After last year's enjoyable two weeks trip to western USA, we returned to the same venues. But this winter, we have new travel companions, my in-laws. It was an arduous 18 hours flight, including a 2-hour plus transit at Narita, Japan. I was glad they came through the flight without much complaint of tiredness, and hope they could last this road trip that would take us through several cities in 8 days.
We touched down early in the morning and checked-into a lovely hotel right next to Union Square. I like to start my road trip from San Francisco as it is accessible to most places of interests. For this trip, we travelled from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, Monterey, San Jose, and back to SF. My travel route is this.
No, we did not stay in Fairmont. This hotel is way too expensive for us.
Instead, we stayed at Hotel Adagio on Geary Street, which is close by to Union Square and accessible to Pier 39 via the tram ride. The decor is really modern and updated.
Our nice and comfortable room.
The party is all ready to start the day, despite the long haul flight.
The quiet street of San Francisco in the early morning.
Power! Too early for open top bus ride. We prefer to walk.
Reaching our destination at San Francisco Ferry Terminal. We would be taking the ferry to Sausalito, but before that, a visit to Ferry Building for the farmer's market.
Activities have started outside the building.
Juicy tomatoes
White and red onions.
Not kidding but this pumpkin is HUGE!
In-laws selecting persimmon.
I would settle for a roast chicken anytime.
More activities at the jetty, where most of the restaurants are.
B&W of the SF-Oakland Bay Bridge.
A longer span of the bridge that connects SF to Oakland.
Arachnid invasion. Run for your lives!
Other sculptures found along the bay.
Seagull spying on dropped food near the market.
Shaggy taking a rest after his morning walk.
Not your usual mode of transport.
Boarded the ferry to take us to Sausalito.
Alcatraz on the left with the Golden Gate Bridge afar on the right.
A wonderful sunny day out for yachting.
Ocean view houses spreading around the coast at Sausalito. They must cost a lot.
The quaint street near the harbour.
Don't know much about this monument but certainly is popular.
Nice to stroll along the bay.
Artist at work. This takes a lot of patience.
The famous sea lion statue along Sausalito bay, with the city of San Francisco and Oakland Bridge at the background.
Fatty furry friend.
So we ended the 1st day with light travel. As we were overcoming with jet lag, it would be good to rest early to recharge the body. We need the energy and body vigor for the activities ahead.
And another trip awaiting....
