Today I bought my last book at A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books. I always thought that sucked as a name for a bookstore, but I loved the store itself. I spent a lot of time perusing the non-fiction tables in the back, looking for the perfect weekend read or birthday present for my brother. About 8 months ago, we heard Sean Wilsey read to a packed crowd, and that book was the last I bought. Appropriately, it is titled "The Glory of It All".

Yesterday, N. and I went on a perfect bike ride, and I recommend the route. We toured around around the park, and then headed out 8th Street to Lake. We turned East on Lake Street, and worked our way up Arguello, somehow skipping the nasty hill right before the Presidio. We took the nice new bike lanes out Washington Street to the new lookout (that is where the Night Ride went tonight. If you would like to go on a night ride, check out the SFBC calendar). We worked our way down to the Golden Gate Bridge, but skipped crossing it. Instead, we rolled down to the Warming Hut for a hot chocolate, and back around to see a very cool new temporary sculpture installed by the Black Arts Foundation. The Sculpture is at the Mission and the Embarcadero, you can't miss it!

Fun Murals and Silly Food

Mona Caron just unveiled her latest mural at 22nd and Church Street. The opening gala had a band playing French musette, and the hot weather made for a festive celebration. I highly recommend you go mural hunting in San Francisco. Aside from Mona's great works, there are wonderful murals such as the ones on Balmy Alley. My favorite Mona Caron mural is the one behind the Safeway at Church and Market, but the latest one is lovely and subtle.

Last night J. took me out for fancy dinner at Jardiniere. I am only mentioning this because even though we had a great time, it is a lousy over-priced restaurant. So don't go there! Instead go to Greens or Liberty Cafe, or get a burrito at Mariachi! J. would especially want me to mention Naan 'n Curry, which I am beginning to think is his idea of what heaven would be like.

Finally, my friend L. made it to Philadelphia to go to Nursing School -- so wish her luck! We are all rooting for her.

Camera Obscura

This weekend, I found myself at Camera Obscura. Yes, that venerable institution is open once again at a bargain rate of three dollars. Even though the technology is ancient, I highly recommend it on a clear day. You will be mesmerized by the ocean. Sunday was foggy, but it still was well worth the trip. It is located on the patio area right behind the Cliff House (the new Cliff House is very strange. I miss the old bar where you could get beer and a snack for a reasonable price. Not any more!).

They want to go to Fisherman's Wharf

Because I swim at the South End Rowing Club, I have been spending a bit of time in Fisherman's Wharf (i.e., Fishy Wharf) and thought I would reveal a few of its secrets. This information could come in handy if you have relatives visiting from the Midwest, and a trip to the tourist trap can not be avoided.

The sea lions at Pier 39 are well-known and fun to observe. If a docent is present on the pier, be sure and ask lots of questions: that is why they are there. Then head down the street towards Ghirardelli Square. Stop in at the Hyde Street pier, especially if you have kids, because the pier has lots of really cool ships you can explore. My friend B. and I learned what it means to "batten a hatch" the last time we were there. Next to the pier is the State Park Maritime store, which is the best souvenir shop in the area. It is full of cool books and nautical things, as opposed to dumb T-shirts and tacky trinkets.

You can also stroll out on the breakwater/pier past Aquatic Park. Of course, while passing Aquatic Park, look out at the buoys for swimmers. You will probably see a swimmer any time of year or in any type of weather. Look for the folks without wetsuits -- they are probably South Enders, or a lower-caste Dolphin.

If you insist on a tourist event, take the kids to the chocolate factory and get a hot fudge sundae. They are really tasty and worth the cost. Plus, you can see the old equipment and learn how chocolate is made. If the kids were left off somewhere near Lodi, take the adults to Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee. It is fun, even if it is touristed. You can also get a reasonably priced meal there. For pricier meals, skip Aliotos and such. Instead stop in at Pompeii's Grotto or the Blue Mermaid. Both are quite good for the price you pay, and you don't feel ripped off when you've finished your crab sandwich.

My pal A. recommends the Fiddler's Green if you really want to avoid the tourist traps and hunker down for a pint with the locals. I haven't been, but I trust her recommendation.

Finally, if you want to ignore my advice entirely, then I advise plunging right in and paying the money for the Wax Museum. If you are going to go tourist, then go all the way. Have fun!