Hello San Francisco Day 1-2

My friend Daphne and I met 3 years ago when we studied abroad in England. We both went to UC Irvine; she majored in English while I dual majored in Business Economics and Psychology. Despite our different majors, taking separate courses, and living in separate flats, we became close friends in the three months we spent in Europe.

I have not seen her for about a year and half since she moved back up to Northern California for work. We always talk about meeting up and traveling together again. Since I have never properly explored San Francisco (I have only been up in SF for weddings and temple visits), I told her that I would love to visit her and the city for my year end travel.

My visits was from December 27 to January 1. I had 6 days to explore the city.

Day 1: On my first day, we visited Chinatown in San Francisco. I read that San Francisco has the biggest Chinatown in the United States. The shops are quite different from the ones in Los Angeles. We had fun walking around.

We then visited City Lights. The bookstore has been described as "a place where booklovers from across the country and around the world come to browse, read, and just soak in the ambiance of alternative culture's only "Literary Landmark." Read more about the bookstore history here. 

I also wanted to see the Fairmont Hotel Gingerbread House. The gingerbread house is two-story tall and is made from real gingerbread cookies and candies.

Our last stop of the day was Twin Peaks. The hills overlooks the city and sight is even more amazing after sunset. 

Day 2: The day before I had told my friends that I wanted to have my fortune told. They mentioned that their mother reads tarot cards and that she may read mine if I asked her. I did asked her and she read my cards the next morning. 

My card showed that I have several issues to sort out. I have been hurt but I have to let go of the past in order to move forward. It was advised that I spend time alone to contemplate through my problems. My strong-willed personality will also help me sort through the issues but I have to learn how to balance my strength. 

After the reading, we started off our day in the city with lunch at the Palace Hotel. Due to the holiday season, we were not able to order from their regular lunch menu. The pre-set menu was delectable though. I had a butternut squash bisque and rib-eye steak. After, we went to the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop for dessert. 

I love history and learning about different cultures. Our plan for day was City Hall, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, and the Nutcracker Ballet at the War Memorial Opera House. 

The Asian Art Museum currently has a special exhibition on history of Rama. I enjoyed going through the The Rama Epic exhibition and would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in one of Southeast Asia's classic literature and sacred tradition. 

It was the first time Daphne and I attended a ballet performance. I had asked her before my visit if she was willing to watch a ballet with me so that I can have an excuse to wear the dress below.