Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Stepping out in San Francisco........and New York!!

Hello lovelies, I have landed back down to earth having returned from the most amazing holiday ever!! You might remember my daughter and son-in-law gifted me tickets to fly my good husband and myself over to San Francisco to holiday with them and explore and discover the sights and places they call home, and I must say it was fabulous....beyond fabulous, actually! Though the getting to San Fran threw us a few curve balls when we finally exited the airport at San Fran into the arms of our daughter, I must say we all breathed a very big sigh of relief and were beyond ready for the holiday fun to begin.

LAX Immigration and Customs is enough to put the fear of God into the most seasoned of travellers. You see, when my husband and I followed the 'cattle trail' through immigration, and it was our turn to  leave the herd, to be set free, the very serious government official behind the counter soberly informed us that 'the system' had rejected us!!!!! How could that be, I thought as I stared back at him nonplussed???? I had just spent over 18 hours in several planes  and the very thought of more 'joyous flying' way up high in the blue, blue sky all the way back again was incomprehensible!!!!!! What!!!!! Reject me and my good husband!!!!! Whatever for!!!!! I mean really, what has the USofA got to fear from the two of us. Perhaps the 'kindly' immigration fellow saw the steely gaze behind my green eyes or perhaps, just perhaps, he had surmised that we were not drug runners, neither were we smugglers of contraband, nor indeed terrorists, because after many questions ensuring we were not illegals who were going to become lost in the system to never return to our homeland, and checking that our return flights had been booked and we had accommodation for the entire trip  (suddenly I remembered the fine print on our ESTA visa waivers that this approval by no means signifies the certainty of entry into the USA.......the recollection of all those horror stories I have watched on those border patrol TV shows were rather ghoulishly swirling around in my consciousness) very kindly said......"well the glitch in the system may well have rejected you, BUT....I am going to put the blue rubber stamp of approval on your passports......enjoy your holiday." Phew...thank the Good Lord for that!! With this serious fellow's blessing and before he had the opportunity to change his mind, we high-tailed out of there faster than that wily road runner ever could run, to our next 'port of call'.

Aah yes.......about that next port of call. When we arrived at the Delta airline check in counter, the lady behind the desk in one of those 'plane, trains and automobiles' kinda voices (those of you whom have  seen the scene of the interchange between the rent-a-car woman behind the desk and Steve Martin....know exactly what I mean) said that there was no record of our names on the flight to San Fran.....a fact that she thought the need to repeat over and over again. At this juncture, with my nerves just a little frayed, I thought of doing a 'Steve Martin' and catapulting over the counter to help the kind lady find us on her computer, but thought perhaps not. =) Oh the joys of immigration, customs, security after security checks, check ins etc etc etc!! This dour faced lady moved us on to the 'Those with Impossible Problems' desk where it took a rather pleasant fellow 20 minutes to sort out our predicament (I might add at this point I had the booking confirmation of our flight and seat numbers), which then found us running to the gate (which was just about to close) to fall thoroughly exhausted onto the plane. My poor ol' 60 year old legs ain't quite up to running the mile in under a minute anymore. I can laugh about it now but at the time...........well, let's just say my rather droll sense of humour deserted me for just a little while. I have no idea how all of you whom are regular jet setters cope with it all. I totally get that added precautions are now put in place in the USofA.....and quite rightly so.......but I tell you, Los Angeles airport ain't no picnic. The next time I jet to San Francisco perhaps it will be a direct flight, bypassing LA totally!

But enough of the travails of  zooming aerodynamically from one end of the globe to another. The sight of our daughter standing at the lounge to greet us quickly put what had transpired into the dark recesses of our minds and we were determined to let the holiday fun, fun, fun begin.

I love San Francisco! The City by the Bay is truly a most amazing city. It is such a relaxed and friendly city with the best vibes. My husband and I  had the best of times spending precious time with both our daughter and her husband in their lovely home. We enjoyed so many shared experiences. My daughter and I share a love of movies, so what better way to start our holiday than a three hour bus tour with a tour guide sharing her wealth of San Francisco and cinema knowledge. It was a fabulous tour. The tour guide matched clips of movies to scenes right outside the bus windows as we drove by. I didn't realise that so many movies or indeed scenes in movies were made in San Francisco; 78 to be precise. Places such as the spot at the Golden Gate Bridge where Kim Novak, in the movie, Vertigo, jumped into the water and Jimmy Stewart saved her. Scenes from Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (one of my favourite movies), the house where the family lived in Mrs Doubtfire. Various locations from 'that' famous chase scene in the movie Bullitt....remember Steve McQueen??? The High School that Anne Hathaway attended in The Princess Diaries, City Hall in the movie The Wedding Planner and so, so many more. As a movie buff who used to watch many a movie with my darling mum, this tour was a highlight. At the end of the tour my husband, daughter and me (my SIL had to work this day) enjoyed lunch at the Boudin Bakery and Museum where I enjoyed a delicious meal of clam chowder. Of course upon leaving we bought many bakery delights to enjoy that evening.

The holiday continued with a ferry ride to Sausalito, drinking in the blue, blue sky with the Bay Bridge looming far in the distance and the infamous Alcatraz rising from the sea. Fisherman's Wharf, the seals basking in the sun on Pier 39, the Painted Ladies....those gorgeous Victorian houses were a treat for the eyes. In saying this though, I loved, loved, LOVED the architecture in San Fransisco. So, so many gorgeous buildings of different eras painting the landscape. Each and every house sings with gorgeous details, each building different to that which stands beside it. I could happily live in any one of those 'to-die-for' houses. Why, one of those Victorian beauties sitting atop Nob Hill with a view of San Francisco Bay would do very nicely, thank you very much!

A cable car ride was a must as was also a visit to Grace Cathedral. Walking through Grace Cathedral was both soulful and inspiring. Strolling around this beautiful building made me feel rather insignificant. There are sublime painted murals depicting San Franciscan life through the ages. Oh, the exquisite stained glass windows! There is even a stained glass window way, way up high of the astronaut, John Glen.....so very cool. I noticed a glorious needlepoint 'kneeler' where people who were so inclined, kneel to pray. It was beautiful and if one feels the need to kneel when they pray, then why not rest them ol' knees on such pretty stitched handiwork. Just so you know, I left the needlepoint there......I did not add it to my collection!

A drive to the incredible Muirs Woods was another highlight. Never have I seen gorgeous trees filled with enchantment such as these, towering to the heavens. We all felt rather lilliputian standing amongst these magical beauties. As I walked along the path dwarfed by these wonders I was filled with a sense of wonderment, a witness to beautiful creation.

The day before we were to fly home our daughter and SIL took us for a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and through the beautiful countryside to our destination of Frances Ford Coppola's winery at Sonoma, to enjoy a delicious lunch, sitting in the glorious sunshine, overlooking the lush vineyard with immaculately dressed waiters attending to our every need. A most beautiful place filled with movie memorabilia and I might add a tipple or two of mighty fine wine.





















Now here is where my daughter's birthday gift to me became a little bit more exciting, if indeed that was at all possible. Safely ensconced in the living room of my daughter and son-in-law with a wine in hand chilling out after the airport debacle, my daughter proceeded to tell me that there was one more surprise. The four of us were going to jet off to New York for four days!!!!!! At this juncture you could've knocked me over with a feather as I could not believe what I was hearing. New York City has always been on the top of my list of cities to visit. As long as I can remember this has been so and my daughter knowing this, thought how wonderful it would be if the four of us could experience New York together. I know WOWSERS!!!

New York was everything I have ever imagined it would be and so, so much more! We had four days to tick off the boxes of the places that the four of us would like to visit and experience. We stayed in an airb&b in Brooklyn which rather felt like being in a scene of a movie. I rather felt as if I was "in the hood". It was a fascinating place. The four of us felt like four white fish in a fishbowl with the African American community and people from other ethnicities looking in. I loved the experience of staying in Brooklyn. I must say at this juncture that I loved, loved, LOVED the ethnic diversity of both San Francisco and New York. I adored the diverse cultural influences that make up these two cities. Each day we journeyed NYC and back 'home' again via the subway.....a most interesting experience.

To gain a better insight of where everything was located in NYC and what we would like to investigate further, we spent a good part of day one sightseeing on an open bus, drinking in the sights, smells, sounds; street after street of incredible, vertiginous buildings. The architecture is unbelievable. It was freezing up there on top of the open air bus, a freezing 8°C with a chill factor below zero. Aah yes......a lovely Spring day in New York City! Though I would have loved to see the trees in blossom I rather loved the sculptural beauty of the bare trees against the incredible buildings.

But...back to the matter of ticking off those boxes. The September 11 Memorial and Museum was I think, way up the list, if not the highlight of my New York visit. We took a guided tour and then walked around the museum trying to absorb all that was before us. I found it poignant, evocative, solemn, reflective, haunting...........and just so, so sad. There were many times when the tears trickled down my cheek as I read the deeply personal stories, the human drama and tragedies. The Memorial's twin reflecting pools which sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood is a most beautiful tribute. As I read the names inscribed in bronze panels I was deeply moved.

There were many other amazing experiences. Catching the ferry to Liberty Island and seeing the Statue of Liberty is something that I have always wanted to do. Sailing towards Liberty Island, I could not help but be reminded of 'her' symbolism of  freedom and democracy. I could only wonder of the powerful statement, a beacon of hope 'she' was to those millions of immigrants who journeyed through the years to Ellis Island, clutching their dreams of a better life. To wander through the museum reading how 'she' came into being was fascinating and climbing the 169 steps to view the glorious outlook from the pedestal was memorable. The New York skyline from this vantage point was amazing! I didn't think my poor ol' knees would carry me up those winding steps.....but they did!!

Now, when in New York one must experience the New York skyline at night. What better way to view "The City that never sleeps" than to 'fly' in an elevator to the top of the Rockefeller Building 'The Rock', to look at the millions of scintillating lights. There are no words to describe the resplendent beauty of New York City at night. An experience I will remember for a very long time!

Then there was the marvel of Times Square!! I don't think there is anywhere on earth quite like Times Square. Standing in the middle of Times Square by both day and night is like nothing I have ever experienced! The bright and dazzling neon lights, billboards and advertisements, the hordes of people....it was wild.

The four of us went to New York with an agreed objective to enjoy as many different cuisines that was on offer. Little Italy, China Town, Haitian, Mexican, the famous Katz's Deli (of the movie 'When Harry met Sally' fame....remember THAT scene??). I still don't believe the amount of pastrami or corned beef on two little slices of bread! It was rather akin to eating a whole cow!! Oh, then there were the pickles.....delish! Other gastronomical delights were Southern fare....the best sticky lamb ribs ever, burgers and the mighty damn good milkshakes at the Shake Shak, the best desserts from the Canoli King....New York baked cheesecake....each spoonful was heaven AND then we happened upon Magnolia Cup Cakes.....oh those red velvet cupcakes!!! Unbelievable!! We packed in a lot of eating in those four days. Believe it or not my waistline did not expand, if anything it is a little smaller because we walked from the early hours of the morning to well into the evening. Nothing like fourteen hours plus of pounding the pavement each day to keep those calories at bay!

What is a gal to do in New York but to see a show on Broadway. The four of us saw the Broadway production of Aladdin playing in the New Amsterdam Theatre. It was spectacular and just a little aside, the part of Jafar was played by the original actor, Jonathon Freeman in the Walt Disney animated movie starring Robin Williams. Major Attaway who played the genie was fabulous. This part was his Broadway debut and I feel the world is going to hear a lot of this talented actor! LOVED this production; indeed, another highlight to tick off.

Strolling along 5th Avenue (pretending we were a couple of swells) was a pleasurable experience also; window shopping at Tiffany's, Valentino, Saks of Fifth Avenue.......oh the beautiful window displays.....it made my li'l ol' stylist heart sing! Then there was Central Park...a most beautiful acres upon acres oasis in downtown Manhattan.

Then there was a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. Loved walking around the different exhibits and participating in some of the interactive displays. So, so much to take in! I would have loved to visit the National Museum of the American Indian, but alas we just ran out of time.

BUT.....perhaps the piece-de-resistance for me was something that I had wanted to do forever. To visit the Garment District located on Seventh Avenue, where there was shop after shop burgeoning with bolts of silks, brocades, velvets, organzas, french laces, cottons......every pretty I could have ever magically whipped up was there.....in the thousands. Moods Fabrics..........a most amazing store!! Believe it or not I could not think of what I wanted to buy.....it was just so overwhelming. I haven't quite come down from those arty farty, textile embellished clouds, where cherubs float way up high with length after length of diaphanous silks covering their modesty. Oh to be able to just slip out of your apartment whenever you desired and find your way to the Garment District to purchase  that perfect fabric or embellishment....HEAVEN!!


















All in all San Fracisco and New York was a 'once in a lifetime' holiday for me. I don't think I have laughed as much, eaten as much, walked as much, been amazed as much, been exhilarated as much, been bedazzled as much.....EVER!! I loved every second of this trip. I am so, so very thankful for my sweet, sweet girl of mine and yes, my sweet, sweet son-in-law for making my dreams come true; memories I will treasure forever. Loved, loved, LOVED every precious moment I spent with my beautiful Pip and wonderful, oh-so-funny Leon.....and of course my darling husband! Sitting here in my far rural outpost swapping the bedazzling lights of New York City for the theatre of the night sky filled with thousands of twinkling stars that I call home, I still can't quite believe it all happened, that only a little while ago I was experiencing all those dreams that I can now tick off........but it did happen as I have the happy snaps and selfies to prove it!!

Until the next time.............................

46 comments:

  1. Wow...just WOW! What a trip! I have never been to either place and even though I live right here in the USA, I think I would feel just as overwhelmed as you...well, maybe not but both of those place are totally out of my league although I would love to visit them, just to say I've been there. What a perfectly wonderful gift that were given by that sweet girl of yours...who is a real beauty, I might add. Thank you so much for sharing you beautiful photos...it was almost like being there...well, maybe not quite but you know what I mean! Welcome "home"!

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  2. Oh no...I just left a big ol' long comment and it disappeared! What a marvelous gift given to by your beautiful girl (and she is that). I have never been to either of those places and it would seem just as unreal to me as it did to you....totally out of my element! So...Happy, Happy Belated Birthday, friend! It was so wonderful to see your beautiful smiling face in those photos! HUGS!

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  3. Your travel don't start with the best of omens but ends perfectly !
    What a beautiful trip for your Birthday ! Precious moments to remember !
    Thanks for sharing !
    Hug
    Anna

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  4. Wow! Your travelogue is fantastic! You wrote about your experience so beautifully and deeply I could feel the excitement and joy myself! So many wondrous adventures and amazing time spent with loved ones! Is there anything more precious than that?
    I guess the airport drama was worth it and your hilarious writing brought tears from laughing (and imagining) everything. You should definitely write a comedy!

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  5. Wowsers! What an amazing trip this is. Your family photos are full of happiness, it is a joy to see. I visited San Francisco with my mum some twenty years ago but would love to go back. Also New York. The garment district would be top of my list and seeing the pastrami sandwich here, it has to go on my list, too. Fabulous. I visited the US a few times and I always thought that US immigration is very hostile. I remember feeling quite intimidated. I am glad your immigration officer was one with a good heart. Enjoy revelling in your wonderful memories xx

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  6. Wow, it sounds absolutely wonderful and I’m so glad you all thoroughly enjoyed yourselves xx

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  7. Oh Kim what a fabulous holiday!!! You might almost not in, what a nightmare. But happily it turned out good.
    You had a beautiful city trip, and then New York!
    I think the stomachs in USA are much, much bigger than ours.
    You both had a dream trip.
    Hugs. ♥

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    1. I too, think the stomachs in the USofA are much bigger than ours, Loes. The portion quantity of each meal is astounding! One meal filled me up for the entire day. It was fabulous to experience America; a dream trip as you say! Thank you, lovely lady for stopping by. Have a most beautiful day. Kim Xx

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  8. OH MY GOODNESS, what a trip of a lifetime, Kim!! However, the arrival at the airport must've been something you'd like to forget. I'm so glad that it all turned out okay...goodness gracious. You and your dear hubby were certainly blessed and spoiled by your daughter and son-in-law, I must say. My late beloved and I visited San Francisco for just a short time, after visiting Sonoma. We did see the Redwoods and I thought the magic of them was something that I will never forget. NYC is another place we visited, but so very long ago. Thank you for sharing all the beautiful photos of the places you visited and also all of your happy faces. I know you'll treasure these memories forever in you heart. Love and hugs to you!

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  9. Wow Kim, what a fantastic trip! I have not been to SAN Fran since my 40th birthday (25 years ago). Your account of it took me right back. And then to go to New York too! It must have been amazing. The photos are brilliant btw.

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  10. Hello dear Kim ... yes indeed a trip of a lifetime!! So pleased you had the most wonderful time ... have very much enjoyed reading of your travels & also pleased you are now home safely on "terra firma". What a most wonderful experience for you both. Xxx

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  11. What a wonderfully amazing time you had! :) So good!

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  12. Oh, I’m so glad you had such an exciting and memorable trip! It sounds like you took it all in and enjoyed every minute with your special loved ones! I’m not surprised one of your highlights was NYC’s garment district. I had to chuckle out loud when I read about that! What a wonderful trip!!
    Zenda

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  13. Excellent! What a wonderful time! How exciting.

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  14. Wasn't it just fabulous!! The bad thing about most trips is that you just don't have enough time to really experience the place you are visiting. And you got to visit two of the most exciting cities in the USA. I am blown away that your daughter gifted this entire visit for you. My brother had 3 kids in college at the same time which was a real financial hardship. All three have given them wonderful opportunities to do things they would never been able to do.

    Thank you for sharing a recount of your travels with all the most wonderful pictures and commentary. It was interesting and entertaining.

    xx, Carol

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  15. I am so glad that your trip was so wonderful and I enjoyed your pictures. When I first started to read I was so scared it was not going to end up good. I am so happy that your trip went great after all the mix up.

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  16. That sounds like the most fabulous gift you could ever get!! I have been to NYC a number of times and I am surprised at how much you saw in such a short time. I would love to go west to see San Francisco, or a dozen other places I can think of. Your pictures tell a wonderfully fun story. Your daughter and hubby look like sweet people that are fun to hang around with!

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  17. A fabulous adventure, Kim. Wonderful, indeed! So much to see and do. I believe you covered it quite nicely. From the magical redwoods to Broadway and many points in between. Lovely!
    Wonderful pictures. You daughter and her husband are, most decidedy, dear hearts. 💕

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    1. Yes my daughter and her husband are truly dear hearts! It was amazing to experience this dream holiday with them. There was so, so much fun and laughter and precious memories to be had by all! Thank you for your sweet comments, lovely Dixie. Kim Xx

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  18. omgoodness, you stayed in brooklyn, brooklyn!!! we usually drive thru quickly and i always feel a little nervous!! i am so happy you enjoyed new york, for some, it is an acquired taste. i live about 1 hour south of the city, we don't visit a lot but we visit enough...and always at christmas. all of your pictures were very familiar, all places i have visited. i'm glad you got to see a show, broadway is amazing!!!!

    i will have to come back, i did not have time to read all of this. i have never been to san fransisco and i want to read through and not skim!!

    your pictures are WONDERFUL and i am so happy you had such an amazing time!!

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  19. Oh Kim, I am sorry that the trip started off so bad, but I am glad you were able to leave that all behind and really enjoy your trip and get the most out of it that you could. You were able to squeeze so much into it all, I don't think I would have the energy to do all that you managed. I have been to New York a few times since we lived in New Jersey but I have never been to California at all. Thanks for sharing your incredible trip!! Glad you had a safe trip!

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  20. Thank you, Kim, for sharing this wonderful trip with us! Your daughter and son-in-law are real hearts for organizing such an unforgettable time with them! The arrival in San Francisco was a bit harrowing but it was worth the while! The city looks fascinating and so interesting to visit! I also enjoy your pictures from New York that remind me of my trip to the Big Apple 6 years ago.But I missed the Garment District and Moods Fabrics. I think I must plan a new trip to make up for this :))

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  21. You certainly were lucky - that’s a fabulous trip. SF is a wonderful destination and New York was the cherry on top.

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    1. New York was the biggest cherry on top, Ann. Hope you are enjoying a great weekend. Kim Xx

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  22. OM Gosh! What a trip; what a holiday; what an amazing birthday gift; what a child! I'm sorry for the debacle going through customs and other flying troubles though, I admit, I'm glad to know 'they' are being vigilant. I lived for a couple of years in the SF area (Oakland and Alameda) but visited San Fran often. All your fabulous pictures and reminiscences were like balm to my heart. Then...to top it off with a NY trip is unbelievable. I can almost picture your excursion into the Garment District and how exciting it was to see all that beauty in fabrics. Were you able to purchase any lovelies to take back to Tass with you? Thank you for sharing with us your wonderful trip. You have been blessed as well as being a blessing to us.

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  23. What a delightful post - so full of the wonder of your glorious trip. San Francisco is one of our favorite places and when we lived in Northern California we would visit as often as we could. All the beauties you spoke of - the houses, the bridges, the scenery, the parks, the cable cars, the lovely people - we never could get enough of it. One time we were headed for the airport in San Francisco and got lost among the construction (on a warm summer day, with the windows down in our car) and I said to Don, I have no idea now how to get to the airport - and a man in the next car heard me and pointed a certain direction and shouted - get in the far left lane and follow that to exit number - - - (which I now forget), and he waved and drove happily off. We did as he said and arrived just as he intended us to - you just can't beat the people of San Francisco - even on a busy construction filled freeway. I'm so glad they got you all figured out at LAX - no one wants to travel through LAX but it is often a must, unfortunately. Your trip to New York sounds fabulous too - though I've never been there - but our son has and he loved it. It makes me happy that you had such a fabulous vacation - and your photos are such fun, as always I had to read through two or three times to catch every bit of the fun. Enjoy your memories my dear and have a grand weekend.

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  24. Hi Kim your images are so amazing!!!!that wonderful holiday and experience :) hugs and kiss <3

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    1. Thank you so very much, lovely lady! My 'little' trip was a most wonderful experience. Kim Xx

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  25. today, i read about san francisco, the cable car, the golden gate and those row homes!! your pictures captured the trip so well - and some pretty awesome selfies too!!

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  26. I am so thrilled for you! What a nice trip to both cities and your photos are beautiful. So many wonderful activities you enjoyed!

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  27. Goodness Kim, what a wonderful adventure and amazing photos to share with us. Generous daughter and son in law, a trip to be treasured.

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  28. So glad you had such a good time - thanks for sharing with your amazing photos.

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  29. Oh, how wonderful! You DID have a glorious visit! I love those sea lions in San Fransisco. You guys look happy, happy, happy!
    Next time, you must come to Denver, too!

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  30. Oh my, how fabulous! Not only San Fran, but New York as well. We have been to San Fran a few times and did many of the same things. I really love visiting there. Can you believe, that we have never been to N.Y.? On my bucket list for sure. Loved seeing your fun photos and what cute couples you all are!!
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. I thought you, lovely Jann, would have been to New York. You would love it. You will have to go one day, after all it is only a 'short' flight away for you. =) Kim Xx

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  31. Happy Holidays! Love to join the bakery tour (obviously counting on lots of samples!!)! Looks like you had a fantastic visit! Anna x

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    1. I have never been to a bakery quite like Boudin! It was amazing, both with the history and of course the delicious treats. I am still salivating just thinking about all those pastries! The best sour dough I have ever tasted. Thanks for visiting, lovely Anna. Kim Xx

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  32. Oh, what a wonderful birthday present! Loved reading about your amazing adventures and seeing all the lovely photos. I've been to both places and they are amazing cities. So glad that you had a good time with your dear loved ones. Such adorable family photos! Glad you weren't 'deported', too. Geez! LAX is like that. Hope you get to visit Seattle someday. xx Karen

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    1. It was a most amazing birthday present, wasn't it. I too am so, so happy we were not deported; for a while there I thought it could be a possibility. I am not a fan of LAX at all. I would love to visit Seattle one day, Karen. Kim Xx

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  33. Wow Kim, what a trip! It looks like you all had a wonderful time! I know what you mean about all the walking on our 60 yr old legs!!! LOL! I haven't been to San Francisco but hope too! We were in NYC at Christmas time and it was just magical! I do want to get back to see a show. We saw the Rockettes while we were there and it was a fantastic show! How very wonderful of your daughter to plan this trip for you! I am so sorry you encountered a problem on your way in. Glad it did not spoil your trip! By the looks on all your faces, I'd say it was the best gift ever, for everyone!!! Lovely photos! xx

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    1. I can only imagine how magical NYC is at Christmas time! I can just imagine Times Square with the Christmas tree with all the lights, and all the shop windows! It was the best trip ever, Linda. So, so many magical memories to hold close. Kim Xx

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  34. Talk about an incredible trip! I've read your post a couple of times and can read your joy in all of it. What an amazing trip - and an amazing birthday celebration.

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  35. What a great gift! A wonderful holiday and birthday celebration. Looked like you truly had a fabulous time and created wonderful memories.

    -Soma

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  36. Thank you for sharing all your adventures and photos. I enjoyed every one of them. Apart from the customs issues, that really does sound like the holiday of a lifetime :)

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  37. Wow, what a great travel (with a horrible beginning, uaah - ), thanks for sharing :)
    For me from the far Germany, which I cannot least (as a disabled person without money) it's always a great thing to read about travels and see alle the photos.
    Enjoy your time

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  38. Wonderful time,great pics!I went to NY in 1996 with my hubbie and we love the trip so much,especially the Metropolitan museum...It is in my bucket list:go there again with my sons...Your daughter is beautiful!Hugs!

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