San Francisco #3

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…