MY FIRST CANADIAN VISITOR

For Easter Weekend, Ryan came to visit from Ontario. Lucky me, for sure! The visit was too short on time, but more fun than I could have hoped to have in only 3 1/2 days.

The first day, I had planned on taking Ryan to see the Golden Gate Bridge. It's located to the north of the city, away from the downtown and the chaos of the tourist traps...even though it's totally a tourist trap itself, of course. So, being brave and probably a bit foolish, I decided to drive and navigate at the same time. Reminder to self: this is not a good idea.

I missed the exit.

Twice.

So, after determining that I was unable to read a map while staying in my own lane, I decided to trust my (somewhat dubious) instincts and wing it. We wound up in Fisherman's Wharf. Which, with the exception of being in the same city, isn't anywhere close to the Golden Gate. At all. Regardless, we lucked out and found some free parking in the little lot near the Trolley drop-off point.

We spent the afternoon walking and exploring the shops and restaurants along the Wharf. I introduced Ryan to the fresh crabs available from the vendors there. Now he's hooked. In fact, we both enjoyed it so much, we went back the next day for another one.

This guy was one of the most entertaining vendors on the street. As soon as he saw me take my camera out, he yelled "Want a picture? I like pictures". Hmm...think that's obvious from the grin on his face.

On the way back to the car, we happened to find a small wax museum. Do you recognize who these two are?

The second day we were in San Francisco, I took Ryan to the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, I got it right this time. Plus, Ryan drove, and I read the map. Contrary to what you're probably thinking, I AM able to navigate quite well. Just not while simultaneously negotiating a six lane highway filled with some of the weirdest drivers I've ever encountered.

Even though it was overcast, the rain held off for the entire time we were in the city. Talk about luck, as it's been the rainiest winter on record around here.

I took Ryan into Chinatown and back to the tea house I'd discovered on an earlier visit. As soon as one of the servers heard me laugh, he remembered me from the last visit. Guess it's a pretty distinctive cackle, huh? Ryan and I found some more teas we enjoyed and he ended up bringing back both Blue and Lychee tea to Canada.

Driving down Lombard Street -the "crooked-est street in the world". It was pretty cool, I've got to admit.