Recently the Matsumotos ventured north to San Francisco for a long weekend. Here is what I’ll remember from this trip-
Chase tells every Virgin Airlines employee who will listen that “He’s going to San Francisco and it’s his first time on an airplane” and score a visit to the cockpit complete with a seat in the pilot’s chair. Dimples trump FAA security guidelines.
Boys are remarkably unimpressed withe miracle of takeoff and watching the world below get smaller and smaller. It’s hard to compete with your own TV screen and the Disney Channel. Well done, Richard Branson!
I frequently monitor GoogleMaps during the ride to the hotel. Maybe the driver will get lost?
After checking into the hotel, we wander out for some sight-seeing on foot. Within two blocks of walking, it’s clear we have landed in the tourist zone. The economy of Fisherman’s Wharf is clearly based on Segway tours, crab consumption, and stores selling snow globes.
In the window of the Boudin Bakery is a baker shaping a bread alligator–a tribute to the local amino reptile and the World Series champs. Pretty cool.
Why does breakfast on vacation cost $50?
Chase falls in love with a baseball pinball machine at Musée Méchanique, a museum of old and antique arcade games. The copyright on the game says it’s from 1972. There are machines twice as old in the museum, but I’m sure 42 years old is antique in Chase’s world.
A thoughtless woman buys the last old fashion donut right before we get to the front of the line. Sadness ensues. Doesn’t she know we’re on vacation?
GoogleMaps is amazing.
We meet a friend from Sonoma County for dinner. In a culinary compromise, we decide to eat at Rainforest Cafe. Lest we go a day without chicken fingers and mac and cheese.
So many museums–these boys better leave here smarter and more cultured.
How much is the chocolate milkshake in Ghiradelli Square? Do you offer financing?
Chase finds a dollar in Golden Gate Park and spends the rest of the day periodically taking it out of his pocket to look at it. Glad someone is making money on this vacation.
Man, people take wine seriously here.
How does anyone get lost using GoogleMaps? Oh, I just did.
Ryan eats ice cream while wearing gloves and a winter hat.
Plan is delayed on the way home, but iPad comes to the rescue providing entertainment for antsy boys. Thank you, Apple.
On the plane ride home, Jenni remarks, “Ryan and Chase are getting easier to travel with. You on the other hand…”
