While we could still work from home (due to COVID-19), Inna had an idea to try experiencing living in San Francisco. She reserved an Airbnb house from July 17 to August 16, located near Presidio, Marina Blvd, and Crissy Field, that suited our work-from-home intentions.
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Inna, Alex, and I packed our suitcases, but I decided to leave earlier in my 2008 Toyota Sienna so that I could windsurf at Crissy Field (webcam). I started my drive to San Francisco at 15:30. When I arrived at Crissy at 17:10, a few wing foilers were out, but the wind felt underwhelming (onshore). I decided to put together my foiling setup and check again when it was complete. At around 18:00, I checked, and the wind had died down, so I decided not to try to windsurf foiling today.
There were a few wing foilers out in the bay, and I remembered a discussion with Jesse Stewart from Boardsports about my ideal wing foiling setup.
He recommended the following equipment for a cost of $3767.00 + tax. It's all quite expensive, and I am considering delaying the purchase until next year (as the windsurfing season ends in late August). There is very limited availability for most of the wing-foiling gear.
- Wing: S26 Naish Wing-Surfer 5'3" - $979
- Board: S26 Naish Wing Foil Carbon Ultra 95-liter - $1399
- Foil: S26 Naish High Aspect Foil - $1389
Inna had just arrived at 3038 Baker Street and was trying to park Alex's 2008 Lexus RX350 in the garage. I arrived a bit later and tried to park my Toyota Sienna in the garage, but it was extremely tight.
The house turned out to be interesting. Even though the car garage is in the same unit, there is no way to enter the house from the garage.
The kitchen had a mix of modern and old appliances (the refrigerator was relatively modern, but the gas stove was ancient).
We unpacked our suitcases and unloaded our ice chest. Inna made dinner reservations at the Boho Cafe (3321 Steiner Street) for 20:00, and we decided to head there at 19:50. The walk took us 15 minutes.
Once we reached Chestnut Street, we noticed the loud sounds, music, and conversations from multiple restaurants.
The city was alive with plenty of young people! How could they afford to live here? When we reached Boho Cafe, we sat down and ordered the following items:
- Appetizer: Bread & Butter, Truffle Fries
- Alex: Lemonade, Tea, Duck Confit Pasta
- Boris: Salmon
- Inna: Bohito, Tea, Pasta Seafood
- Dessert: Mango Mousse, Make a Wish
Inna raved about her Seafood Pasta dish, and I liked my Salmon too. Alex enjoyed his Duck Confit Pasta, too. As we sat outside, I was a bit cold (not used to the 52-degree Fahrenheit temperatures).
Since we decided to walk to the Palace of Fine Arts, we decided to stop by our temporary home to pick up my warm SNUG jacket for me.
We walked a few blocks along Baker Street to the Palace of Fine Arts. The streets were not well-lit, and Alex felt unsafe walking at 22:00.
Sunday, July 18, 2021
We woke up at 8:00 and prepared for a full day of fun in San Francisco. After eating a breakfast of yogurt and fresh blueberries, I dressed and ready to walk to Crissy Field. Inna and I wanted to see the beach and were eager to find the wind conditions.
In about 15 minutes, we arrived at Crissy Field. Many dogs were running around on the beach (off-leash). There was still a lot of fog, and the wind was mild.
We had plans to meet Alla and Dima at 10:30 in San Francisco, but first, we needed to extract our two cars, the 2008 Toyota Sienna and the 2008 Lexus RX350, from the garage. After careful driving, we managed to exit the narrow garage parking and head to meet Alla.
We met with Alla and walked to a nearby local bakery for breakfast/lunch. After some discussion, we chose to visit the Noe Valley Bakery West Portal, where we purchased scones and other pastries. We also purchased mochas and a latte from nearby Peet's Coffee.
Alla recommended that we try and visit the following San Francisco coffee shops and restaurants:
After our long brunch, we returned to our minivan and drove to Crissy Field. I hoped to do either windsurfing or foiling, but the wind seemed very light. A few wing surfers and some kiters went out, but I was unsure about the wind.
It was supposed to increase, but it never did. After waiting about an hour (from 14:00 to 15:00), Inna and I decided to do something else.
Inna wanted to see the Lyon Street Steps and the Lyon Street Podium, which features a large heart. From there, we walked to B.Patisserie Bakery for a quick lunch.
B.Patisserie had fresh pastries removed from the oven, and we sampled a few delicious cookies and croissants.
As we were tired, we returned home for some rest and relaxation.
We decided to eat at our local pizzeria for dinner and selected the highly-rated Delarosa (2175 Chestnut Street). After sitting outside (with the heat lamps blazing away), we ordered the following items:
- Alex: Pizza Margherita Burrata, Hot Earl Grey Tea
- Boris: Great White Beer, Spiedini Steak
- Inna: Capricciosa Pizza, Hot Earl Grey Tea
I woke up at 6:30, dressed, and walked along Baker Street to Crissy Field in the morning. Many people were jogging and exercising. I even saw a couple of swimmers preparing to swim. One was wearing a wetsuit and flippers.
When I returned home, I took a shower, dressed, and ate a breakfast of yogurt and blueberries - before my work meeting.
During lunchtime, Inna and I decided to walk to Chestnut Street to purchase groceries at the Marina Supermarket and look at pastries and loaves of bread at Le Marais Bakery.
When we reached Le Marais at 13:00, it didn't have many pastries left over and did not sell any freshly baked bread. The croissants on display seemed attractive, but the pastry selection was sparse. We may need to come there earlier.
I was not in the mood for coffee, so we decided to try other shops. On the way to the Supermarket, we stopped at Lucca - a local Italian delicatessen. We purchased a few items, including:
- Alex: Caprese Sandwich (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, on ciabatta)
- Meats: Beef Pastrami ($19.99/lb), Beef Tongue ($29.99/lb)
- Salads: Chicken Salad ($17.99/lb), Potato Salad ($9.99/lb)
I woke up at 6:30 but felt exhausted, so I slept more. At 8:00, I dressed and walked along Baker Street to Crissy Field. Many people were jogging and exercising.
When I returned home, I took a shower, dressed, and ate a breakfast of yogurt, blueberries, and strawberries. Inna was waking up but had a terrible migraine.
After she took 2 Tylenol pills, Inna's migraine diminished somewhat, and she was able to function.
We decided to try the famous Equator Coffees at Fort Mason at noon. I enjoyed the 25-minute stroll along the waterfront with Alex and Inna. After looking at the extensive menu of coffee drinks, we selected the following:
- Alex: Matcha Latte (matcha green tea, steamed milk of choice sweetened with vanilla)
- Boris: Tigerwalk (mocha) 10oz
- Inna: Fogcicle (Earl Grey tea, house-made vanilla & whipped cream, sparkling water, blood orange garnish)
I made a sandwich of Sourdough bread with mayonnaise, beef pastrami, and Havarti cheese for lunch at home.
When my work finished, I checked the Crissy Field video cam and noticed that a few wing foilers were out sailing. I decided there might be enough wind for me, too, and drove to Crissy Field.
When I arrived, a few windsurfers were also rigging their gear. After consulting with one of the locals, I decided to equip Ezzy Elite 4.5m with a Fanatic 105 FSW STB. When I first sailed, the wind was lacking until I reached Anita Rock, and then it picked up nicely afterward. However, the wind died on the return leg, and I had to endure the walk of shame.
The wind was much more potent on my second sail out, and I had a fantastic sailing session. It was so much fun to blast at Crissy! I continued sailing until 17:45, when I returned, packed my gear, and drove home.
While I was sailing, Alex rode one of the rented scooters to the Ferry Building, where he tried out different eateries.
- Ebi katsu sandwich at Delica
- Saigon Latte at Red Bay Coffee
- Carne empanada at El Porteño
- A dozen Sweetwater oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co.
- Cheeseburger from Gott’s Roadside
- A dozen bagels from Daily Driver
- Apple turnover at Acme Bread
- Secret Breakfast sundae from Humphry Slocombe
- Gingersnaps from Miette Patisserie
- Canelés de Bordeaux from Boulettes Larder
I woke up at 6:30 in the morning but decided to sleep until 7:15, as I had an 8:00 work meeting. I showered and ate a breakfast of yogurt with blueberries.
We decided to revisit the famous Equator Coffees at Fort Mason at noon. I enjoyed the 25-minute stroll along the waterfront with Alex and Inna. After looking at the extensive menu of coffee drinks, we selected the following:
- Alex: Tigerwalk (mocha) 10oz
- Boris: Tigerwalk (mocha) 10oz
- Inna: The Habibi Latte (Orange blossom, cardamom, clove, vanilla syrup, 2 shots espresso & steamed milk)
Inna really liked her Habibi Latte, and Alex also wanted his mocha. On the way home, we stopped by to purchase fresh cold cuts, potato salad, and chicken salad from Lucca. We also purchased fresh chicken thighs from Marina Meats.
On returning home, I ate my usual lunch of toasted sourdough bread slices covered with mayonnaise, Havarti cheese, and pastrami (from Lucca).
When my work finished, I checked the Crissy Field video cam and noticed that a few wing foilers were out sailing. I decided there might be enough wind for me, too, and drove to Crissy Field.
When I arrived, a few windsurfers were also rigging their gear. I ran into Alex on the beach, who just returned from his visit to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. Looking at the wind in the bay, I decided to rig Ezzy Elite 5.0m with a Fanatic 105 FSW. When I first sailed, the wind was lacking until I reached Anita Rock, and then it picked up nicely afterward. Alex took many photos and videos of me windsurfing using the Nikon P900 camera.
Here is a short video clip Alex recorded of my sailing in the bay:
I enjoyed a fantastic one hour of bump'n'jump sailing and had a few nice jumps. I tried jibing but crashed.
Inna baked the chicken thighs for dinner while I made Jasmine rice in the Rice cooker.
After dinner, we strolled to Crissy Field to watch the sunset and then returned to the Palace of Fine Arts to observe and photograph birds (Night Herons, Blue Herons) and to photograph the Palace.
Thursday, July 22, 2021
In the morning, I woke up at 6:30 but decided to sleep until 7:30. I went for a short walk to Crissy Field, returned home, showered, and ate a breakfast of yogurt with blueberries and strawberries.
Before lunchtime (around 11:00), Inna and I decided to visit the Le Marais Bakery on Chestnut Street. While I sat at the table (there was a long line to order drinks), Inna stood in line and ordered cappuccinos and pastries. (The Bakery was out of Vahlronha chocolate, so she could not prepare my usual mocha).
The pastries were delicious and some of the best in San Francisco. We will surely return again!
For lunch, I made my usual sandwich of sourdough bread slices toasted and covered with mayonnaise, Havarti cheese, and pastrami (from Lucca). I ran out of Havarti cheese, so I must purchase more.
In the evening, I managed to find time to windsurf foil at Crissy Field on my Exocet RF81, using the Slingshot HG Infinity 76cm Custom Foil, the longer 90cm mast, and my Ezzy Elite 5.0m sail. Although the wind seemed weak onshore, it was much more potent and gustier once past Anita Rock. I had many fast rides and saw many kiters blasting by.
While I was wind foiling, Inna and Alex were exploring San Francisco. Alex rode his electric Spin scooter to the Ferry Building, while Inna rented a bicycle and explored the Lombard/Hyde part of the city.
She had some difficulty returning her rented bicycle. It was somehow outside its rented area and was disabled.
In the late evening, I made dinner, which consisted of reheated chicken (from yesterday) and freshly cooked Basmati rice.
Friday, July 23, 2021
In the morning, I woke up at 6:30 but decided to sleep until 8:15. I went for a short walk to Crissy Field. Unlike previous days, it was warm and sunny outside. In the past week, it was foggy, but usually only in the morning.
When I returned home, I showered, shaved, and ate a breakfast of yogurt with blueberries.
Alex, Inna and I decided to eat lunch at the Le Marais Bakery on Chestnut Street at lunchtime. We ordered the following items:
- Appetizer: Pain au Raisin, Twist
- Alex: Croque Monsieur Sandwich, Mocha
- Boris: Chicken Rotisserie Plate, Mocha
- Inna: Mocha
We enjoyed our lunch at the Le Marais Bakery, but it was expensive.
Next time, we will just order the delicious croissants and other pastries.
In the evening, I decided to go windsurfing at Crissy Field. Looking at the wind in the bay, I decided to rig Ezzy Elite 5.0m with a Fanatic 105 FSW STB. When I first sailed, the wind was lacking until I reached Anita Rock, and then it suddenly increased in intensity. For a while, I wondered whether I rigged the wrong sail, as it felt to me that my Ezzy 5.0m was way overpowered!
However, I could only sail for about an hour, as I noticed that the wind started to diminish and the fog started to stream in. Nevertheless, I enjoyed one whole hour of exhilarating sailing in the bay.
While I was out windsurfing, Inna met up with Alla and explored the city. She returned at around 20:00, just in time for our upcoming dinner.
Inna made reservations at Terzo (311 Steiner Street) for Friday night dinner, about 1/2 mile from our temporary residence at 3038 Baker Street. It took us about 15 minutes to walk along Chestnut and Steiner streets to reach Terzo.
Many people were eating and drinking on Chestnut Street, and it was nice seeing people enjoying themselves. Many restaurants we went by were completely packed!
When we arrived at 20:40, we sat down outdoors and ordered the following items from the menu:
- Appetizer: Hummus with Pita bread
- Alex: Moroccan Style Braised Chicken, Blackberry Italian Soda
- Boris: Free Range Chicken Spiedini, Green Tea
- Inna: Grilled Monterey Bay Calamari, Cranberry Soda
- Dessert: Flourless Chocolate Cake
We enjoyed our Chicken Spiedini, and Inna liked Alex's Moroccan-style braised chicken.
The Flourless Chocolate Cake was also quite memorable. However, the overall cost was much higher than I expected.
On the way home, we encountered the Friday Night Skaters flying by down Chestnut Street with their blinking and flashing lights. It was quite a scene!
San Francisco Workation Report Card
Highlights
- Windsurfing and windsurf foiling at Crissy Field
- Eating pastries at Le Marais Bakery and at B.Patisserie
- Drinking coffee at Equator Coffees
- Eating cold cuts at Lucca (and potato & chicken salad, too)
Lowlights
- Loud street noises during the day and night
- Difficult car parking outside
- Occasional homeless outside (though less than expected)
- Frequently foggy weather
- Foghorn blasts at night keep us awake
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