SF Visit September 2, 2009

Scribble a few words before the ride gets bumpy. Train was late, as expected. Just after commuter time. People board and look lustfully for open seats; so did I. Not as crowded as the earlier trains I'm sure. Found an upper level single seat. Minimal stains. Score. I look down and see sleep, cell phones, Bibles, laptops.

Looking forward to what the day will bring. Left my bike at the station. Looked like the bike car would be crowded. I hope its all still there when I get back.
Ticket check. The checker lady just kicked somebody off for having and expired ticket. There must be a more humane way to to let people pay for tickets on the train, especially when they only come once or twice an hour. Glad I have a valid ticket.


I want to explore San Francisco while I still have the chance. Today I'm going to visit some book stores. Time is limited. Have to pick the kids up later. I need to be out by 4 or so.
Rode the MUNI to downtown and then walked about 20 minutes, leisurely, looking at the buildings, suits, obscure banks, and tourists.
First stop is City Lights Bookstore. My goal for the day was to buy one book for me and one for my wife. Several prospects. One a collection of Lafcadio Hearn's writing in early 1900s in Japan. Sputnik Sweetheart by Murakami. A collection of short stories about San Francisco. A guide to cafes of San Francisco. Settled on a poetry by the person who co-founded the bookstore.

I've been interested lately in the interplay of simultaneous mediums perceived at the same time. Like background music in a movie. Music and visual. I sometimes like listening to music while I read.

Next stop is Cavalli Books & Cafe, in a very Italian neighborhood. The picture above is my breakfast there. Sudoku while listening to questionable Italian pop music.


Walked up to Coit tower and enjoyed the views. Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, neighborhoods plastered to the hills.

Next stop was Alexander Book Co Inc. Another independent books store. Picked up a Halloween book and a pumpkin book for the kids. Get them excited for Halloween.

My next two stops didn't happen. Wanted to visit the California Historical Society, but it looked like it was under construction or renovation. Then I took a peek at the Cartoon Art Museum across the street. Didn't feel like paying the entry fee so I found myself with some extra time.


Found a rooftop garden and enjoyed some pizza and an Americano while I read some new poetry. The mumbling of traffic and construction was just soothing enough to write and sudoku to.

Back in Mountain View. My bike is still there in one piece. Score.

This trip was about books. Maybe next time will be music, espresso, or history.