching stop, like a great parting of the sea, and I can cross. In the city in which I live and which shall remain unnamed, you have to suicidally throw yourself into traffic and even then I’ve gotten honked at for having the audacity to want to cross the street.
- The FOOD! This is huge for me because I have a severe sulfite allergy (a preservative found especially in corn syrup) and to be able to eat healthy organic food without having to go out of my way to find it is amazing.
- 3 out of 5 San Franciscans are German. I just made that up, but it sure feels like it. Every other person I overhear is speaking German, so I feel right at home here.
- The cyclists are amazing! This is not really a reason why I should move here because I could never share the lane with them, but they deserve to be mentioned here because I’ve never seen such nimble and dexterous urban cyclists. I think they’re all extras for Cirque de Soleil on the side.
So those are just a few of the reasons why I know I will be leaving my heart in San Francisco.
4 June 2009 – I left my heart in San Francisco, originally uploaded by academichic.
Yep, SF IS amazing! I recently found your blog, and I LOVE it! I too am a PhD candidate who is desperately trying to bring some style to the Ivory Towers. I can’t wait to see you winter outfits . . . I just moved back to the east SF Bay Area from Madison, WI, so winter style was definitely an issue for me! Cheers.
I like that you put pink and orange together. It’s a very harsh color combination but I think you pulled it off here. I spent one day in SF the only time I went and seeing your pictures and reading your entry makes me want to go there again!!
clothedmuch.blogspot.com
I love love LOVE that white top! I’ve been hunting for one that perfect and have serious top envy. It looks like you’re having fun!
I was in the Bay area for my brother’s graduation from Berkeley two weeks ago and had a lot of fun despite the cold. And the F21 you mentioned was right next to the hotel I stayed at–I didn’t go in but it looked awesome! I did go to the Westfield shopping mall across the street though with the huge Nordstrom but just browsed; sadly, the stuff in that mall is for the most part expensive. Hope you continue to have fun. :)
Very cute sightseeing outfit!
That’s funny, I just had an idea the other day for a post about why I love my city. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself here — I agree we’re a pretty friendly bunch!
So glad you’re enjoying your time in SF. You’re right, people here do seem to be both friendly and eco-friendly. No doubt you have also heard complaints about the high cost of (buying) a home, and how cold it can get in the city in summer. But thanks for reminding those of us who live here, it is an amazing city.
Tonight, if you’re still in town, there is free opera at the Baseball Park:
http://sfopera.com/spact/tosca_att_signup.asp
See you there!
I know EXACTLY how you feel. My husband and I vacationed in SF and Mill Valley for a week this April and it was so hard to come back to reality! It’s almost a perfect storm of ideal traits: the food scene, environmentalism, nice people, tons of personality, a moderate (though unpredictable!) climate, coastal location…. I could go on, but there’s really no need to because you’ve been there too! It’s just such a beautiful place.
As a native, it is nice to be reminded of the good things about SF. I actually live in Berkeley these days but worked inthe city the last ten years.
It is a friendly town and yes, we line at each and every BART station! The bikes – well natives grumble about how bikers expect to own the road (and don’t use good etiquette) and avoid Critical Mass nights at all cost.
Bikes are in general a good thing!
We do recycle. More in Berkeley than SF even!
We do have fabulous neighborhoods and shopping and arts. We don’t take advantage of these things nearly enough.
Be careful crossing the streets especially in SF – the pedestrians tend to jaywalk and that really isn’t socially acceptable or safe. Lots of people hit by cars in Sf each year.
Enjoy the opera!!
SF is one of my major wishlist destinations! And now with your list I can’t wait to plan a trip!