On my first visit (outside the SFO International Airport) I have learnt that:

*Golden Gate Bridge was named as it bridged the entry to the Gold Fields
*The official colour of the bridge is international orange
*It takes 27 years to paint the bridge from end to end
*There are still 5 unaccounted for escapees from Alcatraz
*There are very few sky-scrapers in SFO due to the earthquake faultlines

Have enjoyed being a first time tourist to the city over the last few days. Caught a cable car from the city centre to Fishermans Wharf; discovered the Boudin Sourdough bakery and watched the famous sour dough being made; learnt that my bread 'personality' is dark rye!

The weather has been unseasonally kind: bright blue clear skies and cool but not too cold in temperature.

On 4 December I am travelling down the Big Sur coastline to Esalen for a few days and then to Los Angeles (to visit Hollywood and the beaches).

Looking forward to catching up with friends and family over the Christmas/New Year break.