Vatican After Hours

Back in August, I travelled with my best friend, Sadaf, to Italy, France and Spain. It was a crazy fun two and a half weeks, the temperature was sizzling hot AND we went during the height of European tourism. In Rome, we stayed in a small, but modern bed and breakfast near Vatican City. One of the most enjoyable memories in Rome were the casual night walks to St. Peter's Square. The Square was surrounded by Bernini's beautiful larger-than-life sculptures. Couldn't get any pictures of the Swiss Guards, but I am pleased tell you they aren't bad to look at if you look past their funny attire ;)

San Francisco // Alcatraz

People told me Alcatraz is one of the SF attractions you just "have" to go to. I loved every minute of it. It was eerie, dirty, and felt like cold isolation. The views around the island are spectacular. 

Three prisoners attempted to escape the island. They made three paper-mache heads, placed in their beds at night, and bypassed the prison guards through climbing pipes within walls. They then used a make-shift raft to sail across the bay. No word if their attempt was successful or if they even survived the frigid and rough waters. Who knew prison craft classes would come in handy?! 

Alcatraz also offers a night tour *whichIwastoochickentogoon* :P

San Francisco // Russian Hill & Coit Tower

After visiting Alcatraz in the morning, Julian and I decided to walk from Fisherman's Wharf to Coit Tower. It seemed like a good idea at the time, given that the tower was very close by. BIG MISTAKE. Little did we know we had to climb up and down (mainly up) the steep Russian Hills. 

On the bright side, we did get to explore the residential neighbourhood, which is lined with classic Victorian houses, but we were SO exhausted afterwards. Julian is an avid gym enthusiast, for him to say the walk was tough is not an understatement! When we reached Coit Tower, we saw a bus that directly came from the Wharf =_=V. The views from the base and the top of the tower are absolutely stunning. 

{ creepy fog over Alcatraz }

San Francisco // Fisherman's Wharf

Some say Fisherman's Wharf is a tourist trap, but I say it's a tourist trap with amazingly fresh food! Julian and I made a several trips down to the Wharf during our visit. My friend Diahanna suggested a bunch of places to eat, but she stressed we HAD to eat at In-N-Out Burger. Julian who is a burger connoisseur, loved it. It tasted like a healthy burger! Too bad we didn't get our meals "animal-style", that would've been interesting.

I recommend any of the food vendors, fresh seafood is sold left, right, and centre. I bought a whole crab (slightly over 1lb, $20) and ate it myself. The shell was so soft, nothing like what I had before. I had no problem breaking the shell my with teeth. Julian had fried calamari, it was ok, no fresh crab though.

Of course we sunk our teeth in the world famous Boudin Sourdough and Clam Chowder bowl. I had to fight with Julian for the remaining bit of the soup bowl because it was that good!

{ cute sourdough crabs }

I wish I made a trip to the Ferry Building. Diahanna said it would've easily been my favourite food destination. I also didn't have any fresh oysters while I was out there either *still kicking myself*. I guess this gives me another excuse to go back! ^_^. From the words of my wise foodie friend, DO NOT EAT AT THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY. I know their cheesecakes are extremely delicious and the restaurant is conveniently located in Macy's, but SF has too much amazing food to offer. Resist the temptation!

San Francisco // Union Square

The last time I went on a vacation was back in September, Julian and I travelled to San Francisco for five days. San Francisco is filled with amazing shopping, culture, gastronomy, and architecture. Did I mention the weather is beautiful all year round? 

San Francisco has all the best shops without being as crowded as NYC or LA. Everything you need to find is pretty much in Union Square, from Forever 21 to Barney's. It was just a 20 minute bus ride from our our hotel! It was sweeeet.

Stay tuned for more SF photos!