We find our way through the classy Italian quarter, up the Filbert Steps to Coit tower with fab views of the Bay and bridges. Back into Chinatown we find Jack Kerouac Alley with its cool murals and quotes from Chinese proverbs to Kerouac and Steinbeck. It is Mike's birthday and he chooses a Chinese restaurant for his birthday meal.
The place is full of locals, mainly noisy chatting groups of men. Suitably refreshed we search for Tin How temple, which was damaged in the destructive earthquake of 1906, but survived enough to become the focus of rebuilding the badly burnt district.
We eventually spot the temple, on a 4th floor, and make our way up a dingy stairway to a fascinating room where we were made very welcome.
The air is thick with incense from the many joss sticks burning in front of elaborate altars. The ceiling is covered with small red pieces of paper, each one a prayer.
In the evening, in our Marriott apartment, we carry on the b'day celebrations with "nibbles" and wine whilst watching Fleetwood Mac, & Blondie performing at the Isle of Wight festival in stereo on the 2 enormous flat screen tellies. To polish off a great day, the Europeans win the Ryder Cup (golf) against all odds.
Our 2nd day in the city and we take the ancient cable car (rather overfilled with tourists) up and down iconic hills, to the maritime historic port.
This is a great place with lovingly preserved old boats including tugs, sailing cargo boats, paddle steamer and house boat, all against the back drop of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
It has been a sweltering few days, and set to remain so, but a bit cooler we hope for our onward coast cycle. LA meanwhile has hit an all time record for October at 104 degs so we hope it cools a bit before we get there in about a week!
Location:San Francisco
