Well have to say that the weather was amazing in San Francisco. We woke up early, had a bagel and coffee for breakfast, just to introduce Lynn to the typical American workers breakfast, then hopped a very old trolley car down to the wharves where our boat to Alcatraz was awaiting. Have to say that it was a pretty amazing trip out there and a rather spooky place to be, knowing all the crazies that had been locked up in the cells here.

When we got back to the mainland it was off for a prawn lunch then a ride on the Cable Cars. Lynn decided that she wanted to hang off the side of the cable car as we hooted up and down the hills – getting the wind in her hair! All topped off by a trip into China town where we went necklace shopping and negotiating with the locals for great deals!

Topped off by the obligatory cocktail at 7pm – this time we introduced Lynn to the Gimlet! (equal parts gin and roses lime cordial)

Anyway, here are a few pictures to keep the world happy

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Well, it is said that the cure to Jet-Lag is lots of sunshine and exercise. So, taking this concept literally and having been informed by Lynn that she was fit and healthy, we headed up, up, up the streets of San Francisco. And boy were they steep, but the nice thing is that there were little stops along the way and it took hardly any time to reach the top, after which the views of San Francisco Bay were just amazing.

So day two was a ride in the tram cars out to the Castro, a walk up and over Buena Vista Park, then down into the Haight. The Castro was not as gay is it could be, but still lots of rainbow flags and beautiful a beautify village feel. Then the hike over Buena Vista Park was great. Lynn saw her first squirrel and became rather animated. The Haight was more druggy than I recall, dope smell everywhere haha. Then off into the park for the zen of the Japanese Tea Gardens.

Right, hope you enjoy the photos … Paul & Lynn

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Okie dokie, so we are rebirthing this blog to deal with the fact that Ma and I are having a small holiday in the USA.

I surprised myself and got to JFK by 330am and over to SFO by 930am to collect Ma from the airport. Long flying days for the both of us by the sounds of it. But of course when you have jet-lag building up the very best thing is lots of fresh air, sunshine and exercise – and San Francisco did not fail us on any of those fronts.

We walked up hills, we walked down hills, we walked to the wharf, we walked through department stores … then eventually after cocktails and clam chowder served in a sour-dough bread bowl, we caught a taxi back to the hotel.

Here are a few pics for general entertainment:

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So many people comment that blogs and blogging evolve over time. I started this blog as a way to keep my family and loved one up to date on life in New York. But I learnt a long while back that my family never looks at the site and I would rather call my loved one on the phone.

So it is time for blogesphere evolution. I may still see myself as a Kiwi but certainly not a Hobbit. I got rid of the hairy feet weeks ago. I don’t really know what I see myself as today, perhaps more a Kiwi present in New York City for this little while.

So I will move the blog on. Should anyone still ever look at this space or have a morbid curiosity, I am taking my cause to a new space, www.SubstantiallyPresent.com amd naturally would love to see you there should you care.

Paul

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Gawd damn, I didn’t realize that I have been devoid of posts since the beginning of the year. Well since summer has arrived in New York City it is time for more cafe visits and blogging.

I have to confess that it has been quite an adjustment moving into the Financial District. To say it is quiet is an understatement. Still this can have its advantages. Between my apartment and the harbor is, umm well, nothing, except the park. Being able to smell sea air makes this stranded NY Kiwi at least get a small sense of home. The commute to work involves a walk up the Battery Park promenade, along the river. Also there are more places in the area for food and coffee than I thought would have existed.

Anyone who knows me realizes that espresso is core to my personality (only second to fantastic fresh inspiring cooking). Moving to FiDi from the West Village was like having my life support needles ripped from my veins. Its was a serious void down here, Starbucks (not going so far as to say I “hate” Starbucks – hating is so ugly – and Starbucks is acceptable when the urge calls – just suffers big franchise problems that any corporate suffers) and tar-like muck scrapped off the street-vendors stall, mixed with hot water and served as “cowfee”. So just as I was considering topping myself (hmm well maybe not as dramatically as one of my neighbors), a friend threw me a lifeline of hope, Jack’s at South Seaport. An institution of hippie coffee culture in the West Village, Jack’s is all about authentic experience, organic coffees and great atmosphere. This has been recreated on Front Street, with a huge (well huge as compared to WeVil) space, exposed brick walls, picture windows onto the street, haha and some kind guy upstairs who hasn’t yet secured his WiFi connection (haha thanks man!). Yeah so perhaps, JUST perhaps, I may consider an apartment lease renewal for another year. Oh and other good news, Jack’s is just across the road from Nelson Blue – the other New Zealand pub/bar in FiDi.

So yes – I think I am back on the map. Oh and feel free to check out my Yelp reviews. I love Yelp, helps me find the great spots around town that locals really like.

PS – OUT IN TOWN NOW – WILL POST PIX SOON

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