A full day in San Francisco

We had another massive day looking around San Fran yesterday. I was operating on very little sleep because of our neighbours and the paper thin walls. I think they must have had kidney stones as there was lots of moaning during the night. 

After breaky we walked down to the Cable stop via Lombard street (the crooked street) which is an extension of where we are staying. The streets are so steep. 

While we waited in line to board the cable car, the kids threw their footy and mucked around in the sun. We got our choice of seats and so the kids (and Lara) got to hang out the side of the cable car. It was an absolute highlight. 

We loved this and we rode it to Union Square. Union Square is a bustling and busy place. People everywhere with lots of very jazzy shops. 

Once there, we headed straight to the Cheese Cake Factory which is located on the top floor of Maceys. It was packed. Gave us plenty of time to make our selections. Here they go: Lara (Chris' Outrageous Cheesecake), Phil (Reece's Peanut Butter Cup), Hannah (Toasted Marshmellow S'mores Gallore), Charlie (Hershey's Chocolate Bar), William (Orio Dream Extreme), Gracie (Chocolate Mouse Cheesecake). We each cut a chunk off and threw it in the middle so that we could taste each others. 

As it turned out they were so rich, that we hardly made a dent. They were absolutely amazing, but we probably only needed 3 between the 6 of us. 

After this extravagance (which was lunch btw), we worked out how to get back to Pier 39 via public transport. We were about to board the tram when a huge screaming match broke out amongst some youngsters (not ours). The argument had crossed the street and boarded the tram. Shouting, screaming and general bad behaviour. One of the punks was wearing a balaclava. We decided to wait for the next tram. 

Once back at Pier 39 we soaked in the atmosphere. Beautiful weather, street performers, plenty of shops and lots of Pokemon! Kids shopped for trinkets and other bits and pieces. After time here we scurried back to our Hotel for 5 minutes before heading out for tea.

Yes, we plucked up the courage to have another crack at the Old Skool cafe. Got a ripper carpark and headed straight for the door. It is in a terrible part of the city. Homeless people everywhere, just hanging around the bus stop and talking in groups. Here we were, in our new GMC looking like we'd taken a dozen or so wrong turns. We made it to the cafe and we're so pleased we did. Awesome atmosphere and incredible food and service. It's set up like a jazz club with live music. The staff are all at-risk young people. Each menu has a story & photo of a different staff member. 

One of our waiters was Jeffery. He was only 17 and told us that he had already served some time. He was now working at the cafe 3 nights per week. It was giving his life purpose, opportunity and a fresh start. At the end of the night when we ventured back to our car, there were even more people hanging around. We felt so out of place, but we made it out. It was an awesome experience. Home for some tele and lights out by around 10.00 pm. 

We're leaving SF this morning. Our Yukon needs brake pads, so going via airport to swap it over. Hate to say goodbye to this beauty. Need another jazzy SUV. Hope they've got one!