August is here again and most Londoners have packed their bags and headed off for their annual bucket and spade holidays. I, on the other hand, have nowhere to go except my kitchen, currently being transformed into something resembling the Star Ship Enterprise at a cost of squillions! However this time last year I was heading off to San Francisco for six days.
(the golden gate bridge)
I packed a lot into those days visiting: Sonoma, Napa Valley, Muir Woods, Monterey and Carmel. I walked the Golden Gate Bridge, almost, and did a whistlestop tour of the City taking in all its distinctive districts, blues clubs, bars and restaurants. I visited museums, galleries and exhibitions.
(muir woods)
(the bar at Tosca)
(the vineyards at mondavi - napa valley)
On my last night a few friends and I dined at Boulevard Restaurant, our spirits were high and as we headed off into the night we hailed a cab to take us to The Saloon, in Northbeach.
(our equally high spirited cabbie)
As I fumbled with the cab door, it suddenly flew open, catching me on the corner of my eye. It hurt like hell but there was no apparent damage done.
(loos at Tosca)
The bar was loud and the band were brilliant, finally winding up with my all time favourite song, “Stormy Monday”. Armed with their CD we walked home, the perfect end to the perfect last night.
Back in my über trendy hotel, The Vitale, I switched on the CD player with my latest purchase in it and danced around the room. A tip, dear readers, when playing music after you have just exited a loud bar/club, remember that what seems a reasonable volume to you is at least 5 levels higher than it should be at 3am.
(the view from my window)
Feeling rather rock chick I decided to have a fag, yes that’s right, a cigarette in a non smoking city, in a totally non smoking hotel. I opened the window as far as it would go, and puffed away, being careful to blow the smoke outside. I had no sooner finished than someone was knocking on the door, bizarrely enough it was the night manager.
“There is a problem with the music.” He said without a hint of warmth.
“What’s the problem……not loud enough?” I joked. Oh how we laughed….not!
“ Are you aware that there is a $350 fine for smoking in your room?” He was determined to wipe the stupid smile off my face, but I was too happy to care.
“Yes I am.” I replied with as much confidence as I could muster.
I awoke with a throbbing black eye and a headache to match, showered and headed off for my last hurrah to Sausalito. Getting to Sausalito involves a ferry ride, so, coffee in hand we bought our tickets and set off. The sun was high in the sky, but the spray from the water and the breeze kept us cool. After a lazy lunch out in the sun and some window shopping we headed back to the City.
(the ferry)
My goodbyes done, I arrived at the airport preparing for the long, uncomfortable journey home, and boy was it uncomfortable. Shortly after take off I noticed my skin begin to tingle, this in turn gave way to acute burning and on examination I had turned lobster red. Nine painful hours later I arrived home burnt to a crisp and sporting a black eye looking like I had been on boozy weekend in Benidorm….true Brit!!
Copyright © Ffiona Reid-Owen (2009)