While the bus up was convenient, it certainly wasn't comfortable. After the ease of taking Southwest Airlines back, and for a relatively cheap fare, the bus just wasn't practical for the overnight trip. I think the bus to travel between cities without an overnight, like last year's Hiawatha trip, is where the bus can be a good idea for the future. Aside from that, every piece of transportation I took was smooth and easy. I love the BART and the San Francisco Muni system. Of course, I loved the Cable Cars, and while they were intended to be just another touristy thing for me to do, I did use them to travel to and from Chinatown. The only thing I wish I could have done was incorporate my bike into San Francisco and Oakland. Maybe next time...
San Francisco is a beautiful city. I'm glad I put in the effort to get outside the normal tourist traps and see some unique sights I had never been to before. The only thing I was disappointed in was that while the weather was absolutely perfect during the day, the fog never did roll in.
Fort Point was my favorite place to visit. In fact, I could have spent the entire day at the Presidio and been ok with it. I had never known that such a unique piece of history was there, almost like hiding in plain sight. Maybe being underneath the Golden Gate Bridge obscures it from our sight and mind. In looking back, I think I rushed myself a bit at the Presidio and at Fort Point. All of it is very accessible, and as I'll explain below, I should have traded in some of the Cable Car riding I did for more time exploring around the grounds of the Presidio and Fort Point.
Second, and by a narrow margin, was just walking in Chinatown. Again, I could spend the entire day just walking the neighborhood and listening to the sounds. Back when I was in college, ironically on the same trip I went to the Coliseum for the first time, I made a visit to Chinatown and was just as intrigued then as I was now. Unlike some other things in San Francisco that I have seen, Chinatown never ceases to amaze. While I have my memories from 2007, the memories I gained on this trip were brand new and unique.
Going in to the trip, I was so excited to go on the Cable Cars. I was certain that they would be my favorite part of the trip. While they were fun, I only went on the California Street line because all the rest were super crowded. That was kind of a let down.
Second, and by a narrow margin, was just walking in Chinatown. Again, I could spend the entire day just walking the neighborhood and listening to the sounds. Back when I was in college, ironically on the same trip I went to the Coliseum for the first time, I made a visit to Chinatown and was just as intrigued then as I was now. Unlike some other things in San Francisco that I have seen, Chinatown never ceases to amaze. While I have my memories from 2007, the memories I gained on this trip were brand new and unique.
Going in to the trip, I was so excited to go on the Cable Cars. I was certain that they would be my favorite part of the trip. While they were fun, I only went on the California Street line because all the rest were super crowded. That was kind of a let down.
Look, my opinion on Oakland has changed. I think it's a city with a lot of charm and potential. The area down by Jack London Square seemed to be a bustling hipster district. Contrary to what I'm used to in San Bernardino, I didn't feel unsafe at all walking around the City after dark. There's a neat brew culture that's developing there, so if I were to go back, that might be fun to explore a bit.
But, with both these cities, I can't get over what I saw on the streets with the huge homeless population. These cities are so beautiful and have so many wonderful gifts based solely on their locations, and I can't seem to wrap my head around how it can conceal this darkness.
I've warmed to the Coliseum. It's rundown, ugly, and it's probably the worst ballpark in the Majors. But, that charm, though. I just can't get over how much character it had. Let's be honest though, the fans have a major part in that role. The A's have some of the best fans in baseball. In my opinion, the fans are really making the best of a bad situation in Oakland. I hope that one day, they can have the ballpark they deserve, whether it is at the Coliseum or at another location.
Bottom line: this was a great trip. For the second year in a row, I have put together a fantastic Baseball Road Trip. In looking at the schedule for next season, I really want to make a return trip to Seattle to see the Angels play. I think that I could really make that trip as good, if not better, than this one. I had a ton of fun and, while I am totally exhausted, it was well worth it.
As September plugs along, I'm planning on doing nothing but the Majors. I have two games planned for the next two weekends, one in Anaheim and one in LA. This will be my penultimate visit to Angel Stadium for 2016, but it will be my second and final visit for the season to Dodger Stadium.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
Bottom line: this was a great trip. For the second year in a row, I have put together a fantastic Baseball Road Trip. In looking at the schedule for next season, I really want to make a return trip to Seattle to see the Angels play. I think that I could really make that trip as good, if not better, than this one. I had a ton of fun and, while I am totally exhausted, it was well worth it.
As September plugs along, I'm planning on doing nothing but the Majors. I have two games planned for the next two weekends, one in Anaheim and one in LA. This will be my penultimate visit to Angel Stadium for 2016, but it will be my second and final visit for the season to Dodger Stadium.
Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)
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