san francisco...a treat?

And no, I am not talking about that bizarre instant food combination of rice and noodles made popular in the 80's by more than slightly weird commercials featuring the famous cable cars (for those North American blog fans in readership at the moment who may in fact remember said commercials) I am of course referring to the ville itself, and yes, am in fact not entirely convinced that it is all that it is made up to be.

OK, maybe much is due to the fact that I have yet to sleep more than 2 hours in a row and am intolerable to most that is less than enjoyable at the moment, including increasing quarreltivity between myself and travel companion, but I am not much enjoying the city at all. The beautiful hills and quaint homes made famous in all manner of media seem to be tucked away into pockets that we have yet to discover, as our current surroundings could best be described as "the GHETTO" and we are advised not to wander far after dark. Granted, there is excellent shopping in the area, and we did get a glimpse of true Frisco with a cable car ride yesterday, but all in all, aesthetically muchly disappointing. AND rather unfriendly I must say, or rather, either unfriendly or TOO friendly, like the hotel staff was forced to take some course in How To Make People Think You Are Friendly When You Don't Want To Be.

That is not to say, however, that I have scoffed my Woman About Town duties and let us go underserved in the Restaurant Experience Department. Thanks to my toil and investigative skills, we have eaten well, and will continue to do so (NO MCDONALD's, NOT ON MY WATCH!) The weekend proved incredibly busy, however, and had us zipping around the city for a free table. We ended up at the UBER hot The Slanted Door at the Ferry Terminal Building, thanks to a wonderful suggestion, and although the restaurant was full had our fill of roasted crab, Vietnamese spring rolls, and lemon martinis in the lounge. Tonight, off to XYZ, rated one of the top 10 of Frisco in 2006, and destined not to disappoint. Then, if all goes well, off to a young practitioners party. I am ready for it.

The work itself here is also busy, many people to talk to and inform and entice, but it is fun and we are happy that we are busy, which is the point after all.

Alright, well, you can take the girl out of the home routine but you can't take the home routine out of the girl, and it's off to Tae Bo, hotel room style. Tonight, after yet a second trip to Old Navy, we will sample yet another of the city's neighbourhoods...with expectation maintained.