Wisetrips Travel Blog

With an unusual  Southerly wind forecast (15-20 kts) from iwindsurf.com , I anticipated unpredictable conditions at Crissy Field. Normally, I only sail  in Northwesterly   winds. I loaded up the Tesla Model Y with all my gear and started our drive to San Francisco around 11:00, arriving at Crissy Field at 12:50. There was some fog around the Golden Gate Bridge, but nothing to worry about. After finding a spot to park (…

With Alex relocating to San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood, we decided to celebrate his birthday at  Memento SF,  a local, well-regarded restaurant. After dropping off a few items at his new digs (and his birthday presents), we walked a few blocks to Memento SF (on Castro Street). Since one of Alex's roommates was running late, we ordered appetizers and drinks, and then the main courses. We ended up ordering…

After helping Alex move his belongings to his new digs in San Francisco, Inna and I decided to see the Monet in Venice exhibit at the de Young Museum. Today was the last day of the exhibition, and we managed to get tickets for the 10:30 showing. We really enjoyed the exhibition, though it was crowded. Here is a nice write-up by ChatGPT : Monet and Venice — Exhibition Summary (de Young Museum, San Francisco) Mo…

After checking the iwindsurf.com pro forecast, which had a very favorable outlook for Saturday's wind, I decided to wingfoil at Coyote Point in San Mateo.  On arrival at Coyote Point (a 45-minute drive from San Jose) via US-101, the wind was showing as 15 knots. The forecast called for 20 knots by 15:00, but I didn't believe it. I rigged my Duotone Slick SLS 5.5m wing, as it seemed the r…

I had heard of The Sound of Music for many years, but I had never felt a strong desire to see it. Given its enduring reputation as one of the world's most beloved musicals, I became curious and decided to see if it was playing anywhere nearby. Fortunately, I discovered that The Sound of Music was coming to the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts on July 22, so I decided it was finally time to experience it for myself. …

Using a Brazil VPN, I was able to watch the entire match on our LG big-screen TV (via my laptop's USB-C port and a USB-C-to-HDMI cable). All of the World Cup matches were free to stream on YouTube in Brazil. This was a somewhat disappointing match to watch, as the Argentine team was on the defensive throughout. Here is a detailed write-up of the match by ChatGPT: …

Saturday, July 18: France vs England (3rd Place Playoff), 2:00 pm PST Using a Brazil VPN, I was able to watch the entire match on our LG big-screen TV (via my laptop's USB-C port and a USB-C-to-HDMI cable). All of the World Cup matches were free to stream on YouTube in Brazil. I really enjoyed watching this match and was hoping for a French comeback (which almost succeeded). Here is a detailed write-up of the match b…

Inna selected the GE Profile PGE29BYTFS ,  a 28.7 cu ft 4-door French door refrigerator, to replace our failing 2013 LG LFX31945ST (the freezer stopped working). I thought about repairing the LG, but ChatGPT said that the lifespan of a refrigerator is between 10 and 13 years (and ours, being 13 years old, was at the end of its useful life). Repairing the LG might cost $ 1,200-$ 1,300, almost 50% as much as a new refrigerator. …

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 From the Takakkaw Falls, it took us about two hours to reach the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, where we had planned to stay one night. Inna had found an amazing Nordic Spa, and she wanted everyone to rest after so many days of hiking. We reached the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge at around 16:30, and it took some time to check into room #2013, make a reservation for the Nord…