First full day - San Francisco

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Well, we passed our first full day in San Francisco - so many stories and so much to write!!!

We passed an indifferent nights in our hotel - it was late when we got in and there was a lot of movement and noise. We were later getting up, it was after nine when we got moving. Breakfast was interesting... I'm thinking tomorrow we'll give the orange juice a miss and go straight to the waffles and coffee... no jam just butter. 😊

Then we got ourselves back to the room, collected purses and backpacks and went for the first walk (we've already done a bit of that this holiday) and found a Walgreens (pharmacy) and collected our clipper cards (they allow us to use the public transport for 3 days and cost $US26 including the actual card) then we headed back to the room to drop off the bottled water etc., Then we headed out again and caught the "F" line light rail to Union Square.

Lunch was Macca's (cause we were looking for something quick and easy) and once we'd eaten the trek was on. We needed to find the street with Macy's because I didn't bring a winter coat (my old one has been pensioned - it's okay to wear at home but not in New York!!!) So we triangulated our position, wandered up Geary Street a-hunting for Macy's. Now you really can't miss it once you find it!!! We headed up to the fifth floor and looked out the window on... A winter wonderland! There's ice-skating, trees and all sorts of Christmassy decorations. Beautiful!

Then I found the coat I wanted, paid (remember to point out that it should be tax-free as you aren't a US citizen!!!) and entered the lingerie department (not for me but DD#2!) She found a pair of pyjama's for $30 (they were $50 but the black friday sales are still in force)

In Starbucks, we found Mark chatting on Facebook with a friend who laughed that he was waiting! 😊

Oldest daughter wanted to visit the men's department (which, incidentally is in another building) because she wants a 3/4 length leather coat. Well, she bought a coat, but not leather. The one she grabbed was $199 down to $99 (plus tax as the woman didn't understand about the tax stuff - we think she meant the Black Friday price **shrugs** it was still good shopping!!)

Then we headed for home. The sirens were going off all around us and all we wanted to do was stay out of their way. Word to the wise, the homeless, while many have been moved along are prevalent and in your face. Avoid eye contact and haul those kids along. Oldest has said she finds it difficult... I feel bad telling her not to look, but really, there isn't much else you can do. 😞

We made it back to our hotel via a bookstore (what a surprise, right??) We've decided to relocate hotels for our last night, to be closer to the rail station - so have booked another hotel. Hopefully that will help get us to the railway on time on Wednesday...

Okay, so I'm going to sign off now. The only thing to know the rail system is pretty good but not a great idea when you're lugging a suitcase each 😊

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