S a n F r a n c i s c o

 My travel journey to USA ended at San Francisco. We dropped off the car as it is really not necessary to drive in the city.

 Walking is the best transport as it allows you to stop and photograph your interests.

We made our way from our hotel at Gearly to the pier, and saw nice neighbourhood along the way.

The famous Pier 39 - in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf district.

 Strike a pose, birdie.

 Pier 39 is popular for its fish & chips, and the ever delicious clam chowder.

 It is a fun place for children too

 A shop selling loads & loads of fridge magnets.

 At some time, there were hundreds of sea lions gathered here. Now, only a handful could be seen.

I wonder if they have been eaten up by sharks, a known presence in the bay of SF.

 Fishing boats berth, waiting for the season to start.

 Jack Sparrow met the Temple of Doom?

 Nice beach in front of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

 Worker turnaround the cable car at the turntable near Ghiradelli Square.

 We queued along to board the Powell-Hyde cable car.

 The waiting could get awhile as this popular route would take us back to Union Square, as the queue is usually long with tourists 

 Our 4-legged passengers boarded too. Do they need to pay?

 Passenger cars entering Lombard Street, being distinct as the crookedest street in the world.

We alighted at Union Square, where Christmas festivities were plentiful.

Our two weeks driving holiday in western America finally ended. It was a tiring trip that started from Las Vegas to San Diego, and continued from Los Angeles to San Francisco. We visited many places of interests, as well as factory & premium outlets that are situated along the way. We ended up buying a large luggage from Macy's for the extra purchases. 

I look forward to visit other parts of California and perhaps next time, a longer stay to re-visit the places that I have fond memories of.

And another travel trip awaiting....

M o n t e r e y

We met up with our friends, who have been posted to Monterey to study, and they got us a decent lodging for a few days. We visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium, did the 17 mile drive, saw the Big Sur Coastline, shopped at Carmel-by-the Sea, and sneaked into a luxurious Pebble Beach golf club.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium houses thousands of plants & fishes. Being sited near the coast, it get fresh ocean water distributed through sophisticated pump & piping system into its aquarium.

Crustaceans Tank

I am particularly impressed with the array of jellyfish there. They are so colourful, but deadly.

This species generate rainbow colours.

The lovable sea otter

Is it meal time yet?

Shops around Cannery Row

Cannery Row

Cloud descending upon the Pacific Coast

A cloudy day is never a good day for photography.

But it would not stop these golfers from having fun on the course.

Treacherous hole by the sea.

View point along the 17-mile drive. Pretty rough sea today.

Seal Rock, a resting spot for birds and of course, the seals.

Sun setting in the horizon.

The iconic lone Cypress of Monterey

You literally could have the whole beach to yourself

Man & his best friend having a good time bonding.

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, a well-known course in the PGA Tour.

    The legendary Bing Crosby

Monterey, a waterfront city, has some spectacular ocean view along its bay. I am glad I was able to experience driving on one of the most beautiful coast of America. The aquarium is a must-see for all tourists, and I loved those adorable sea otters. Shopping hunters could find bargains at Carmel-by-the-Sea, in itself, is a beautiful town. I am sure I will return to Monterey again. 

And another travel trip awaiting....

S o l v a n g

 We stopped over for a night at Solvang, a city where its architecture facades and buildings reflect traditional Danish style. 

 Tivoli Square

  The prominent Hamlet Square windmill  

 Isn't the building pretty, but why a yellow hydrant?

 Wide angle view

 

Place for rent. A Starbucks perhaps? Nah...it would ruin the image of Solvang

Smell of butter cookies laced the air. The city has many bakeries & restaurants offering a taste of Denmark here.

 Not forgetting traditional knits, in time for the Christmas season.

And toys for the children

Solvang is a pretty place, with its impressive looking buildings and quaint shops. Unfortunately, we found it too quiet. There was hardly any locals, let alone tourists on the streets. It could be an off-peak period that we visited. Even then, the restaurants or shops were hardly opened. We have to drive out of Solvang to get our meals once night come. Pity.

And another travel trip awaiting....