San FranCelia

Cold, cold go away, come again another…. Well no, don’t come again.  Give me some warmth already – I mean it is almost August for goodness sake.  Ah, gotta love summers in San Francisco.  A great way I’ve found to get away from it all and get some sun but also stay close, is to take a weekend day trip to Angel Island, the largest island in the middle of the Bay.   Unlike Alcatraz, which is great, but usually a one-time trip, Angel Island is a great time many times over.  Half the fun of any island trip is taking the ferry to your destination.  It’s such a beautiful ride as you watch the City encased in a blanket of fog fade in the background as you get farther and farther away.  The layer of fog during these months, while difficult to exist in, is a gorgeous thing to behold when at a distance.  It rolls down the hills of Sausalito and the Headlands with a speed that boggles the mind, and is truly breathtaking.  As you approach the island, a view of old historic white military homes and a long doc come into view.  As you step foot on the island, you can’t help but be amazed at the juxtaposition of the blue Bay waters and the lush greenery of the island.  It’s like you’re falling into an aquamarine heaven.  There is a large collection of bikes for rent to the side of the doc and the incredible expanse of the island before you.  Everyone is allowed to bring food and drinks to the island (yay!  Finally a place where they encourage cheap eats!), and though picnic tables are first come first serve, there is plenty of lawn to picnic on if you feel so inclined.  This is one of the best ways to spend a lazy Saturday or even Sunday, as it’s not an exhausting excursion at all.  You’re able to bring frisbees, footballs, whatever you like, and really enjoy the sunshine that is so close, yet so far away from our beloved City. 

If you feel like you want to be more active, there’s plenty to do for the motivated exercise enthusiast, as well.  You can rent a bike for the whole day near the doc area for a mere $35, and ride all over the vehicle free island – it’s perfect for beginners and experts alike, as there are several trails.  The hiking around the island is not to be forgotten, as well.  You can’t get better views of the City than from the top of the island, so that alone is inspiration to take the trek. 

All this can make a girl (and yes, you guys, too) hungry, and if you don’t opt for the picnic lunch and lazy day, a trip to the Cove Cafémay definitely be in order.  It’s only open to 4pm during the weekend, so make sure if you take a late lunch it’s not too late, as this is definitely a fun way to end the day.  If you visit the island in the summer months, you can also try the spirited Cantina Oyster Bar where there is a new Sojou Bloody Mary addition to the menu for 2009 – what a wonderful idea Angel Island! 

I can’t say enough great things about this mini destination spot.  It’s almost as if you’re far away in another world, when really it’s only a 30 minutesboat ride from the City.  It’s sunny and green and full of things for people of all ages to do.  Don’t let the cold keep you indoors – we only get one summer a year and as far as I’m concerned, we should always make the most of it.  All it means is that we have to be creative in our search for sunshine. 

Peace and love Xo

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So the chill of summer is upon us here in the City, and while I love living here, between the months of June and August, I become jealous of all the other people in the Bay Area that aren’t directly under a blanket of fog – so the North, South, and East Bay

populations respectively.  In my attempt to enjoy the late evening light, I end up usually donning a scarf and giant sweatshirt that thankfully keeps my hands warm, as well, and going for walks in the different neighborhoods.  I love being outdoors to exercise, so I won’t let the cold ruin my 9pm light!  While this kind of weather can take it’s toll, there are ways to enjoy the cold, I’ve found.  One place I love is Samovar Tea Lounge, which helps take away the doldrums of the cold with a massive variety of fresh and unique teas and a loungy ambiance that brings the warmth.  Samovar has several locations around San Francisco, including their most popular location above Yerba Buena Gardens with a gorgeous patio and view of Downtown, but my favorite one is in the Castro/Mission Valley location.  It’s kind of hidden away, with nonchalant local stores nearby and houses to either side.  However, when you enter, you feel as if you’ve entered a warm and comfortable desert lounge with large bench-like seating and pillows, and walls made out of bamboo and art.  There is a wall of tea to choose from, and a tea menu longer than most restaurant menus to tell you about each one.   As you sit down, the aroma of flavored and black teas fill the air, with a slight hint of the delicious food goodies their extensive food menu offers.  My tea of choice is their ‘Monkey Picked Iron Goddess of Mercy Tea’, which not only is a deliciously light Oolong blend, but also boasts the ability to dissolve my issues, whatever those may be.  Hey… I’ll take it.  I paired this with their Grilled Portabella & Onion Sandwich that comes with a savory Gruyere cheese recently, and let me tell you, it was so tasty!  It’s such a peaceful spot, that the simple act of drinking tea brings a sense of calm. 

Samovar’s slogan is ‘Practice Peace.  Drink Tea.’, and it truly is a place that is relaxed  and inviting.  Many people are there in groups whether it’s for a class project or a relaxed night with friends.  Others are alone with their laptops, working, which shows you the atmosphere.  When groups and laptop junkies are in coexistence and both happy about it, it’s a rare find.  As soon as the warmth from the hot tea hits my lips, the chill of the summer (oh the irony – again it amazes me) instantly alters into a place that’s tranquil, exotic, and best of all, warm. 

This is a wonderful spot to warm you up on these cold San Francisco days and nights.  Although the weather is slightly depressing (especially when you see all the ads on TV for sunscreen), the cold can bring about great things.  So go on… practice peace, and drink some tea already.

Peace and love Xo

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Summer isn’t summer in San Francisco without a trek to the Sunset’s outer limits to hit up the weekly Stern Grove Music Festival.  For 72 years, this tradition had shaped and inspired not only concert goers, but also other musicians, as you sit amidst a grove of massive eucalyptus, fir, and redwood trees, and watch a free concert.  With everyone from Joan Baez to the San Francisco Ballet, you’re sure to hear and view some great acts – and best of all, did I mention it’s free.  This is one of my favorite ways to spend a lazy Sunday in the City.  Taking mass transit (or being prepared to walk) is the best way to go, but once you get there, you are welcomed with a fun community of people who are giving, unique, and friendly.  The concerts all start at 2pm, so if you want to have any semblance of good seating, you usually need to arrive around noon.  Yes, that’s two hours in advance, but the wait it well worth it.  You enter through a large archway that greets you with the

feel of the grove, and from there are met with a plethora of huge trees that tower over you bringing in flickers of light and warmth.  It’s so lovely.  Every time I go, we end up hiking into the hills of the grove – yes, most of the grove is on a slope with only minimal seating is in the flat areas – set out a picnic blanket, crack open some spirits and eat a great picnic lunch with friends while waiting for the music to begin.  Keep in mind they sell only limited food and no alcohol at the grove, so be prepared and stop by a grocery store before you go.  By the time 2pm rolls around, most people are generally a bit toasted, which generally ensures a fun and jovial vibe for the concert that day.  As you are sitting there, you see the grove get more and more crowded with people, and the smell of the trees and nature consume your senses.  The occasional waft of marijuana coming from some ambiguous, low key person(s) is generally ever-present, as well… contact high anyone?  It’s a great spot to really take some time to relax and slow down your hectic pace.

When the music starts it’s an even better experience.  If you are in the hills, it’s generally hard to see the musician, but hearing them in no problem, so simply laying back and enjoying the sounds as they bounce off of the trees and sloped hillside is absolute heaven.  With the sun lightly caressing your face as you lay back, and the natural feel of the place slipping you into a more and more peaceful state, you feel as if you’ve entered another world.  Even though the grove is close to one of San Francisco’s most busy thoroughfares, all that sound melts away and you are left solely with music and the rustle of the trees; pure bliss.

If you want a cheap and brilliant way to spend your Sunday, the Stern Grove Music Festival is the way to go, most definitely.  This Sunday, July 19^th, Sergent Garcia and Curumin are playing, so it’s sure to be a funky and upbeat vibe.  For a complete list of acts playing the rest of the 2009 season – which runs through August 23^rd - click here.  This annual San Francisco event is definitely the place to be at the end of the weekend – it may be just what the doctor ordered to start your week off right.

Peace and love Xo

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