Day 16 - Golden Gatae Park

Date 7/5

Weather: Cloudy and rain on occasion

Expense
$15 dining
$755 for the trip

Mileage: 0 today, 3,138 for the trip

Beer: 0 today, 16 for the trip

Pictures: homepage.mac.com/cenya/PhotoAlbum53.html

I woke up this morning and went for another short run today. I went toward the Financial District this morning. I made it all the way to Embarcadero. I was still feeling some pain on my shins, but it almost feels natural to have pain. Oh, well.

I decided to go visit Golden Gate Park. I listened to my sister suggest things to do before she went off to work. I think she felt bad she had to work. I keep reminding her that I am a grown-up and I will find things to do. I think I might even felt some relief when she went off to work.

I took my sweet time just hanging out. I finally packed my bag for a trip to GGP. I walked to McAllister to catch MUNI 5. I arrived about half hour later. It was good to get around and get to know a city without getting help. I felt like a big boy.

I walked around and looked at different attractions. I enviously looked at people running around the park. I took some pictures at Rose Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and Conservatory of Flowers. I really enjoyed the Conservatory, which happened to be free for the day. I made a real small donation instead. It made me feel better. I saw orchids, banana plants, and water lilies. I was quite impressed with this big greenhouse.

I kept getting lost even with a map and took me sometime to get myself oriented in the right direction. I was starting to feel some discomfort behind my left knee, so I just wanted to get back on the bus back to the apartment.

This plan changed once I was on the MUNI. I was feeling FAMISHED! Hmm, maybe it’s time for House of Nanking. I discovered this place when I first came to SF in 1995 with college buddies, Jim and Matt. I got off the MUNI on Market Street. I walked on Kearny to the House. It was much further than I remembered, but I knew it would be worth it. This place is always rocking. There is almost always a line to get in.

What do you know! I got lucky. There was not a line. It was after two. I assumed it was an off time. I got seated quickly. I ordered a noodle dish. I have to say it was the least delicious thing I ever ordered from the House. It was still good enough for me to finish. I think I was hungry from all the walking. Everyone else was enjoying their lunch so much more. Next time ask waitperson for a recommendation.

I caught a MUNI on Geary to the apartment. I was glad to not walk so much after eating. I was sleepy and tired. I read a little more of A Farewell to Arms. I found out one of the character had syphilis. I never read any book where a main character had syphilis. SYPHILIS. Anyway, I waited for my sister to come home, but she was late.

When she came home and asked what I did, I told her about my day. I hoped that relieved her of guilty feelings.

We planned on having dinner in. My sis told me that she needs to comfort a girl friend, who is having a rough time with her fiancé. I think they need to go out and re-affirm their womanhood. You know, go out and flirt, have guys buy them drinks, etc. I told her to go out and have a good time with her friend. I would go out to one of millions of eateries.

I met her friend, who is also a lawyer and from Phoenix. I chatted briefly with her. I accidentally invited her to a dinner planned for Thursday. Oh, well. They went out, and I was left to figure out dinner for myself. I thought of a place called La Pita Loca. I wanted to get a gyro. Besides, the name itself merits my patronage. Unfortunately, it was not open when I got there. I wondered if it was closing for good, as the sign clearly indicated it should be open.

I instead went to a Thai place right next to the apartment for a Pad Thai takeout. I played safe I guess. It was pretty good. When sister got back, we chatted briefly before turning in.