California 2014

For those who know me know about my love for travel. I have been to several countries as well as states in the U.S.

During my spring break this year I was fortunate enough to travel to California, specifically the San Francisco/Oakland area. My friend Raquel, whom I met in college while working at a "high end" bowling alley (seriously it was a fancy bowling alley!), moved out there about a year ago and having been to California in my teenage years for a volleyball tournament I have always wanted to go back!

Day 1:

On my visit we had brunch at Straw in San Fran. It is a carnival themed restaurant which is displayed throughout their decor and menu. It was delicious! Raquel ordered a "Texas Sate Fair" which is a doughnut burger breakfast sandwich, crazy, right? I just ordered a simple " Hanky Panky", a Belgian waffle with two fried eggs. It was brunch so of course we ordered mimosas! The entire meal itself was unique and yummy!

Alamo Square

After brunch we spent the rest of the day taking in sights of San Francisco. Walking around the different piers; I could not believe all of the sea lions I saw just hanging out on the docks and wailing and playing with one another it was amazing! Walking around Alamo Square (famously know from the television series "Full House"), which  are absolutely beautiful in person. And ending the tour at Baker Beach on the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, where I might add that while climbing some rocks I almost lost my phone in the bay, scary!



Day 2:

We took a drive down to Gilroy, CA and went shopping at the outlet mall. We mostly went there because they had a Lululemon outlet and we're both obsessed! On our way back er drove to the top of the hill where she live where you can see the entire bay area. I took pictures of this scenery but there is not a picture in the world that can do the sight justice. You could see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and all at sunset, it was simply breath taking. We went out on in San Fran that night for a couple of drinks and we took an Uber and the Bart into the city. At the time I had no idea what an "Uber" was but the concept of it is ingenious. All in all it was a good day, minus all the money that was spent haha.

Cell Block D of Alcatraz

Day 3:

This was my last full day in Cali. After a morning run we got dressed to go visit Alcatraz. I am not sure why this creeped me out but I just got an eerie feeling about going. It was weird because the cell reception was pretty non existent except for when we were right by this cell EEKKK! While on the island our tour guide told us about all the "attempted" escapes from Alcatraz and the history behind the building itself. Also, there was a former inmate there signing copies of his book. Went out to eat at Eureka! in Berkeley and ended up staying there all night, half price glass of wine... What would you have done??



Day 4:

Sad day! We walked around Berkeley, slightly hungover from an interesting night, had lunch at Melt, a grilled cheese heaven,  a ice cream cookie dessert from C.R.E.A.M, while I shopped around for souvenirs for my family before my flight.

Visiting California was a great experience and if I ever had to forcefully leave Texas it would be one of the places I would consider moving to! But more than anything I am grateful for the time I got to spend with my friend, who I hadn't seen in almost a year. Too often I get caught up in life and being busy with my ridiculous schedule I don't take time to enjoy the true beauty of what the world has to offer.

Until next time SF!

Simple Me,

Ashley Marie