We have all day to putter around in town today. No real plans other than wandering the Embarcadero to scope out the pier and where our rental car pick up is when we return. We are, of course, up early since we’re still sort of on EST time. Breakfast starts early here too – so luckily we can get extra coffee and those premade omelet things (which are surprisingly good today – we think because they were “fresh” and not frozen? Who knows?).
Since we are in no rush, we sort of bum around the room for a while. Finally getting ourselves organized and out for the day. We are about a 30 minute walk from the BART line here, and we use that as our morning exercise. It’s a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky – the only downside is: it is FREEZING! I’m bundled up, but I’m still wishing for gloves and a scarf. Wow!
The walk to the station seems to take forever (it doesn’t, it’s just the cold!), and once we finally figure out the ticket machines, we’re both through the turnstile and waiting for the train. The ride in is simple – about 30 minutes, no transfers. We hop off at the Embarcadero stop and look for a coffee shop (no Dunkin Donuts anywhere – darn!). As we are heading to the waterfront, we pass by the San Francisco Hyatt Regency, where Ed spent his first honeymoon (all those years ago). We duck in to take a peek (and to hit the restrooms). It’s a beautiful hotel – with interior hallways all opening up onto the grand atrium. A marvel in its time, the indoor hallway/high rise design has certainly been copied over and over by every hotel chain today. They are just tearing down their holiday display, so we missed most of the lights and decorations, but they still have the original miniature train set on display. It’s fascinating – but for some reason didn’t rate a picture! We must still be groggy!
Back out into the frigid day we go. Wandering down to the waterfront, past the Ferry building,
past Coit Tower,
heading up toward Pier 27 where the new cruise ship terminal is located. We scope it out, understanding why people complain! There is no covered waiting areas outside – if it rains – you’ll be soaked standing in line to get into the building to go through security. The lot and entrance is also really small, so we’re betting there will be traffic issues as well. We’ll see tomorrow.
Next we do a recon on the walk to the rental car – it will be easy. 10 minutes max, all flat with easy crosswalks for the bags. We’re good. So, now it is time to wander. Still a bit early for lunch, but we’re 
getting munchy. We walk past the souvenir stores – all featuring Breaking Bad shirts – interesting…..then on past Pier 39, home of the Sea Lions (been there, done that, no more pix). We peruse all the seafood stands, selling identical seafood lunches (shrimp salad, crab claws, fish sandwiches, etc.) and stop outside Boudin’s for a photo of Sunny and the matching sourdough bread bear. Inside, Boudin’s is fabulous – that bread! Huge loaves for only $3.99. I’m sorely tempted, but since we’re getting on a ship tomorrow – seems a bit of a waste. Would love to eat here, but it’s strictly takeout – even though there are seating areas – it’s already jammed packed, so we proceed up the street, finally settling on Tarantino’s.
Good choice for us – we eschew waiting for a window table and just sit at the bar with the bartender. Much better service there – and we’ve just seen the harbor, etc., so who needs to take up space and wait? Ed had his eye on the grilled octopus special, which is really tasty and just what he had in mind. I have the red snapper tacos which are excellent as well – and we get a basket of sourdough bread! We’re set. After relaxing over our beer and wine – we head back out into the melee (it is a holiday weekend after all) aiming toward the Mission District.
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