Wolf bite

Story behind the reflection...

Yikes! Ever come home to find your place on fire, a flood crashing down on you, and giant wolves waiting to pounce across the street?! Interesting and tragic result of adding the glowing edges effect to this reflection.

Taquila

This is where I eat in SF - Colibri Mexican Bistro

     Just barely in the 'loin, tucked right next to Union Square and Nob Hill, is this wonderful Mexican restaurant. I love the many delightful taquarias that San Francisco offers, but this is a different animal entirely.

     I come here for the tasty food and drinks, great service, and engrossing decoration and ambience. Think of it as upscale Mexican cuisine. Travelers and art students on a budget should explore the happy hour menu, with half price appetizers and drinks.

     My favorite dish? Sopes Surtidos, a trio of thick and chewy "tortillas" topped with meat or vegetables, each better than the last.

Cats eyes

Story behind the reflection...

There is a magical kitty crouched amongst the trees, in this Pacific Heights reflection. These eyes watch out over Fillmore Street.

Knock-out

Story behind the reflection...

This lucky tree has quite an amazing figure, huh? This impossibly endowed goddess of nature was seen in a reflection in Cow Hollow.

Road to river

Story behind the reflection...

What an incredible scene that pops out of this reflection, as trolleys and cars morph into a bubbling stream, bus stop into a spectacular roof overhead.

A nice reminder that the Embarcadero had beaches once.

Pink lady

To climb Russian Hill
is to slip outside the city
a walk up the steep sidewalk
while leaving noisy chaos behind

The climb will put sweat on your brow
warming you up even on a chilly windy day
you'll feel the exertion as breathing quickens
body feeling the burn while energy fills your soul

Witness some spectacular views in many directions
so much to see across both city and bay from up here
Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, Coit Tower, among others
stand here up top Russian Hill and look out over it all

Enjoy beautiful gardens with flowers, plants and trees
providing a fresh natural beauty that tickles the senses
all while you begin your descent down the other side
continuing on down through sidewalks and stairways

Gliding down with a pause at the SF art institute
to enjoy the courtyard full of sculpture and art
then gliding on back to the hustle and bustle
with Lombard St. twisting at your side

As you leave Russian Hill behind
and continue into North Beach
calm, strength, and warmth
will linger on with you

Mystical glow

Story behind the reflection...

     On busy Geary Ave, I glanced in through a doorway, and found that this hotel may be more than meets the eye! Ghostly figures, handprints, and a fantastic golden aura bursts up through the sidewalk inside this looking glass world.

     While not all of the tenderloin hotels are quite this magical, they are quite reasonably priced, and right next to everything. Travelers can look on Geary between Mason and Leavenworth for hotels that are outside of the tenderloin "grit" to the south, and the pricy Union Square "extravagance" to the east. This is also a great spot to find a hostel, and in general I recommend staying on or north of Geary Ave.

Yellow robot

Story behind the reflection...

     I was walking on my way to work one day, when I took a look through this reflection. Oh my, a curious robot spirit was staring back at me from the glass! The ghosts of technologies past linger all around the SOMA, an ever evolving landscape full of technology and startups.

Butterflies

chinatown is a destination

chinatown is a journey

twenty-four blocks gently sloping Nob Hill into FiDi
two paths flat for walking Union Square to North Beach

parallel streets a single block apart
side-by-side cultures a world apart

Grant St flows with travelers from foreign lands
Stockton St grinds with immigrants from china

bright colors of souvenirs filling up windows
muted colors of laundry hanging from windows

casual drifting from place to place
determined plodding from here to there

an american/chinese vision of chinese fantasy
a chinese-american vision of american reality

Sweet pier

Story behind the reflection...

     I was standing at a streetcar stop along the Embarcadero, when a trip through the looking glass took me into a delicious "pier-allel" universe made of ice cream and dessert.

Street fair

     I was passing through the North Beach street fair, when this image caught my eye. It wasn't until later that I noticed how the transparent beauty in a blue dress appears to be admiring the flying books fluttering over the crowd.

     Those books will glow at night, with the noise of the traffic!

A rare breed of book bird. Look for them soaring around Columbus and Broadway.

Ghost ship

Story behind the reflection...

I was enjoying some fine art and antiques on display in the SOMA's Rincon center, when this phantom ship drifted in through the reflection...

...and sailed on through this bustling lunch spot. I imagine the crew was hungry.

Buckle up

   Please remember to buckle up SF. And enjoy your driving. Enjoy the quick drives, the long drives, the traffic jam drives, the routine drives.

Rooted in retail

So much shopping happening around Union Square! The square itself is rooted with a parking garage.

Your move

Story behind the reflection...

     Walking along the sidewalk, I was hustling to get to the library on time. I had to stop, as all of a sudden I see a man playing chess with a fire hydrant!
     I quickly dropped my books, grabbed my camera... and his partner sits down. I walked in and told these two what I had seen, and they chuckled and agreed to recreate the scene! Thanks so much to these wonderful gentleman.

Gold jogger

5 Impressians of Russian Hill...

1. Landscaping - The Russian Hill neighborhood is full of beautiful trees, gardens, yards, flowers, and landscaping of all sorts.
2. Quiet - A calm breath of fresh air that sits atop the fun. Roll down the hill to the north (Embarcadero), south (nob hill), east (north beach) or west (polk street), for plenty of happy and loud times.
3. Stairways - Some beautiful stairways grace these steep slopes. Perfect for peaceful walks, challenging workouts, and amazing views.
4. Twisty Street - Here is where you will find the twisty part of Lombard Street. A fun drive, from it's entrance off Hyde St, or you can walk the stairways on either side. Beautiful flowers and greenery grow all around this popular attraction.
5. Outdoor Museum - Visit the San Francisco Art Institute on Chestnut and Jones, and you will find a beautifully sculptured courtyard lined with fine works of art.

Bruce

Witnessed on Nob Hill...

     I was walking along the sidewalk, when a man walked past me while texting on his cell phone. Not paying attention, he walked right into a tree! After shooting the tree a dirty look, he continued on his way.
     I wonder, was its bark worse than its bite?

Bear

5 Impressions of the Financial District...

1. People - So many people here from all over the world! Business people, tourists, employees and locals will all be here in abundance.
2. Business - A business center for the city. Seven fortune 500 companies, and many other companies, banks, offices, HQ's, etc live here.
3. Towers - The Financial district is home to many of the tallest buildings in the bay area. In the 1980's, public backlash against the burst of skyscraper growth prompted the addition of strict height limits on new development in this area. Since that time, new high-rise development has shifted below Market Street into the SOMA.
4. Reflections - So many beautiful panes of glass, pools of water, mirrors, and other reflections make this neighborhood one of my favorites for photography. If you enjoy architecture, the district is sure to be a treat.
5. Noise - As you might imagine, the chorus of city sounds will continue throughout the day. The noise will diminish after business hours however, when many of the local shops and eateries also close for the night.

Pillows

5 Impressions of Chinatown...

1. China - Of course. This is the oldest Chinatown in North America, and the neighborhood maintains its roots in the chinese tradition. 
2. Souvenirs - Chinatown is lined with shops selling all sorts of souvenirs, and often at the lowest prices you'll find in the city. It is a pleasure to explore all the fascinating trinkets, gifts, widgets, items, etc. Also, the shops around the main entrance gate on Grant Ave. have amazing sculptures and glass art on beautiful display.
3. Proximity - Right in the middle of downtown, it's near everything! While a journey through Chinatown is a treat in itself, a bonus is that it's surrounded by the happening North Beach, Financial District, Russian Hill, Nob Hill, and Union Square neighborhoods.
4. Tunnels - There are two lengthy tunnels that direct traffic through the heights of the Nob Hill and Russian Hill neighborhoods, and into Chinatown. The Stockton tunnel from the south and Union Square, and the Broadway tunnel from the west and Russian Hill.
5. Split - Within this relatively small neighborhood, you'll find two different chinatowns. Grant Ave. is lined with extravagantly decorated shops, has an grand ornamental gate marking it's entrance, and is the flashy chinatown that we generally think of. One block to the west, Stockton features a bustling market community where locals fill the sidewalks with activity. The street is lined with no frills shops featuring items labeled in chinese characters, underneath apartment windows dotted with laundry hanging out to dry.

Unicorn

5 Impressions of the Haight/Ashbury...

1. Color - You'll see brightly colored storefronts, murals, and clothing all around the busy Haight Street. In the surrounding neighborhood, rows of beautiful "painted lady" victorian homes. Also the colors of nature abound, with Golden Gate Park to the West, the park's panhandle to the north, and smaller parks within.
2. Hippie - This neighborhood was home to the hippie movement in the 1960's. That vibe lives on with a tie-dye look and an artsy, bohemian feel.
3. Music - Along Haight Street, you'll find plenty of music shops, as well as street musicians, and young artists on the sidewalk eager to pass along their latest CD for a small donation. 
4. Booze - This is a great spot to grab a drink, or more likely a few. Sports bars, Irish bars, dive bars, wine bars, brewpubs, microbreweries... whatever quenches your thirst, you'll find it here. Or on a nice sunny day, head over to nearby hippie hill in golden gate park, and sip from a brown paper bag. Don't worry, we won't tell.
5. Shopping - Haight Street is a bustling hub for independent business. You'll find a wide variety of small shops, many of which tend towards the artsy, quirky, or hippie.

Hang

5 Impressions of North Beach...

1. Italy - Known as "Little Italy" for the neighborhood's Italian roots and charm. You will notice the green, white and red flags painted on telegraph poles lining the street. Be sure to bring an appetite, for there is an abundance of gourmet food and delicacies that can be found here.
2. Music - You'll find small shops full of both new and antique instruments, equipment, recordings, posters, and all sorts of music related wares. You'll hear a steady diet of live music pouring from the bars at night. North Beach has a lot to offer the lover of music.
3. Views - One of the most breathtaking views of downtown. From atop Telegraph Hill, I feel like the buildings were designed to face this direction. Coit Tower sits on telegraph hill, and an elevator ride to the top will provide nice views across much of the city and bay.
4. Fun - Plenty of nightlife here. You'll find an assortment of popular bars, comedy, music, and many more entertaining options. The Broadway and Columbus area is well known for its strip clubs. During the day, you might enjoy the variety of small and unique shops that line the streets east of Columbus, or throw a frisbee around in Washington Square. Plus, a huge street fair on Fathers Day.
5. History - One of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco. North Beach was actually a beach once! Landfill was added to the coast, adding to what is now known as the Embarcadero. Across from Washington Square, you'll find the beautiful and historic Saints Peter and Paul Parish, built in 1924. Interesting note: the churches street address, which you will not find anywhere on the site, is 666 Filbert St.

The Neighborhoods of San Francisco

               
DOWNTOWN
        Union Square
        The Financial District
        The Tenderloin
        Nob Hill
        Russian Hill
        Chinatown
        North Beach
        The Embarcadero
                 
THE STREETS
        South of Market (SOMA)
        The Mission/Potrero
        The Castro
                
THE MIDDLE
        Haight/Ashbury
        Upper Market/Western Addition etc
        The Marina/Cow Hollow
        Pacific Heights
        The Presidio
                 
THE AVENUES
        Golden Gate Park
        The Richmond District
        The Sunset District
                    
THE PERIPHERY
        Twin Peaks etc

        Mission Bay

        Bayview/Hunters Point

Ducks in a row

A priceless moment, in Golden Gate Park

     It was a gorgeous sunny day, and I was out walking in the park with a friend. Hippie Hill, on the eastern edge of the park, was full of activity that day.

     We saw a few children playing intently by a hole in the ground, and we decided to investigate. Turns out, there was a groundhog that would poke its head up out of the ground, to our delight!

     What's more, the children had found that the groundhog loved the clover leaves growing near the hole. When the children left, we wandered over, laid out some clover leaves, and watched as our little friend would climb out of the hole, check out his newfound treasure, then grab the leaves and carry them back down.

     I wish I had a camera back on that day, to capture the moment. The memory, however, I will always treasure.

Cranes

Bursting out of San Francisco's downtown

like a blossoming flower

the SOMA is filled with the spirit of growth

Startups bloom

With entrepreneurs, artists and techies

riding a magical wave of creativity and passion

Art blooms

With incredible murals to be found in the streets

and the museum of modern art providing an ever evolving masterpiece

Architecture blooms

Towering cranes lining the horizon

building new growth into the skyline with an artistic flair

Champions bloom

As our beloved Giants have called the district home

growing beards and winning the World Series two of the past three years

SOMA, you are constantly evolving

I will enjoy watching your transformation

as the spirit of growth makes dreams become real

Strange hole in the ivy...

Hmm, what is this pigeon guarding, what could be so important.

Click on the hole in the leaves, if you dare attempt to get past our feisty feathered friend.

Lobby

Nob Hill, I stand atop you and appreciate...

• Your Huntington Park, with people, art, and dogs that bark
• Your cathedral, Grace, and her warm stained glass embrace
• Your steeply sloped sidewalk, great for exercise, views, and art students with chalk
• Your tendernob to the south, with sutter street fun and food for my mouth
• Your behemoth hotel towers, luxurious, beautiful, and adorned with flowers

...and I dream of a time before all this majesty,

when I could stand here and gaze straight down to the sea

Checkered

Fog rolls in from off the sea

like a thick and fluffy tide

as if the city was blanketing

it's cooler western side

To the west, the Pacific Ocean

with beach for jogs, barbecues and kites

To the east, the inner sunset

provides food, shops, fun, and gorgeous heights

To the north lies Golden Gate Park

where forest grows wild and free

And to the south you'll find the zoo

an animal sanctuary

What unique wonders surround the Sunset

and all throughout it's mid

rows upon rows of houses lie

all crisscrossed in a grid

Spirits

The tenderloin
will tend to join
Opposite poles
of societies roles
Homeless in the street
and professionals in apartments meet
Just west of downtown
convenient to everything around
Here lies the wonderful church, Glide
food and shelter, it will lovingly provide
There's beauty to be found, on these streets
but keep eyes and ears open, and stay light on your feet
Named for bonuses paid for cops on this beat
the dangerous work deserved choice cuts of meat

Balloons

Overheard around Union Square...

- A young man is talking on his cellphone, standing in a doorway on busy Geary Ave.

     Young Man: "Dude, you'll never guess what I'm doing right now"

     Police officer walking up beside him: "Smoking pot?..."

Go West

You stand proud, financial district,
with your glorious skyscrapers
Beautiful architecture,
both modern and historic
Bike messangers sit on Market St at the ready,
as pidgeons in flocks scavenge for food
What a diverse crowd,
young and old,
business and tourist,
people from so many nations,
all united in pride for this city,
San Francisco,
A melting pot for the world.