Welcome
Day 8 - Most beautiful
08 Jan 2004 (USA)
Leaving Fresno Day's Inn, I felt a great sense of anticipation as we were going to San Franciso. So much had been said of the city, so many landmarks to look forward to. At the same time, I was feeling sad, because I probably would not have a chance to see my friend Hideki in a long time... again.
Well, our next stop was Yosemite National Park. Frankly, I never thought much of national parks. I admit, in my mind, I was thinking of a small compound with some plants and trees, much like our Botanical Gardens. (This is embarrassing.) Of course, I forgot that the Grand Canyon is also a national park in USA.
On our ride up to the park 5000 ft abv sea level was like watching the season change from spring to winter. Slowly, I spotted snow on the ground and the bus drove along a peaceful stream. We were venturing into a forest, stepping in ahead of time into a snow clad winter. I felt like I was transported into an enchanted forest. The scenary was breathtaking. Like in a movie.
From the visitor's centre, we took a 15mins trail in the winter cold to foot of the Bridalveil Fall. I enjoyed that walk, although we had to be extra careful of the slippery ice on the road. The temperature's lower than at the Grand Canyon but it was more comfortable as there wasn't any strong wind. Ah, the experience was so surreal. And I loved it at Yosemite. I love the beauty and the serenity. I love the snow. I love the trees and the nature. How I wish I can stay there for a longer time.
By now, Sugar and I have made friends with 2 Indonesian guys called Willy and Abi. We started talking at Hearst Castle and they were great company. I slipped on a step while chatting with Willy, but it was so fun! We also started got to know a bunch of American guys that were seated at the back of the bus all the time. They're very young, around 18yrs old, and were very cute and funny, like little boys. And cute, they did not know where Singapore is. Haha...
After we left Yosemite National Park, we had a stopover at Livingston MC, and finally reached Fisherman's Wharf in the afternoon at around 3pm. There were a group of sea lions resting at the wharf near where we alighted. They were so noisy, but so cute! We also did what all enthusiastic tourists would and took a cruise round the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
San Francisco is a really pretty city, the buildings are built up a slope and bear very strong Victorian architecture that SF is well known for. We went to the Palace of Fine Arts which is an exquisite place with Roman rotunda and columns. The whole feel of SF is that it's very artsy, and that the SF dwellers are very proud of their city. Someone commented that SF is the most beautiful city in the world. I tend to agree. :)
Day 8 Expenditure
Food - USD 20.08
Fisherman's Wharf ride - USD 20
Leaving Fresno Day's Inn, I felt a great sense of anticipation as we were going to San Franciso. So much had been said of the city, so many landmarks to look forward to. At the same time, I was feeling sad, because I probably would not have a chance to see my friend Hideki in a long time... again.
Well, our next stop was Yosemite National Park. Frankly, I never thought much of national parks. I admit, in my mind, I was thinking of a small compound with some plants and trees, much like our Botanical Gardens. (This is embarrassing.) Of course, I forgot that the Grand Canyon is also a national park in USA.
On our ride up to the park 5000 ft abv sea level was like watching the season change from spring to winter. Slowly, I spotted snow on the ground and the bus drove along a peaceful stream. We were venturing into a forest, stepping in ahead of time into a snow clad winter. I felt like I was transported into an enchanted forest. The scenary was breathtaking. Like in a movie.
From the visitor's centre, we took a 15mins trail in the winter cold to foot of the Bridalveil Fall. I enjoyed that walk, although we had to be extra careful of the slippery ice on the road. The temperature's lower than at the Grand Canyon but it was more comfortable as there wasn't any strong wind. Ah, the experience was so surreal. And I loved it at Yosemite. I love the beauty and the serenity. I love the snow. I love the trees and the nature. How I wish I can stay there for a longer time.
By now, Sugar and I have made friends with 2 Indonesian guys called Willy and Abi. We started talking at Hearst Castle and they were great company. I slipped on a step while chatting with Willy, but it was so fun! We also started got to know a bunch of American guys that were seated at the back of the bus all the time. They're very young, around 18yrs old, and were very cute and funny, like little boys. And cute, they did not know where Singapore is. Haha...
After we left Yosemite National Park, we had a stopover at Livingston MC, and finally reached Fisherman's Wharf in the afternoon at around 3pm. There were a group of sea lions resting at the wharf near where we alighted. They were so noisy, but so cute! We also did what all enthusiastic tourists would and took a cruise round the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
San Francisco is a really pretty city, the buildings are built up a slope and bear very strong Victorian architecture that SF is well known for. We went to the Palace of Fine Arts which is an exquisite place with Roman rotunda and columns. The whole feel of SF is that it's very artsy, and that the SF dwellers are very proud of their city. Someone commented that SF is the most beautiful city in the world. I tend to agree. :)
Day 8 Expenditure
Food - USD 20.08
Fisherman's Wharf ride - USD 20
