The Bay Bridge at night as viewed from the Embarcadero in San Francisco. You can also see the lights from Oakland in the distant background.

Northern California Visit

Felix Wong's avatar
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For our final week of vacation, we went to northern California. There were many reasons to do so.

One was to spend more time in San Francisco. Last year we only got to spend one afternoon there, and Andrea was interested in seeing more of it.

Happily, my friend Kari generously offered to let us stay in a condo that she retains for her frequent visits to the Bay. It had a gorgeous view of Rincon Park and the Bay Bridge. The latter is supposedly the world’s largest light art installation.

From there, we got to explore and dine at the Embarcadero. The next morning, we ran past the piers and Fisherman’s Wharf to Aquatic Park before turning around. 

After eating delicious crepes outside the back of the Ferry Building, there was an important errand to run. We went to Tiffany & Co. to have the engagement ring I gave to Andrea the day before resized for her finger! Conveniently, the store was merely two kilometers away from Karie’s. I explained to the staff that we were in California for the week, and they graciously had the ring locally adjusted within a couple of days. It was ready before we flew back to Spain.

Then we went to visit my brothers. I almost forgot to tell them we were engaged, but Andrea reminded me. “Finally!” exclaimed my sister-in-law.

On the way to my parents’ home, we stopped by an Apple Store to pick up a new iPhone for my mother. Happy birthday, Mom!

We celebrated her birthday in Sacramento, where we visited the state capital and the historic part of downtown. We also had dinner at a very authentic Chinese restaurant.

The day after, Andrea and I road-tripped through Yosemite at my dad’s suggestion. It was such a beautiful drive that I put photos in a separate post.

Sadly, our month-long vacation had to end. We flew out from San Francisco–but only after picking up the resized engagement ring, of course!

My friend Karie generously lent us her condo in San Francisco for the day. It had a spectacular view of the Bay Bridge and the Embarcadero from its terrace.
My friend Karie generously lent us her condo in San Francisco for the day. It had a spectacular view of the Bay Bridge and the Embarcadero from its terrace.
The Bay Bridge at night as viewed from the Embarcadero in San Francisco. You can also see the lights from Oakland in the distant background.
The Bay Bridge at night as viewed from the Embarcadero in San Francisco. You can also see the lights from Oakland in the distant background.
Coit Tower lit up at night.
Coit Tower lit up at night.
Alcatraz island as seen from Pier 43.
Alcatraz island as seen from Pier 43.
Andrea looking at the Golden Gate Bridge from Aquatic Park Cove and 757 Beach in San Francisco.
Andrea looking at the Golden Gate Bridge from Aquatic Park Cove and 757 Beach in San Francisco.
My mom and dad in front of the state capital in Sacramento, California.
My mom and dad in front of the state capital in Sacramento, California.
Old Sacramento. Of course, I liked the white Dodge Challenger parked there.
Old Sacramento. Of course, I liked the white Dodge Challenger parked there.
My dad, Andrea, and my mom in front of the Delta King riverboat in Old Sacramento.
My dad, Andrea, and my mom in front of the Delta King riverboat in Old Sacramento.
We ate Chinese food at Happy Garden Seafood Restaurant in Sacramento for dinner.
We ate Chinese food at Happy Garden Seafood Restaurant in Sacramento for dinner.
Andrea walks by our black 2021 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible rental car in Yosemite.
Andrea walks by our black 2021 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible rental car in Yosemite.
Premium unleaded fuel was $7.28/gallon in Merced, California.
Premium unleaded fuel was $7.28/gallon in Merced, California.
Me with Andrea and my mom in front of my parents' big house.
Me with Andrea and my mom in front of my parents' big house.