Monday Rush Hour

Rush hour is more interesting when I'm not the one rushing. Just popped outside the hotel with my complimentary morning coffee to see if Elevation Salon could fit me in for a haircut. I'm heading back at 10.

So the last few days have been un-blogged due to sheer activity. Friday took some wandering down at the Wharf, Ghirardelli square, and a Bay Cruise I got with my Citypass. I must admit, the cruise was the highlight. I love being out on the water and SF Bay is interesting water.

I found much of the rest of the area way too touristy. Even Ghirardelli square, partially under construction so I couldn't follow the historical tour, seemed overrun with generic handicrafts and cookie-cutter buskers. The walk along the Fisherman's Wharf did lead to a laugh when I encountered the Bush Man, though. I saw him before he got me, and got a smile and a wink for my vigilance, followed by a laugh when he leapt out and scared the crowd behind me.

Saturday was a marathon trip to San Jose and then Monterey with the Hu crew. Even though we were late and it was a long drive in traffic, I'm so thrilled I got to see even part of that aquarium. There's something hypnotic, and humbling, about seeing creatures so alien yet still sharing this blue sphere with us. Monterey Bay alone is so vast, the mind boggles at what is out there beyond the bay limits.

Sunday, due to sunburns and sore feet, we had a lazier, indoor day. The "attraction" for the day was the SFMOMA, something that lived up to many stereotypes of "modern art" (think, blank white canvas titled "Angst of the Demon Hypertext.com" or such) but did show some interesting exhibits. In all, the most enjoyable were the early classics (Matisse, Magritte, Kahlo, O'Keefe), a very striking post-war Japanese photography gallery, and the museum's own collection of current works. I'm afraid I could have skipped the Matthew Barney that everyone seems to think is the prime attraction.

Today began with a haircut in a fancy local salon - fun, the jury is out on the results but it's neater and cooler for now. We're about to be off to the Fisherman's Wharf area, but to see the Aquarium, and then tonight is our Alcatraz cruise.