It wouldn’t be a proper visit of New York City, if you missed the best city view! Top of the Rock Observation Deck is a can’t miss New York attraction, especially in the spring! Seventy floors up, right in the heart of Rockefeller Center, you’ll experience the most breaking views in the city, with indoor and outdoor viewing decks that offer 360 degrees of skyline.. 

I don’t know WHEN the people from Instagram take their super sunny pictures with endless view of NYC, the Empire State Building & Central Park. Because whenever I am in the city, it’s cloudy, foggy and smoggy… And I’m in the city quite often. But I know WHERE you can get the best view for your Instagram pictures… From the Top of the Rockefeller Center a.k.a. Top of the Rock!

Top of the Rock

Our flights from Abu Dhabi to JFK belong to the hardest and most tiring ones so most of the cabin crew usually stay at the hotel sleeping for whole layover. Usually I’m not the exemption, but from time to time I grab some last sources of energy and take the train to the city. Because… It’s New York! And this time I have my good friend Julia on board with me so we have to take the opportunity even though it’s cloudy agaaaain! I’ve booked the ticket for Top of the Rock easily online on topoftherocknyc.com with a specific date and time of entrance. Usually it’s overcrowded, so think about it in advance. But I’ve managed to find the suitable date for us few minutes before leaving our hotel. When we reach the gates, we are told by security that there is ZERO visibility upstairs. And we are allowed to come another time with the same ticket. “Is it gonna be better later today?” asks Julia. “Not today,” is the honest answer. But as we have only 24 hours in NYC we will decide to go up anyway. Visibility is really bad, but the atmosphere is still great… And there is almost ZERO tourists! 

Practical info

Top of the Rock is open daily from 8:00 am to midnight. Last elevator goes up at 11:00 pm. Entrance fee is $38 and it’s always better to book it online. Top of the Rock operates on a timed ticketing system. When purchasing your ticket, you can select the exact time that works best for you. If you’re not sure, when you want to go, unscheduled tickets are also available. However, they must be exchanged for timed ticket prior to entry. Better weather, more tourists, more crowds, less options available. With VIP access you can enjoy the priority elevator access. With the CityPass voucher you can save some money and visit major attractions of NYC for cheaper prices. The main entrance to Top of the Rock is located on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. Look for the big red carpet! The view is fantastic any time of the day (if it’s not foggy) – by day or by night – so maybe consider buying Sun & Star combo pass…

Manhattan Bridge from Dumbo

Second most popular photo location of NYC. There’s a good chance this famous view has popped up in your Instagram feed at least once. Stand at the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street in Dumbo, and you’ll see Manhattan Bridge perfectly framed by two-red brick warehouses. (If you are using offline navigation, just put Dumbo.) For the real money shot, try to line it up so that the Empire State Building is in the far distance between the legs of the bridge. During the day is this street very busy so rather come early in the morning. Anyway, Brooklyn is in general very photogenic area if you wanna stroll around and look for some other pretty corners. Easily reached by metro. And nowadays many metro entrances have this facility to pay for the ride just by tapping your regular credit or debit card. 

I start my first trip to the capital of United States with a family brunch in China Town. My cousin Thomas lives in Washington together with his lovely wife Endea. It is great to have friends and family around the world, so one can feel like at home in different parts of the world…

Thomas leads us to his favorite restaurant across China Town and I find out that a hipster café culture is popular in Washington, too. And same like in Abu Dhabi, there are popular weekend brunches. They seem so popular that we have to wait almost half an hour to get the table. The restaurant bursts at the seams, but is very cozy here. I don’t know whether to go for the eggs or the French toast, but than I remember that in America French toast is served with sugar (in my country we eat it salty with ketchup or cheese) and so I end up with goat cheese salad and ice-coffee. We laugh at how my uncle paid for this mistake with sugared French toast. And then Endea and I laugh at the American residents originally coming from India. They seem to be doing the same problems in the hospital as they do onboard the plane. 🙂 (Endea works as a nurse.)

After the brunch, I say goodbye to my family and continue to explore Washington’s main sights. Fortunately, everything important here is located nicely together around the MALL park under the supervision of the White House. It’s so hot outside and very green. It doesn’t look like an autumn. Not far from the White House is the Obelisk and after Obelisk I find the gigantic World War II Memorial. Then I see a large mirror lake and the most famous Memorial of President Abraham Lincoln, who fought against slavery and paid for it with his life. It seems that around the Mall you can find memorials of all prominent people (in addition to the most famous presidents also philosopher Martin Luther King), who dreamed of a perfect state and had great plans with America. There is still a great atmosphere, as if the great thoughts of these great people were still flying in the air.

In summer, various open-air concerts are said to be held at the Mall Park during the jazz days, and for free. In addition, most national museums are located in this area. And again, the best news, admission is free! We are in the Capital and education should be accessible to everyone. My cousin says that the most popular nowadays is the newly opened Museum of African American History and Culture. But these days getting there is a lot of effort. The ticket need to be booked in advance, as the museum is still in great demand. Certainly I will not manage to visit all the museums in the district, but for the start I choose at least one – Natural History Museum, where I go through the entire evolution of the planet and humanity. At the portraits of our predecessors, I realize that before we all divided into blacks, whites, Arabs or Asians, we were all very hairy and not far from the monkeys… 🙂

Already in the bus on the way from the airport to the hotel Zephyr (I really recommend for the stay – the perfect hotel in the perfect place) the crew start making plans how to use their 48 hours in San Francisco. I’m not involved in the conversation, just watching the way out of the window in silence, reflecting my own plans in my mind. This is my fourth visit, and all the trips to Sausalito and Napa Valley that my colleagues are considering I’ve done already. Moreover, I’m sure that I will enjoy my last date with my favorite city just solo, by myself. Only me and San Francisco…

It is early in the morning, so my first steps lead just one gate further to the iHop bar, where they serve a legendary American breakfast 24 hours a day – eggs in all ways, fried bacon, puffed maple syrup pancakes, French toasts, waffles and endless coffee. After such a breakfast I feel I need to walk it out, so I decide to book one of the many Fisherman Wharf’s bikes for a whole day ($ 30 for 24 hours). Crossing the famous Golden Gate Bridge on the bike is said to be an experience without which you cannot just leave San Francisco. Many tourists take bicycles and go for trips to the other side of the bridge, where the charming town of Sausalito lies. My plan, however, is the hidden Kirby Cove Beach. It is also located on the other side of the bridge, but on its left, more hilly side.

In the rental company, I get an old city bike with a basket, but in good condition. And I’m glad they’re not forcing me to take a helmet, too. I get on my old-school bike and follow the cycle path around the coast to the famous bridge. Outside is a beautiful, pleasant, sunny late summer weather. Fisherman Wharf and all the parks in the area are full of people with their heads up. The spectacular Air Force show is taking place in a clear blue sky, and it is also a wonderful weekend where Americans like to spend outside. After a while, I stop seeing why bikes are so popular in San Francisco. The steep streets of the city give my seating muscles a hard time. But as soon as I reach the Golden Gate Bridge, I stop moaning to enjoy the beautiful view. The bridge is quite long, but the worst work-out is still ahead of me. The bridge leads to the edge of a steep hill that needs to be climbed first so I can enjoy the ride spirally down to the Kirby Cove Camp, where the picturesque beach is located. By the time I finally cross the gates of the camp, I’m pretty red in my face. I did not expect such a warm-up. There are a few American campers in the camp. A group of young people are sitting in a circle on the beach and having a cheerful discussion. In the bushes I see a few “parked” bikes. So I’m not the only brave! However, I am the only one who has reached this place on the city bike and not on the outdoor bike like the others! I enjoy the beach, sit on the wooden stump, absorb the atmosphere and recharge. The sun is slowly setting down and there is still not easy way back ahead of me, but the atmosphere was definitely worth the hard work…

When I arrive totally destroyed to the hotel, I meet colleagues in the lobby who are just gathering for dinner. I grab last energy left and decide to join them. We head to seafood restaurant at the Ghirardeli Candy Square (where the famous chocolate and ice cream was once made, and where a chocolate factory takes the place till nowadays). Fortunately, the restaurant is located just a few blocks from the hotel… The next day I feel my butt so bad, that although I have paid for bike until 4pm, I rather go to get it back before the time. Today I prefer to walk. I walk through the crazy Little Italy and China Town, which are particularly busy today. In Little Italy, all the restaurants put their tables out into the streets, in the China Town I run into Chinese markets where you can find anything possible. Roads are closed for cars today and the streets are full of people. And there is an endless parade with a float with a stage in its head. The rock band and Elvis Presley imitator is followed by a float with all American Misses, then cheerleaders, marching band, veteran cars etc… just everything possible what represents America. In a while I’m on my way to Zigzag Lombard Street, where you get a beautiful view of the iconic steep Russian Hill street, which you might know from the posters. Then I head to Union Square, where I buy my favorite Kiehl‘s facial products at Westfield. And from there I take the bus as close as possible to Baker Beach…

I consider Baker beach to be one of the most beautiful beaches in San Francisco. From here it is one of the most beautiful views of the sunset and Golden Gate Bridge. The beach is basically located opposite Kirby Cove, before entering the bridge, on its left. It is quite extensive and there are a lot of people, although the weather is not good for swimming. Some are picnicking or playing beach volleyball, and a few brave ones are bathing in the cold sea. With sunset, more and more visitors come with a camera in hand. I also spotted few newlyweds with a professional photographer behind them who came here to take romantic photos for their wedding album. And among them, barefoot, free and happy myself… When the sun slowly begins to set down, I sing in my mind: “Goodbye my San Francicsco…”

I withdraw some dollars from the ATM and get on the train towards NYC! There are several ways to approach the Statue of Liberty. You can observe it from afar on the Brooklyn Bridge, or you can buy a ferry ticket. Many tourist companies sell several sightseeing tours, which also include a trip to our Lady L. It is up to you whether you decide only for a cruise around it or you want to dock at the Island of Liberty for a while. People are offering sightseeing trips around New York City at every corner. I get convinced right at the main exit of Penn station. For $ 55 I buy a two-day hop on / hop off tour with a cruise around the Statue of Liberty included. I know I can’t afford to stay in the city for more than one afternoon, but it still pays off. In my opinion, every tourist in New York should behave like an typical American tourist from the movies for at least one day, get on the roof of the double-decker bus and take off for a sightseeing tour around New York!

I hop on the bus at Penn station and from there I observe Manhattan’s streets from its top deck. First we pass the most famous shopping center in the world – Macy’s, then we continue around the flattest building in America – Iron flat building – through various corners of Manhattan to the statue of a Charging Bull and a Fearless Girl on the Wall street. I hop off the bus, but I can’t take a good picture of the statue, because there are too many Chinese tourists… From there it’s only a short walk to the port where I get on the ferry. This is followed by a cruise on the Hudson River around the Island of Liberty, giving us a wonderful view of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. As we approach Lady Liberty, I recall what Melody said in Woody Allen’s movie Whatever works: “There’s something about this Statue of Liberty…” I can’t stop thinking about since how many years this statue symbolized a promise of better life for immigrants coming to America from the old continent…

Once I finish my cruise, I hop on the bus again and get off in front of Macy’s, where I plan to flip my credit card a little. After quick but successful shopping transactions, I get back to Penn Station and as a proper New Yorker I just stop for a cup of coffee by Starbucks. And suddenly, uuups… My credit card stops working. I don’t panic yet and pull out the last cash from my pocket to pay the bill. Then I go to the nearest ATM. I still need to withdraw some money for the train ticket back to Long Island. But the ATM refuses to give me the money! Neither the second nor the third one nor the other four across the street. I’m trying to pay for a ticket at the kiosk using my card but unsuccessfully again. I use the automatic machine. With no result. No money in the pockets, the card obviously blocked, all the documents on Long Island, and just a couple of hours until my flight departure! This will be a bum! Sweat overflows and panic culminates. I am trying to return a purchase in the store, but the only willing shop assistant can promise me that they will send my money back on my bank account. (Because I paid by card, they can’t give me cash.) But my card doesn’t work!

How will I get back to Long Island? Shall I start begging passers-by for a few change on a train ticket? I have nothing else to do but just humbly return to Starbuck and ask for a refund for a sandwich and granola, which lie untouched in my bag. With a little soul I explain my situation to the Starbucks manager and fortunately he allows me to return and refund the snack I bought couple of minutes ago. He give me the money back and then also put the food back in the bag with the words: “Take it, anyway, we can’t sell it anymore. This can happen to anyone… “ Ashamed from my ears to toes, I take my money and my bag, and with a thousand times repeated humble “thank you” I run to the platform…

Do not rely solely on credit cards and always carry at least a small cash in local currency with you!

There’s definitely something about New York. I don’t even have to wear the latest Manol Blahnik’s shoes to feel different when walking around Manhattan. When I used to work for La Femme Magazine in Slovakia, I often felt like a Slovak version of Carrie Bradshaw (or maybe I just wanted to be like her). I was writing about men, friends and relationships, about the nightlife in my city and new trends. I loved fashion gadgets and dreamed of a career of writer. And here I am, a woman who is not chasing guys anymore, neither new fashion trends, but still having a special relationship with New York City…

My date with Big Apple starts at Long Island, where we are accommodated. A bit far from the city and in addition, in the hotel (Long Island Marriott), which is said to be haunted. On the eighth floor, two flight attendants hang themselves under unexplained circumstances, independently of each other. Some gossips say that it wasn’t random suicide, but something that made these girls to commit such a desperate act… But I don’t believe these crew stories. And I can get these spooky stories out of my head so perfectly that the fact that I have a room on the eighth floor I’ve realized when I’m in bed already. I rather lock the door and leave one small lamp turned on… just in case…

When I open my eyes in the morning, I realize I’m still in New York, whole, healthy and alive. It’s time to go to the city! First, I have to take a taxi from the hotel to the local train station. And from there by train to the famous Penn Station in the heart of New York City. Return ticket – $ 25. Uff! In about 50 minutes I get off in the underground maze. Even though I find the Tokyo subway to be the most confusing, the underground network of New York would be the second. It is worth holding a city map in your head and having a rough overview of what is located north from you and what’s south, or “uptown” and “downtow”, if you want, otherwise you may be moving the wrong direction. With the help of a map of underground lines, I find that the best way how to get to the Brooklyn Bridge, my first planned stop, is via lines A, C and E (while E runs only at night) in “downtown” direction. I get off in the park, just a short walk from the bridge. It is cold outside, still early morning, so the famous bridge is quite empty. An ideal opportunity to make photos without disturbing elements. On top of the bridge I meet one young man with a professional camera in his hand. As I find out, he is a hairstylist from Arizona who has just left Fashion Week to check out some top New York’s sights. When I enjoy the views of Manhattan enough, I go back to station and continue with line A, C, E (this time in uptown direction) back to Manhattan, to14th Street Station…

Why 14th Street? Because from here it’s just a few blocks to 66 Perry Street where Carrie Bradshaw Apartment is! Just walk on the 8th avenue, turn onto Bleecker street, walk two another blocks and you are there – on the well-known stairs where Carrie was kissing (not only) Mr. Big. The current owners of the house are not very excited about tourist visitors, so they put a sign in front of the house that forbids entry to the stairs. Despite that, there are crowds of fans who come here to pose as their heroine Carrie. But in the middle of February there is nobody, just me. I have to wait a few minutes to stop some random people passing by and ask them to take a picture of me. When I told the hairstylist from the Fashion Week on the Brooklyn Bridge where I was going, he didn’t get it: “And what’s there? Just some apartment?” JUST some apartment?! No way, it’s Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment! But guys can’t understand…

From Carrie’s house I continue with line A, C, E up to the Central Park. The frozen lake, snow cover and bare tree branches give the park a completely different look than we know from American movies. But for me it still has its charm. I cut it through the park eastwards to the main gate that leads to the ice rink and the Plaza Hotel (where Kevin from a movie Home Alone spent his Christmas adventure), then continue down to the famous 5th Avenue. And this one you definitely know! There is Tiffany store just like from movie a Breakfast at Tiffany or the Rockefeller Center with its magnificient Christmas tree, under which Jovie and Buddy had their first kiss in the movie Elf. However, in February you can see only the Prometheus’ golden statue instead of the Christmas tree.

Getting around Manhattan is no longer difficult. The streets do not have the names of the national heroes, as they do in Europe, but they are simply sorted by numbers. So if you are at the corner of 5th Avenue and the 47th Street and need to reach the 7th Avenue crossing 43rd street, you know that you just need to go two blocks to the right and four blocks straight. And here we go, Time Square in front of us! You can’t miss this crazy place full of illuminated banners! What would New York be without Time Square?! As I start to feel frozen, I go to defrost myself into my favorite American Eagle store. Later I have to restrain myself to not buy half of the store. But, what would America be without a shopping? From Time Square, it’s a short walk to Penn Station. When I’m passing by famous Macy’s shopping mall, I rather look to the other side to avoid all the advertisements promising SALES and -70%. It’s time to get back to Long Island and have a bit of rest before my long flight back to Abu Dhabi…

Here we go again, landing to California’s coolest city. Management has changed the hotel in which we used to stay as a crew, but this time exceptionally for the better. We are so excited when the bus driver stops right in the center, at Fisherman’s Wharf in front of Zephyr Hotel. We couldn’t wish for a better location. I can only recommend: in addition to the great location, this hotel is also very stylish and cozy. And right next to the hotel is famous American iHop bar, where me and my colleague Karin from Sweden go for a typical American breakfast. You certainly know it from the movies: cozy boxes by the windows or sitting in the bar, pancakes with maple syrup, eggs in all ways and filtered coffee in the kettle, which is filled up by waitress every time you finish your cup. Fabulous! After breakfast, I wrap myself into blanket and fall asleep for a few hours. Then I go to Union Sqaure for some Christmas presents shopping. At 6 pm, I meet with Karen and another colleague Adham from Jordan. The goal is to have dinner at one of the best restaurants in San Francisco, at Scoma’s at Fisherman’s Wharf: fresh seafood, a long tradition and a stylish retro design… After dinner, I’m rushing to bed again because I have to get up very early the next day. Through the Aviator app, I booked a trip to Yosemite National Park. Can’t wait!

Early in the morning, I am stepping outside the hotel with a cup of coffee in my hand. It’s very chilly. Fifteen minutes later, a minivan picks me up and ahead me is a great day trip to Yosemite National Park! I usually try to avoid any organized tours, but in America without a car and driving license, you have no chance. However, I am lucky that this is a small group of eight people, and our enthusiastic driver – guide knows the most beautiful places around. For people with limited time, like me,  this is an ideal solution. However, if you stay longer in San Francisco, be sure to spend more time at Yosemite, rent a car, and explore on your own! A three-hour drive to the National Park runs faster when our lady driver starts sharing interesting facts about California and the places we go through. When, after three hours, we finally pass through the gates of the National park, the environment takes my breath away. Such a beautiful nature you don’t see very time! 

First we stop at the forest, from where we walk to the tunnel in the tree that is so huge that it serves as a gate. Once upon a time, in the golden fever era, when hundreds of adventurers came to California to look for the gold, the “goldendiggers” were passing under this tree tunnel. The next stop is the most beautiful view in my life – the view of entire Yosemite and the Bridalveil waterfall, which is connected to an interesting superstition. Native Americans used to believe that the waterfall has a female soul, and when a single woman has a breath of air around this waterfall, she will soon get married. So I don’t know, should I inhale deeply or rather hold my breath? 🙂 Next to the Yosemite Falls we have a lunch break. In the cottages near the waterfalls, there is a hostel, souvenir shops and a simple canteen for tourists. I have a lunch, too, however, quickly, just to have more time for a walk around the waterfalls. After lunch we stop at the steep el Capitan rock, which is still a big challenge for many rock climbers thanks to its smooth walls. And after this stop, unfortunately, our trip comes to an end… But forever I feel like this was one of the most beautiful places in the world, I have ever seen. And another three-hour drive back to San Francisco. When we come to the bridge and the city on the other side of the coast lights up, radio in bus plays an old song: Otis Redding – Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay. The singer, like us, watches the coast from the other side and sings about his love for the city of San Francisco…

In Slovakia we have a Day of Martin who always arrives on his white horse (which means it should snow) when I fly to the capital of Texas, to the town of cowboys and wild horses. Quite poetic…

 When we finally arrive to Dallas after a 15-hour long flight and check-in to Hilton Hotel, I drop my uniform and join the cockpit crew for a dinner. I feel like the male company is better choice than shopping with girls who went straight after flight to the nearest mall. One of the pilots chooses the nearby Twin Peaks restaurant, where the staff wears very cheeky uniforms, looking more like cheerleaders than waitresses. However, when I have a first bite of my juicy, slightly bloody steak and sip of the beer from a local brewery with the funny name Dirty Brunette, I know I have chosen right…

The next morning I want to get to know the city better. My options are either to visit the Museum of J.F. Kennedy, who was murdered just during his Promenade in Dallas, or go to Southfork Ranch known from the famous Dallas series of 80’s. Do you remember Bobby, Sue Ellen, Lucy and J.R.? Eventually, however, I choose to visit the cowboy town of Fort Worth Stock Yards, which is a nice reminder of the Wild West times with its architecture and tourist activities. No one wants to join me, so I’m going alone. I just have to download the Uber taxi app, because without a car in USA you are lost. For less than $ 40 and an hour of journey, I’ll get off  in front of the hall where rodeo shows take place from time to time.

The town has a nice Wild West atmosphere. It is full of western bars and shops with cowboy boots, clothing, accessories and riding sets. Here, among the parked cars, even real cowboys on their horses are parking and posing for tourists. For $ 5 you can hop on a saddled buffalo with its big horns and have a picture taken. And if you arrive to the town at the right time, you can catch a cattle parade when a herd of cattle and horses run down the street. In addition, you can also find here a walk of fame with the stars belonging to the most famous and brave cowboys of all time, a western museum and a studio where you can try old costumes.

Me personally was most impressed by the old wooden maze. Whoever dares, can try to find a way out. Before entering, everyone gets a watch that counts down a time. I notice that some of the parents let their children enter the maze, while they climb on the top of the wooden tower, and from there they are navigating their kids to find their way out. Since I am alone here, without anybody to help me, I do not want to wander in the maze for all night, so I have to skip this activity. I rather go to the old railway station, which now works as a center of bars, restaurants, and western artists attracting tourists with their cowboy skills.

Throughout the day I wander around the city, look into shopping windows, take photos and enjoy the shy sun. But when the sun goes down and before I have to go back to the hotel, I stop by at the restaurant for another proper American steak. Next to me at the bar, a very nice American couple is sitting, approx. in an age of my parents. They came to Dallas for their favorite western band concert. We start chatting and after a while we are showing each other photos of pets, children and friends. Conversation continues with gossiping about newly elected President Donald Trump. It’s true, Americans are really very warm people. I have made new friends and got a sincere invitation to visit them in Colorado…  And here we go, another destination was added on my bucket list… 🙂

I’m looking for a husband

The first day in San Francisco begins with eggs, bacon, hot chocolate and pancakes. 🙂 After that I need to sleep (after a busy night flight) and then time to go to streets! I have my plans, I want to see all the places I know from the familiar postcard pictures with my own eyes. Since I have not found the same spirit among my crew, I’m happy to go on my own and enjoy my favorite city by myself. Before the flight I was often making jokes that I wanted to find a husband in San Francisco and as soon as I’m out in the streets, I get few proposals 🙂 One black guy waiting at the bus stop even offers me a marriage together with his American passport. 😀 At least he makes me laugh.

Again with a map and notes from our hotel “Bell boy” Im wandering around, soon able to read public transportation system even without his instructions. The first stop is PIER 39, where I want to see lazy seals. Then I want to find another PIER which I know from the pictures. I just don’t know its number. Finally it’s PIER 7, so quite far away! But I’m proud of being able to find it. The weather is amazing today, the beautiful sunshine at Fisherman Wharf. On the way back to the hotel, I take a quick walk through China Town, Lombard Street and Russian Hill with beautiful views. There I find bookshop called “Forbidden Books” at the corner of the Chinese District. It is a beatnik’s museum and a bookstore in one with an unforgettable atmosphere. They sell old discs, comics and first editions of famous beatniks books such as Jack Karouac and Allen Ginsberg. Lombard Street I find only when it is getting dark outside. The steep, hilly streets are a pretty decent maze! And a nice workout! 🙂

Muir Woods

Next day I hardly get up, I have such a pain in my muscles! But I have to get up, at eight o’clock I have pick up for a bus trip to Muir Woods Park and the town of Sausalito on the other side of the bridge. Our guide and driver is an old and very funny Russian guy who likes to break the rules. On the way to Muir Woods I find out that San Francisco is the most expensive city in the United States. Renting an apartment will cost you way more than one in Manhattan in New York! I also learn why San Francisco is so cold. That’s for the winds coming from Alaska. Heavy fogs are results of differences between the cold ocean and the hot Californian lands. Summer is therefore not the happiest time for a vacation. In shorts you will see only unprepared tourists! 🙂 But during the fall months of September, October and November is the city most beautiful. Yet in my most favorite season! Also spring is suitable for a stay but in the winter it usually rains constantly. But the locals enjoy the rain because they know it will not rain again for the next eight months. Everywhere we pass by we see trees, but the ground looks very dry. Muir Woods Redwood Natioanl Park is a park that allows tourists to explore a piece of forest full of gigantic red sequoia trees. I feel that elves and giants still live here! I feel so small here… 🙂

On the way back from Muir Woods, we pass by to Sausalito, one of three picturesque towns set in a rocky bay along the bank of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are plenty of art galleries and Leppert’s ice cream store, which has the best ice-cream in the US. From Sausalito you can take a ferry back to San Francisco for $ 11, but I choose a faster and warmer bus because I have other plans with the city. The driver will first take us to the cliff where we have a beautiful view over the Golden Gate Bridge. Then, through the city, we reach Fisherman Wharf, where our trip ends. But he will also draw attention to a small restaurant in the Little Italy district called Stinky Rose, where all the food is made of garlic, even desserts! I gotta try out next time!

From Fisherman Wharf, I take a walk to the hotel for a new map of the city (I’ve lost first one), and I happen to find a gateway to the China Town and the beautiful street with pink lanterns. There I buy traditional Chinese dress. After this trip, there are only two places I still want to visit – Painted Ladies and Height Ashbury – popular area of Hippies. I take a bus to Ashbury, but on the way coming back to hotel Im wandering around and admiring crazy shops. I guess every weirdo in the world can find something interesting for themselves. There are shops for transvestites, trance music fans, hippies, Rastafarians, Goths (“Little Creepy Things” store) or nostalgic people. To me the most interesting was The Fashion Museum, where you can buy costumes from every age. In my view, you can find here every style that has ever been worn. Also shop assistant looks like he comes from an another time with his mustache and a watch on the chain. On the way back to my hotel I find also Painted Ladies. The park overlooking the old-fashioned houses is being renovated, but the view is still worth it. Also other streets around are full of funny colorful villas and houses. The day is slowly coming to an end, and I start to realize that I have walked all San Francisco in two days. 🙂

I believe everyone has city of their soul somewhere in the world. A city that vibrates with your soul more than others, that is attracted to you magically. This is definitely my San Francisco!

Every morning, it’s dark and foggy, just like my mood when I have to get up early. Its full of uphills and downhills, like the sinusoid of the life. It is surrounded by ocean, because I love the sound of the sea, the breathtaking nature, the vineyards, it is full of cozy cafes, galleries and bookstores and other odd things to exactly satisfy all aspects of my soul – the caffeiner, bohemian and the forest woman. When I walk down the streets of San Francisco, I still feel in the air a message of  Beatniks like Jack Kerouac or Allan Ginsberg, who once formed the Beat generation.

“Beatniks were famous for books, black turtlenecks, bongs, beret and dark sunglasses, celebrating a lifestyle that was dangerous fun…”

I have to admit that America has never fascinated me. I have found Americans as boring, stupid consumers. I have heard about the beautiful nature, but beautiful nature we have in Europe as well, plus a rich history. But after visiting San Francisco, everything has changed. San Francisco is different. This city is probably not America at all!

California is cold!

Immediately after my arrival, I was shocked. We are in California in the middle of summer, and I’m feeling cold! The first prejudice immediately flies into a trash bin. There is drought in California (no rainfall for several months), but definitely not hot, especially not in San Francisco! Mark Twain also said the coldest summer he’d ever experienced was right in San Francisco. Most of the day it’s foggy and really windy. Only when the sun appears on the sky, you can put off your coat and scarf.

We start the day with a typical American breakfast – some eggs, bacon, toast with jam, pancakes with maple syrup and a cup of hot cocoa. Because we have just done 16 hour long flight, next steps go to our beds. But in the afternoon I meet with two of my colleagues in the hotel lobby. The goal of today is set – the famous Golden Gate Bridge. All of us very well-groomed: myself, Philippine Phoebe and Japanese Natsumi – all dressed in summer bohemian outfits, all apparently in San Francisco for the first time. Some of the crew advised us that we don’t have to spend money on taxi, so we leave the hotel with the map and notes. The “Bell Guy” is an old gentleman as a hotel himself and he can patiently respond to all our questions.

We wait at the bus stop for a few minutes, then we catch the line number 38. The ticket costs us 2 and a quarter of a dollar and is valid for less than three hours, depends on the driver. Coins to coins, banknotes to the special box and the driver will give you a time-limited ticket. It’s good to have a change in your pocket, because the machine doesn’t give you change. The bus is old, makes creepy sounds, sitting are on the sides. In addition, it is packed with strange people – Hispanics, Chinese, Asian… Under the windows are hanging some cables, which when you pull, the driver gets a signal that you want to stop and get off. During our journey, the bus stops constantly, and so it takes ages. We seem to have missed our stop, and so in panic we are jumping out of the bus and looking for the right direction. A barista in a café on the corner guides us speaking Japanese like Natsumi. Outside is such a cold wind that we want to cry! As soon as we get off on the stop to the Golden Gate Bridge, we go to warm up in a coffeeshop with a cup of hot chocolate. Then we’re ready for a series of mandatory photos with the famous bridge in the background. However, the half of the bridge can not be seen at all! It’s covered by fog. Who wants a picture like from well-known posters, has to buy a postcard in a souvenir shop. 🙂

Next stop is the Museum of Fine Arts. A beautiful replica of a historic building that originally stays somewhere in Greece. The weather suddenly clears up, suddenly no fog, just the blue sky and the warm sun. There are swans on the lake, the youth is sitting on the grass, the wedding photo shooting is going on. After little warm up in the sun we’re ready to look for a bus stop from where we can get to Fisherman Wharf. The famous harbor, where the seafood used to be so popular. Even today, the seashore is full of restaurants offering the fresh seafood, but not from local waters, nowadays all the seafood there comes from Alaska. Somehow, we can not find our bus stop, so we ask for help one lady walking her dogs in her flip-flops. She offers to drive us there. “You know what? It’s just 10 minutes from here, I’ll give you a lift!“ “Don’t worry, I don’t want to kidnap you, I have kids in the car!” she laughs when she sees our shocked expressions. We didn’t expect such a hospitality! The lady is very friendly, open and very talkative. In a few minutes in car, we find out how much cost the apartments in the city, where they have the best ice cream, and that our Natsumi can find a Japanese husband in San Francisco very easily. Apparently it is very multicultural city. Our companion has father from Egypt, mother from Sweden, British husband living in Libya and a Japanese brother-in-law. After a short sightseeing, the family drop us in front of the Scoma restaurant – the best in the city in terms of price and quality. First of all, we walk around the place and look at souvenirs until our stomachs can’t wait anymore. The Scoma Restaurant, though looks very ordinary from outside, but very cozy inside. After 10 minutes of waiting, the waiter finds a table for us. The interior is furnished in retro style, as if nothing has changed since 60s. Everywhere on the walls are hanging photographs of its famous visitors. I also have found Sinatra! Natsumi orders a crab, myself and Pheobe go for seafood pasta. All really tastes great!

After dinner, we plan a trip back to our hotel with a typical old tram, but outside is so cold again and the lines for drive are endless, so we give up and take a taxi. After a successful day I easily pass out. It has been an amazing day. It took just a few hours for me to definitely fall in love with San Francisco…

Napa Valley

Next day early morning – myself, Phoebe, our captain and our Food & Beverage manager are taking a tour to the Napa Valley wine region. I admit that I did not want to go at first place, but I’m glad I have changed my mind, even thought it costs 90 $. Who knows when will I fly again with such a great crew willing to go for such a trip? Experiences are far more valuable than saved money. And the price of the trip includes excellent California wine tasting! In less than an hour bus takes us to completely different world than San Francisco. The weather is beautiful, sunny and so hot! This is California as I always pictured! As soon as we get out in Napa, I’m excited! I feel like in Tuscany! All day we just taste wine and walk through the beautiful vineyards. For lunch we choose the restaurant with the sunny terrace and enjoy typical American burgers. I suddenly want to find a husband with such a vineyard in Napa Valley to start every day with a glass of wine. From Napa, we get back to the city at about six o’clock. My tired and tipsy colleagues got directly to the hotel, I still have some energy to walk through the sloping alleys. I’m looking for the right view of the famous Alcatraz prison. After a short walk I can feel my butt muscles. San Francisco’s streets seem to be more effective than an hour in gym! When I’m thinking of a day later in bed, I’m putting San Francisco on the list of the most beautiful places in the world…

Jazz and Mafia

It would be nice if we were still staying in the city center, right on the street full of jazz bars, the most famous all over America. But times have changed. These days we are staying in the near town Naperville, and as we depart in less than 24 hours early in the morning, it is clear that there will be no jazz or drinks tonight. And that’s a shame because Chicago is the city of jazz. It is also the city of Al Capone and other underworld stars. It is the city of thousands of German, Jewish, Irish, Italian, Polish and Czech immigrants, which was the right mix for forming many gangs and organized crime. But Al Capone was a tough guy and he got rid off his rivals very easily. You surely have heard about The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. If not, in Chicago you will find several museums with this topic as well as a numbers of Al Capone tours. Al Capone was definitely an interesting character. He earned his millions in times of prohibition when he was smuggling alcohol into the country. And although he didn’t mind shooting half of his enemies, he liked to give money to a charity for what he was called the “Modern Robin Hood.” Whoever prefers history with the drink in their hand, can choose some of the bars famous for being supplied by Al Capone. The complete list is on the Internet. As I mentioned already, I will most likely be sleeping in my hotel bed. Fortunately, the flight to Chicago is finally not as demanding as everybody says. Maybe we’re just lucky. However, our happiness has been withdrawn for this day…

As we depart from Abu Dhabi with a quite long delay, we arrive to our hotel just before the Midday. The shuttle bus to the train station departs at 12 o’clock, so we have literally 10 minutes to change. After 15 hours long flight, imagine! Of course, most of the crew decide to stay in the hotel. But some brave enough people are found as well. My Swedish colleague Karin, Indian Rashi and our Captain Miguel from Spain are joining me for the trip to the Chicago city. A few minutes later, we are already sitting in a pretty scary train. As it stops at every corner, it takes ages to get to Chicago. When we finally get off the train at the main station, our stomachs call for food. We decide to go for a typical American pizza, which is a must, when you are in Chicago… There are two versions where the pizza was invented. According to the first, it was Naples in Italy, according to the other, the Italian mafia from Chicago was behind. Anyway, pizza from Chicago is very different from any Italian pizza. The dough is thick, filled with cheese, and the whole pizza looks more like a pie. Even thought none of us is really the fan of thick dough, the true “Chicago style” must be tested. The most famous pizzerias in the city are Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder and Giordano’s. We have the second one in our way. Our mood is ruined when the hostess tells us that we need to wait for a table for an hour. So meanwhile we order some Budweiser beer, the king of American beers (which actually originally comes from Czech Republic). When we finally get pizzas, the lust is completely gone. Frankly, “Chicago style” is not my favorite. Let’s try something better…

Everyone recommends to visit popular Skydeck. We are not discouraged by the fact that we have to wait another hour in the queue. Big mistake! The line is neverending, it snakes across the floors. First we have to wait for the tickets, then we have to wait for security check, then we need to wait for another lift, then for a mandatory presentation about the history of the building, then another lift and another line… Waiting and waiting, we are very slowly moving forward, not seeing the end. When we think that we are finally FINALLY there, we find out there is another ANOTHER queue that needs to be done. Let’s give up? But what if we give it up just right before the end? Another mistake! Before we get the view, another three hours have passed! I am so disgusted and exhausted from queueing that finally I can not really enjoy the view. There’s even another line for photos on the glass ledge. Horrible! Later I find out that Americans have an extended weekend coz the Independence Day is coming. I guess we’d better have done if we had tracked Al Capone bars… When we finally get back to the hotel, it’s so late, that I barely talk. When Im later in my bed checking the photos from the day, I find out that the view was maybe worth all the pain.☺