Early explorations

Went to buy a mobile phone yesterday. Was intending to walk back via a slightly different route, but got distracted by a gorgeous park with fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Then discovered across a huge crescent-shaped quay with more fabulous views in all directions and a lovely little beach! There was even someone swimming (in a wetsuit, admittedly!). It was warm in the sun and stunningly beautiful – I was just walking around with my mouth open. Couldn’t resist going to see the sealions again, and as it happens, the 17th anniversary of their arrival is being celebrated this Friday.

This morning I applied for a work permit online. I am still reeling from the bureaucratic horrors – I’m sure they try to make the process as obtuse as possible. Jon is doing another battle with bureaucracy: our FedEx shipment (11 boxes containing our personal effects) is being held up at customs because there are some tea bags and a bit of chocolate among the items. Apparently, there’s a risk that the whole lot will get sent back!

Today I wandered in the other direction towards the downtown, among the skyscrapers and past the Transamerica Pyramid. I signed up for a course at the Italian institute, so that I can continue my Italian learning. However, I came away many dollars lighter, as it was really quite expensive! It’s another beautiful day here – winter may well turn out to be the best time to visit, and I’ve certainly not seen any of the famous fog yet. I meandered between Chinatown and the adjacent Italian quarter – and Chinatown really is very Chinese – packed with restaurants, Dim Sum joints, shops selling silks and cheap jewellery, gaudy signs and lanterns, people speaking Mandarin. Then, just a few minutes away, I was being heckled by an Italian waiter outside one of the many trattorias – unbelievable! And I’ve not even ventured to Japantown yet!