Finally, another free day to do my shopping errands as well as head down to the fisherman’s wharf. The wind was doing it’s thing driving my already messy hair crazier. Summer sales is everywhere… so I had to pop by Old Navy… Bed & Body Works and BCBG on top of others. The yummilicious Bath & Body works bath gels and lotions were going at US5 only I absolutely wish I wasn’t constrained by luggage space cause I can never get enough of their gorgeous smelling products. BCBG was also going at 50% and 30% discount for to-die for dresses… and I have to say their handbags are getting very very stylish…

I’ve already returned my rental car that very morning so off I go to the pier on a bus! I’ve been to the wharf so many times already I think I can make my way there blindfolded. I used to take the touristy trams on my first few times to SF but now a more prudent me will be taking the public trams… just as the locals do.

I’ve always had a hate-love relationship with Pier 39. While I love the scenery and the food… I hate the droves of endless tourists and those honky tonk shops that screams commercial. I would love for this to be a much more quiet spot.

It was a very cold day… and my fingers were getting frozen by all that wind-chill. But I had to come… I had to see the sea lions again… basking in what they consider the most perfect weather for summer.

And the 2nd reason? To have the famous boudin sourdough bowl clam chowder. I’m actually allergic to sea food. But I made sure I popped a couple of anti-histamines before heading to the wharf so I can have my soup…. taking the risk I might break out in rashes.

Some more photos to share before I left my heart in SFO…

Time for dinner at Louise Diner then back to the hotel to pack for my flight.

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Spend most part of the day shopping so not much to take. Macy’s… Bed Bath & Bodyworks and H & M all on sale… Had my red trench on when it was turning late cause the winds in SF can be really chilly. Went to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch! It’s like my must visit restaurant for their divine cheesecakes. Food is good and their complimentary chocolate bread is one of my faves.

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Here I am in Sauaslito, CA… if I look gloomy in those 2 picture is cause the sun was glaring into my eyes while the pictures are being taken.

Sausalito is situated near the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge and is in Marin County. It’s really very scenic and you can view the skyline of SF city across the bay.

The area is filled with marinas and al fresco cafes. We bought lunch and just sat on the grass facing the beautiful waters enjoying the day.

Interesting people that I’ve heard of that lives in Sausalito would be author Amy Tan of The Joy Luck Club and Ken Pontac, creator and author of Happy Tree Friends.

After having early brunch I headed off for a long drive to Half Moon Bay on the Southern side of the Golden Gate. Half Moon bay is a costal city in San Mateo and about 25 miles from SF city. It’s more of a local spot rather than the usual tourist crowds and it’s also the nearest place to go horse riding! I love horses and riding them… and since it’s so expensive to keep my own horse and carry out this sport in Singapore… I tend to take every holiday as an opportunity to go horse riding.

Surfing is one of the hot spots in this region and everyone is out to play in the summer time. It also helps that Half Moon Bay is usually on the cooler side with temperatures peaking around 19C. Temperatures of more than 32C happening only 0.2% in a year so the day I visited was considered a really good day for the beach as it was about 20C.

I spent the most part of the day riding my lovely brown horse named Marlboro. He was a speedster! He loved to gallop and while he’s very obedient with instructions on the rein he get a little pouty when I hold him back on a trot.

He won’t let any horses over take him and will race to be first all the time… winning everytime! Thats my kinda horse! Run with the wind!

The riding area was huge and we were allowed to take the horses to the quieter end of the Half Moon Bay Beach to gallop. The moment Marlboro hit the sands he knew that he was free to run as fast as he can. I haven’t felt the thrill and excitement of riding so fast in more than half a year! And boy do I miss it now just thinking about it.

After riding I drove over with my red little PT cruiser to the nearby farmers market. Cherries and strawberries are in season and I wanted to get my hands on them.One of the farmers was so friendly he kindly showed me around the farm. All the vegetables and fruits are home grown!

They also grow really humongous roses here!

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The drive up to Muir Woods was really pretty! These were taken while in the car… there are quite a no. of switchbacks so inexperience city drivers like myself have to take it slow even if I hog up the road! Luckily the road manners and tolerance is very good in SF!

Driving across the Golden Bridge to Muir Woods was a last min decision. But I was game for it cause I though it will be a drive up and walk around thing. But as it turns out… I couldn’t resist doing the hike up to see the view even though I wasn’t dressed for it. No trekking shoes or even a water bottle! Yet in my city boots with dangling earrings and LV speedy… I manage to make that 2.8KM trek against gravity to view the fabulous ocean view and then took another 2.8KM trek down again!

At least I still had my sunnies to block out the glare.

While SF temperatures are usually around 11C to 18C during this trip (yes, they have cold summers)… I had 2 days of heat-wave while I was there so temperatures were a high 28C. Trust me… coming from humid and hot Singapore… that was chicken feet to me. I love how sunny yet non-humid it is!

The redwood trees are hugh and very tall with a history of 150 million years… though most of them are no longer around unless you go to the very few protected reserves like Muir Woods.

Normally I’m pretty tiny compared to most people but these trees make me feel like an ant!

This is the cross-section of a 1000 year old redwood.

Even the not that old trees are so tall!

At the first section of my climb up. See how narrow the trek is. Well… it gets even narrower at some parts.

Though not equipped for this trek… I’m quite glad I did it cause I enjoyed the shady forest.

When the trees start to disappear and you see such clearing it means you’re really near the top! I was pretty exhausted and very thirsty at this point. If not for the spectacular view that make me go on and on.

I kinda regret not taking any pics of the sea view of the hill!!! Which is on the opposite side of this view.

Took a break at the top of a rock before making my way down again.

See what I spotted!!! 2 deers taking some rest under the canopy of the shady trees.

The drive back was using a different route and I was captivated by the blue sky and green hill all around. Too bad there really wasn’t anywhere I could stop to take photos as the road was pretty narrow and busy. These pics were taken from inside the car so it’s a little on the blur side… Considering that not much effort could be taken to frame the picture I still love the shots.

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Love the feeling of arrival when it’s a long flight. You would imagine that since I travel so often I would get used to the long flight… but fact is I still get a little antsy once the flight is more than 10 hours. In case you’re wondering… I’m an economy girl! I’ve taken business and first class before and while they are way more comfortable… I really don’t see the value of paying so much more. I rather take the money to subsidize my shopping. I’ll let the rich have their seats while I take my place with the masses.

Simple jeans and a top… aren’t I a happy girl!

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American breakfasts are the best!

I’m most likely going to do a collage of photos for my Japan leg cause there’s just too much to blog! Besides pictures tells a thousand words right? Of course if you need any additional info you can feel free to email or leave a comment.

Meanwhile I’m gonna work on a new project =) I’m thinking of opening an on line store… just for fun!

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Before heading down the the surf and sand… some hearty lunch! My favorite part of this meal is the bread… yummy!

California is noted very much for their beaches… especially Venice and Santa Monica… mainly because of the notable celebrities staying in those area. Further down and linked to these beaches is Redondo Beach.

Redondo Beach is beautiful and the key filming location of The O.C ! In fact this lifeguard house is pretty much similar to the one Marissa and Ryan is often seen hanging out in.

The next time you listen to “Surfin’ USA” notice that they mention Redondo Beach =)

Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End was filmed of the coast of Redondo Beach. It stars Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. The Black Pearl was moored in the harbor for several weeks in 2006. If only I was there 2 years earlier!!

I spent the entire day at the beach… and wish I had more time! If only the beaches in Singapore are as beautiful.

Redondo Beach pier aka Municipal Pier aka Endless Pier is the last stop for us… and we settled looking for dinner in that area. ( PS… the pier that you see in The OC where the kids hang out… well it’s actually Redondo Pier! So while I was there I found so many familiar landmarks!)

The night was really chilly so I was glad I brought my woolen leggings along =)

I have to recommend that you try Kincaid’s Bay House for dinner as the atmosphere and food and service is really good! I enjoyed it so much even though I had to give a miss on some yummy seafood cause of my allergies.

And nothing beats ending a very happy day with nice warm fire.

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