San Francisco, California-by far one of my favorite cities to have had the pleasure to visit during summer vacation.

Here is what my Heart and Great memories exclaim happily about the beloved San Francisco:

Perfect sightseeing weather. Crisp, blue skied days in the 70's during the day...maybe late 50's by night. Thanks San Fran for the great hair days! :D

It reminded me of Manhattan, New York(another of my loves)however San Fran is much more pleasant in the sense that its a much smaller, or condensed version of city life. Highly efficient in its cleanliness, overall maintenance of grounds, parks etc..Beautiful!!!

The trolley or cable car system...its amazing that it is still up and running, it is inexpensive and just fun to ride!

Charming architecture both residential and business wonderful to see. The bay windows in particular captivated my attention as most of these homes were embellished with a spectacular blue bay wonderful view...I loved that you are able to peek as you are driving by into people's huge bay windows...Sometimes they proudly displayed the most interesting or unique chandeliers or lighting fixtures...very cool!

Innumerable fine dining options throughout the city, it is a City known for its Top Chefs and Restaurants From mom and pops to 5 star restaurants...all worth the time and money. Kudos to service industry as..no matter where you go, the staff seems to have the most layed back attitude...Overall very pleasing.

It's Artistic Diversity---Musicians, Artists of all kinds are showcased readily and there is a proud and terrific display of appreciation for all of the arts...

Definite Highlight-Awesome and adventurous, so much shopping and sightseeing to do in this great Chinese mecca found smack in the middle of downtown San Fran. It was incredibly fun seeing this town come to life about mid morning...in the local fish market for example you see the fresh fish coming in via small trucks...Catch of the day coming right up! Or Fresh fruit or veggies being freshly displayed and sold early in the the day.. If you enjoy antiquing or just shopping anything imaginable from Chinese or even other origins you will certainly find something to peak your interests in Chinatown. Some examples include: Authentic Chinese Kites, jewelry, kimono's, shoes, incense, ivory, statues, music, books, foods, teas! That's another nice thing...tea shops are practically on every corner. I especially enjoyed venturing into trying all kinds of different oolongs and varieties of both Jasmin and other exotic blends.

Personal Highlights

• I really remember fondly how I ventured into jogging at 6am in the middle of downtown and I felt not a hint of worry for my safety...in fact, to my surprise there were other joggers striding right along with me, and most happily! What makes this memory special to me was that the air was so fresh, and crisp, the steeped hilled sidewalks were a challenge especially jogging upwards. I really loved that as I jogged and I would notice a jogger coming up directly in front of me in the opposite direction,he or she would either say or chirp "good morning" or hi- five me hello! It's almost as if there is a natural understanding to be on some sort of cooperative team- therefore each jogger I came across was friendly and courteous! By the way, as I jogged every corner in each block I passed had a Starbucks...and the air nicely smelled of warm, fresh baked goods, and the start of a new great day. I don't think I could ever forget that! Who would? It simply a paradise for anyone who loves city life.
• I can't remember not one rude person, even the homeless or less than priviledged near pier 39, would at least sing or dance for a few coins...believe it when I say they were talented, or charasmaticaly entertaining in one way or other.
• All of the"touristy" points of interest...such as Pier 39, Lombard Street(crookedest street)Alcatraz, the Golden Gate bridge etc etc...were all worth experiencing, perhaps again and again. I would not mind in the least. I loved it in San Francisco and probably or most definitely always will...

When he emotionally and beautiflly sings his heart out about San Francisco...

I Left My Heart In San Francisco: By Tony Bennett

The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gay

The glory that was Rome is of another day
I've been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I'm going home to my city by the Bay

I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care

My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me