Well, I left off after Alcatraz which we loved.
After getting off the ferry at the wharf, we rode the buses up to China Town and spent the rest of the afternoon there. How can I describe the oldest and one of the largest China Town's in the country? Well, it was fascinating and I loved every bit of it. The streets are very steep and you need to hold on tight to the rail of the bus as it is going up the steep incline. You have to climb out of the bus at your stop.
Our first stop was at the Dim Sum place that was recommended in the guide book. It was called the AH He Tea Room. It has been opened since 1920 and looked like it. It was off an alley way but just about everything there is off an alley way. The restaurant was very small about 8 tables. We did not get there until 3:00, so we were the only ones there besides the people working there. They were sitting at the table next to us eating their lunch while we were eating our lunch, it was just that type of place. Very family friendly and casual. It was as if you had a Chinese grandmother and you walked into her kitchen and ate what she made. That is how they made us feel. Very warm and welcoming. The food was traditional Dim Sum and we ordered the Dim Sum lunch. It was a culinary adventure that is for sure. It was excellent, and has now ruined all other Chinese food for me. P.F. Change's pales in comparison now. Mike loved it. We ate everything and it was the perfect amount of food. We left full and happy much like the happy Buddha shrine that we passed by on the way out. Buddha eats lunch there as well, he had a plate of food out and candles burning. It was quite the sight.
We then walked up a very steep hill in the wrong direction, but when is SF you must walk up at least one steep hill, right? We got our bearings and then asked the man cleaning the streets where to find our next destination. He gave us the directions and we headed out into the busy and foreign streets of China Town. Everywhere you looked there were crowds people. Can you picture the old man pushing a little cart laden with his fresh groceries that he had just bought? Perhaps you can picture the tail of the red fish still flapping in the grocery bag, that was one fresh fish. Picture store window after store window of butchers. They had displayed their wares of whole chickens, pigs, birds. Can you see the pork fat dripping into the chop suey displayed in the window? Can you smell all the smells? The air was filled with spices and chatter. Absolutely magical, enchanting. I felt transported to a different place and time. Time as seemed to stop there.
Our next stop was the fortune cookie "factory." I use the term "factory" loosely as it was a very small store front. We found it off another alley way. The man sitting out front of the store took one look at us and knew we were there to see the "factory." I am not sure how he knew that, maybe because we were the only white people in several blocks. We were warmly invited in to see the cookies being hand made, each one carefully folded and stuffed with the paper. I asked the woman if I could take a picture. She said 50 cents. Apparently there was a hand written sign that was above her head that said if you wanted a picture, pay 50 cents. I dug through my purse and placed 50 cents in the jar sitting across from her. It was so much fun seeing that.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
About the Trip Part II
The third day of the trip was spent partly on the famous island of Alcatraz. We had purchased the tickets in advanced as the boats book up quickly. We took the ferry out into the bay again and were dropped off on the island.
We were able to go on an hour long tour with one of the park rangers who took us around the island and took us into some of the places that are not opened to the public. The ranger has been working on Alcatraz for 20 years and knew his stuff. He said that the night before he had spent sleeping on the island with a school group. A sleep over on Alcatraz, sounds a little spooky to me. The tour was great. He told us a lot about the history of the island which has been occupied for 200 years. It was first a military garrison and then became a prison. It was only the famous prison for about 28 years, not for very long. He took us underneath some of the caves of the island and then took us into a room where they used to do the laundry. The prisoners would so the laundry for the military and part of their time. The picture of the wash basin is said to be the one that Al Capone used while he was there. This room was also where they filmed a scene from "The Rock" with Nick Cage and Sean Connery. There was a lot of history there, you could feel it in the air, I loved it.
After the tour we walked the island which is rich in wildlife and greenery. There were gardens that were tended by the prisoners there as well. Very beautiful. Alcatraz is a place of stark contrast. So much beauty yet so much pain and suffering. We hiked up several large hills and one steep staircase leading to the open yard where the prisoners had free time. We then went into the cell block and took the audio tour. Absolutely fascinating. This is a must if you have an opportunity to go. It was amazing, so much history, so dark, murky, and sad there. Again you can just feel it in the air. There is something haunting about it. After the prison closed down in the 60's, the Indians took over for 19 months and a large group of them lived on the island. This was when a large portion of the island was burned down, several of the buildings were destroyed and still remain that way today. We loved this time, I will say not kid friendly, there was a lot of climbing, you had to climb a steep incline the equivalent of a 13 story building. A lot of walking. But it was worth it.
We were able to go on an hour long tour with one of the park rangers who took us around the island and took us into some of the places that are not opened to the public. The ranger has been working on Alcatraz for 20 years and knew his stuff. He said that the night before he had spent sleeping on the island with a school group. A sleep over on Alcatraz, sounds a little spooky to me. The tour was great. He told us a lot about the history of the island which has been occupied for 200 years. It was first a military garrison and then became a prison. It was only the famous prison for about 28 years, not for very long. He took us underneath some of the caves of the island and then took us into a room where they used to do the laundry. The prisoners would so the laundry for the military and part of their time. The picture of the wash basin is said to be the one that Al Capone used while he was there. This room was also where they filmed a scene from "The Rock" with Nick Cage and Sean Connery. There was a lot of history there, you could feel it in the air, I loved it.
After the tour we walked the island which is rich in wildlife and greenery. There were gardens that were tended by the prisoners there as well. Very beautiful. Alcatraz is a place of stark contrast. So much beauty yet so much pain and suffering. We hiked up several large hills and one steep staircase leading to the open yard where the prisoners had free time. We then went into the cell block and took the audio tour. Absolutely fascinating. This is a must if you have an opportunity to go. It was amazing, so much history, so dark, murky, and sad there. Again you can just feel it in the air. There is something haunting about it. After the prison closed down in the 60's, the Indians took over for 19 months and a large group of them lived on the island. This was when a large portion of the island was burned down, several of the buildings were destroyed and still remain that way today. We loved this time, I will say not kid friendly, there was a lot of climbing, you had to climb a steep incline the equivalent of a 13 story building. A lot of walking. But it was worth it.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
About the Trip
We had such a great time on our trip to San Fransisco. We fell in love with the city, it is so fun and beautiful.
Thank you so much for the people who so graciously accepted to take our children for a couple of days, it was the perfect amount of time to be away. Thank you to all for allowing us some time away to have some fun as a couple. It was just what we needed as we continue to work through this difficult time as we are coming up on the first year anniversary. Thank you all for your unselfish service in our behalf.
Our trip began early as our flight left around 10:30. We arrived in SF around noon. The first item on the itinerary (yes we had one) was going to the temple. This part of the trip I refer to as our Oakland Adventure. We checked into the hotel and then hopped on the BART which is the subway through both cities. We took this to Oakland and could see the temple sitting high on the foothills of the city. Oakland is an industrial type of place. There were lots of shipping areas and factories. The streets were narrow and crowded. We decided to take a cab up to the temple. We met a very interesting cab driver, but aren't they all? He was very nice and talkative and of course Mike shared the Gospel with him as we wound up through the steep hills of Oakland. We made it up there and then arranged for him to come pick us up after. The Oakland temple is beautiful and sits high up on a hill and overlooks both cities and the bay. Truly majestic and breathtaking. The cab driver told us many people use it as a guide when driving around. The inside of the temple was huge as well as you can imagine. It felt a lot like the Salt Lake Temple in size. The session went well and then we walked around for a bit after. We went over to the visitor center and toured that while waiting for our ride. We then made it back to the subway and headed back into SF.
Our first item on the list then was to eat at the historic Joe's Cable Car Diner. This was Mike's pick which he got off of Diner, Drive In and Dives on Food Network. We loved it, so yummy. It has been there since 1965. It is a very small place about 10 tables. They hand cut the beef and then put it in the grinder for every order fresh. The butcher that night was named Nelson. Funny! We got a picture by him, it was a fun evening.
The next morning we arose early and were picked up by Tower Tours to begin our Deluxe City Tour. Our first stop on the tour was crossing over and then stopping near the Golden Gate Bridge as seen in the pictures. So beautiful. The weather was perfect, so sunny and warm, no fog, just great. Our next stop on the tour was at Golden Gate Park near the bridge. We were able to see where they do the outdoor shows in the summer and then toured the famed Japanese Tea Garden. This was a quiet, peaceful, beautiful place. We loved it. We then drove past the famed "Painted Ladies" which are the row of houses made famous from "Full House." Our next stop was at City Center and we walked around the financial area for a bit.
We were dropped off at Fisherman's Wharf by the bay. We then ate at the famous Boudine Bakery which was where sourdough was first invented. We enjoyed a great lunch of a clam chowder bread bowl. They made beautiful loaves of bread out of bears, crabs, lobsters, and snakes. The bakery was huge and toted around the bread in big baskets high above your head on an pulley system, it was fascinating, I loved it.
After lunch we hopped on a large Ferry Boat and went on an hour tour of the bay. This was so fun, we went around and under the Golden Gate Bridge and then went around Alcatraz.
After the ferry boat we walked the wharf and saw and smelled the famous sea lions at Pier 39. There were loud and stinky. We walked around the fun stores of that area. Then we ended up getting on the cable car and got off near Lombard Street. I loved Lombard Street. So fun, So San Fransisco. We then got a little lost because we did not have a car. We were getting around on the bus and the BART. We did have a great map and found a kind local who pointed us the right direction to the restaurant.
I had chosen this restaurant and it came highly recommended. It was called Enrico's and has been opened since 1958. There were many famous people who have eaten there. Famous poets, authors like Steinbeck. It used to be a great hangout for the beatniks during the 60's and 70's, in short it was quite historic. What the guide book failed to mention was that it was not in the best side of town. The food was excellent. Italian Bistro style we shared a great salad and pizza. We ate there and loved it and then walked/jogged out of the area because it was a more than a little scary and was able to get back on the subway to the hotel. What a fun and perfect full day. We loved every moment of it even the bad side of town.
Thank you so much for the people who so graciously accepted to take our children for a couple of days, it was the perfect amount of time to be away. Thank you to all for allowing us some time away to have some fun as a couple. It was just what we needed as we continue to work through this difficult time as we are coming up on the first year anniversary. Thank you all for your unselfish service in our behalf.
Our trip began early as our flight left around 10:30. We arrived in SF around noon. The first item on the itinerary (yes we had one) was going to the temple. This part of the trip I refer to as our Oakland Adventure. We checked into the hotel and then hopped on the BART which is the subway through both cities. We took this to Oakland and could see the temple sitting high on the foothills of the city. Oakland is an industrial type of place. There were lots of shipping areas and factories. The streets were narrow and crowded. We decided to take a cab up to the temple. We met a very interesting cab driver, but aren't they all? He was very nice and talkative and of course Mike shared the Gospel with him as we wound up through the steep hills of Oakland. We made it up there and then arranged for him to come pick us up after. The Oakland temple is beautiful and sits high up on a hill and overlooks both cities and the bay. Truly majestic and breathtaking. The cab driver told us many people use it as a guide when driving around. The inside of the temple was huge as well as you can imagine. It felt a lot like the Salt Lake Temple in size. The session went well and then we walked around for a bit after. We went over to the visitor center and toured that while waiting for our ride. We then made it back to the subway and headed back into SF.
Our first item on the list then was to eat at the historic Joe's Cable Car Diner. This was Mike's pick which he got off of Diner, Drive In and Dives on Food Network. We loved it, so yummy. It has been there since 1965. It is a very small place about 10 tables. They hand cut the beef and then put it in the grinder for every order fresh. The butcher that night was named Nelson. Funny! We got a picture by him, it was a fun evening.
The next morning we arose early and were picked up by Tower Tours to begin our Deluxe City Tour. Our first stop on the tour was crossing over and then stopping near the Golden Gate Bridge as seen in the pictures. So beautiful. The weather was perfect, so sunny and warm, no fog, just great. Our next stop on the tour was at Golden Gate Park near the bridge. We were able to see where they do the outdoor shows in the summer and then toured the famed Japanese Tea Garden. This was a quiet, peaceful, beautiful place. We loved it. We then drove past the famed "Painted Ladies" which are the row of houses made famous from "Full House." Our next stop was at City Center and we walked around the financial area for a bit.
We were dropped off at Fisherman's Wharf by the bay. We then ate at the famous Boudine Bakery which was where sourdough was first invented. We enjoyed a great lunch of a clam chowder bread bowl. They made beautiful loaves of bread out of bears, crabs, lobsters, and snakes. The bakery was huge and toted around the bread in big baskets high above your head on an pulley system, it was fascinating, I loved it.
After lunch we hopped on a large Ferry Boat and went on an hour tour of the bay. This was so fun, we went around and under the Golden Gate Bridge and then went around Alcatraz.
After the ferry boat we walked the wharf and saw and smelled the famous sea lions at Pier 39. There were loud and stinky. We walked around the fun stores of that area. Then we ended up getting on the cable car and got off near Lombard Street. I loved Lombard Street. So fun, So San Fransisco. We then got a little lost because we did not have a car. We were getting around on the bus and the BART. We did have a great map and found a kind local who pointed us the right direction to the restaurant.
I had chosen this restaurant and it came highly recommended. It was called Enrico's and has been opened since 1958. There were many famous people who have eaten there. Famous poets, authors like Steinbeck. It used to be a great hangout for the beatniks during the 60's and 70's, in short it was quite historic. What the guide book failed to mention was that it was not in the best side of town. The food was excellent. Italian Bistro style we shared a great salad and pizza. We ate there and loved it and then walked/jogged out of the area because it was a more than a little scary and was able to get back on the subway to the hotel. What a fun and perfect full day. We loved every moment of it even the bad side of town.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Easter Egg Hunt and Bouncy Party On
So, here are some pictures of the last couple of days from our house.
As Joseph is still off track, we are going on little outings now and then to help pass the time. We went to Party On in Parker where they have a warehouse full of bouncy houses. They have a family fun night for $5 per kid to bounce and have a great time. The kids loved it as you can well imagine. I brought a book as usual and let the kids run around and have the time of their lives. They loved the pirate ship and bouncy castle that had a basketball hoop to make shots and then two slides to slide out of it. They had a huge fire engine slide as well. It was a great time.
The other pictures of from the Easter Egg Hunt at pre-school. The girls brought their Easter baskets and they had to hunt for eggs around Teacher Lori's house because it had snowed that morning. They had so much fun and I am pretty sure Joseph had just about as much fun as well. Although after the hunt he informed me that he really was too big for pre-school and that he really should be in 4th grade. I said you are in 4th grade just on break. He said "Oh, yeah, I forgot." They loved their little surprises they got in the eggs and made little bunny bags as well, so cute as usual.
Then yesterday afternoon I unfortunately realized that my dryer was no longer working. It was stone cold and the clothes in them were partly wet. I think it must have gone about a half a cycle before giving out. The problem with the washer and dryer is that we bought it used and do not even know how old it is to begin with. We purchased them when we purchased our town house. The woman we bought it from left them there. So, we have gotten a lot of life out of them. We have repaired the dryer once before years ago. But, decided then that if there was another problem then we would buy a new one. That is what happened. I piled the kids into the van and we went over to Home Depot which has become the store where we have bought all of our appliances. They had just started a sale yesterday giving you 10% off an appliance purchase. So, we have a new dryer. It cannot be delivered until Tuesday though because they do not deliver Sunday or Mondays and they are booked through the weekend. So, I will have to set aside my OCD ways and not do a load of laundry for the next couple of days. I think that it is the supreme irony that the last time we went on a trip we had to buy a fridge. Now we are going on another trip and have to buy a dryer. Does this mean we have to buy a washer in June? I sure hope not, but we will see.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
All About the Hubble
So, today the kids and I went to see the I-MAX at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Joseph is off track right now so it was a nice afternoon activity to do. He needed to go to a museum to help earn part of an activity badge for Weblos. We have been to the Museum several times, so I thought it would be fun to go and see the movie there.
It was beautiful and amazing. They showed the astronauts repairing the Hubble for the last time before it is lost into space. They have repaired the telescope several times before and this was the final time and they were able to place several new lenses into it to see the vast expanse of space more clearly. It was fascinating. They had many different shots of space and stars. So clear and breathtaking. I learned something new as well. When you are in orbit, the sun rises and sets every 90 minuets, who knew?
They showed one of the astronauts eating a chicken burrito while on the aircraft. The burrito with the chicken on it flipped over entirely and the chicken never fell off. Incredible. Remind me never to go up in space though, the female astronaut's hair was sticking straight up the whole time and looked quite silly, not my thing I need my hair by my head thank you very much. If you need something to do with the kids, this was a fun outing.
It was beautiful and amazing. They showed the astronauts repairing the Hubble for the last time before it is lost into space. They have repaired the telescope several times before and this was the final time and they were able to place several new lenses into it to see the vast expanse of space more clearly. It was fascinating. They had many different shots of space and stars. So clear and breathtaking. I learned something new as well. When you are in orbit, the sun rises and sets every 90 minuets, who knew?
They showed one of the astronauts eating a chicken burrito while on the aircraft. The burrito with the chicken on it flipped over entirely and the chicken never fell off. Incredible. Remind me never to go up in space though, the female astronaut's hair was sticking straight up the whole time and looked quite silly, not my thing I need my hair by my head thank you very much. If you need something to do with the kids, this was a fun outing.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
About the Pictures
So, here are some pictures over the last couple of weeks.
Last week Joseph had his pine wood derby. His car is the red one. He named it Manly Katherine. Manly after a decal that he placed on it and then Katherine after Katherine of course. He informed us that when we cheered for the car as it was racing that we should only say Go Manly! Go Figure?! He also received several activity badge pins for his Weblos and is planning to earn his badge within three months. He is so excited about that and is looking forward to earning it. Joseph loves scouts.
The boys had their first baseball game yesterday. It was Mike' s coaching debut and it went really well. They lost, but I am sure they will win some games later in the season as they get used to playing together as a team. It was nice to have some warm weather to play in, it was a great weekend weather wise.
I went riding on Friday afternoon as Mike had the day off for Good Friday. The lesson went very well except when I rammed my foot into the side of the fence in the arena. It was my fault, I asked Big Tom to move forward into the canter and he moved forward as asked of course but my foot got in the way of the fence. It made a really loud sound and then I felt stupid. Laurie was worried that I was hurt. I said the only thing hurt was my pride. As seen in the pictures I have on my new pants, hat, and gloves. I bought new riding gloves to go with my new fancy horse. If I may be so bold as to say Big Tom is my horse. He is mine for an hour once a week right? Laurie with several of her younger riders is going to California for two weeks to compete in a horse show there. They are planning to rent a condo there and stay the whole time. How fun for them, I hope they do well.
We had a good Easter. We did our Easter egg hunt yesterday after the afternoon session of conference. The girls got new blankets as their old blankets were being held together by tape, they were in some sad shape. Joseph got a new kite for the spring. He also got a toy that records everything you say. Every time we check out at Target my kids are drawn to this toy which is just by the registers. They love it and play with it every time we are there. So, the Easter Bunny brought it to Joseph. What the Easter Bunny did not realize was how loud it is and how much the kids want to play with it all the time, what was the Bunny thinking?
We went and saw Katherine today. She got a bunny and some pretty Easter Lillies. We sure miss her and love her very much. Holidays are very difficult when you have lost someone you love. It has been hard.
Last week Joseph had his pine wood derby. His car is the red one. He named it Manly Katherine. Manly after a decal that he placed on it and then Katherine after Katherine of course. He informed us that when we cheered for the car as it was racing that we should only say Go Manly! Go Figure?! He also received several activity badge pins for his Weblos and is planning to earn his badge within three months. He is so excited about that and is looking forward to earning it. Joseph loves scouts.
The boys had their first baseball game yesterday. It was Mike' s coaching debut and it went really well. They lost, but I am sure they will win some games later in the season as they get used to playing together as a team. It was nice to have some warm weather to play in, it was a great weekend weather wise.
I went riding on Friday afternoon as Mike had the day off for Good Friday. The lesson went very well except when I rammed my foot into the side of the fence in the arena. It was my fault, I asked Big Tom to move forward into the canter and he moved forward as asked of course but my foot got in the way of the fence. It made a really loud sound and then I felt stupid. Laurie was worried that I was hurt. I said the only thing hurt was my pride. As seen in the pictures I have on my new pants, hat, and gloves. I bought new riding gloves to go with my new fancy horse. If I may be so bold as to say Big Tom is my horse. He is mine for an hour once a week right? Laurie with several of her younger riders is going to California for two weeks to compete in a horse show there. They are planning to rent a condo there and stay the whole time. How fun for them, I hope they do well.
We had a good Easter. We did our Easter egg hunt yesterday after the afternoon session of conference. The girls got new blankets as their old blankets were being held together by tape, they were in some sad shape. Joseph got a new kite for the spring. He also got a toy that records everything you say. Every time we check out at Target my kids are drawn to this toy which is just by the registers. They love it and play with it every time we are there. So, the Easter Bunny brought it to Joseph. What the Easter Bunny did not realize was how loud it is and how much the kids want to play with it all the time, what was the Bunny thinking?
We went and saw Katherine today. She got a bunny and some pretty Easter Lillies. We sure miss her and love her very much. Holidays are very difficult when you have lost someone you love. It has been hard.
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