This year is the first time in years that I haven’t been on an international trip. I’m so lucky to have been able to see a little of the world, but staying home sounded nice to me this year. And much cheaper.
So it was time to explore my homeland. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that even though I live on the West Coast, I had never been to San Francisco.
Then in August- everything swirled together at just the right time- America’s Cup racing event and Britex Fabrics.
I’ve had Britex on my list of places to visit for years- 4 floors of fabric goodness! Suiting, voiles, toiles, flannel, georgette, lace, buttons- amazing and completely overwhelming. Too many choices, so I only left with $10 of wide lace to make a scarf. Really? This the problem of someone who has trouble making decisions.
And while I’m pretty new to my sailing obsession, it was not helped at all by watching massive (5 stories tall!) sailboats going fast. I’m still trying to figure out how to talk my way into going for a ride… because going fast on a sailboat is ridiculously fun. If you haven’t tried it, you should.
Racing took place along Marina Green on the waterfront- with the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz as a backdrop. Spectacular. They went so close to the jetty, I was expecting them to flip or crash, but they can really whip those things around. They actually showed the Sunday races on network TV, so there were 4 helicopters, plus so many little boats with video cameras and photographers. It was kind of electric.
One of the best parts was that it was free! Spectators could just have a seat on the beach or the seawall. The sailors also mingled with the crowd since their hospitality tents were right in the middle of everything – how many professional athletes do you just get to walk up and talk to after a ‘game’? I was way too chicken to do that, so I just watched them carry the sails back in.
The rest of the time was pure tourist bliss- cable cars, Victorian homes, the Bridge. I loved the feel of the Ferry Building – people coming and going from their ferries, mixed with gourmet food shops and kitchen supplies – like a foodie’s dream world. Maybe not totally a vegan foodie’s dream world, but I did find amazing organic, vegan blueberry donuts from a little cart called Pebbles Donuts.
Before I went, I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to find enough to eat… easily. I was saved by Whole Foods in my neighborhood in the Design District. Near the boat races, I also found Greens, a swanky vegetarian place at Fort Mason. My Greens To Go grilled tofu sandwich would have been great if it wasn’t for the copious amount of horseradish… but they were saved by also offering outstanding vegan shortbread cookies. Vegan shortbread cookies?! Their regular menu looks like a dream, with the fresh, local, and organic prices to prove it. I’m guessing it is worth the cost.
The walk across the bridge and back whipped even my hair into a curly mess, and of course it was so foggy I couldn’t see anything, but I guess I got to experience it like the locals do most of the time. I wonder if it’s like Mount Rainier coming out… we insist that it’s there to visitors, but it can go weeks without showing itself it seems.
There are more America’s Cup sailboat races this October and the finals next summer…. I expect I’ll be back there soon.
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