Me and my baby

Me and my baby at Grotto Beach 2014

Me and my baby

I married the love of my life!

27-3-2013

The funny things about China.

With growing anticipation, excitement and a little apprehension Justine and I touched down in Shanghai, China.  It was the seventeenth of June, 2012.  The airport seemed nice, although stark and almost advert free.  The lines at the immigration were long.   It took us almost two hours to get through.  Finally we walked out and into China.  Let the games begin!

We found our 'person', the girl who was sent to pick us up.  She was chirpy and excited to see us.  Her English was good enough so that we could understand her.  She told us we had a bus to catch and upon seeing our gianormous bags she chuckled.  I was a little embarrassed as was Justine.  We followed Elaine, our welfare officer, at an unfit pace after two long flights.  We walked for ages, then took an elevator that smelled and then we walked some more.  I had my computer bag, a huge suitcase and my camera bag.  I was fucked.  It was boiling hot once we got outside and the locals were staring at us as if we were aliens.  Justine made me laugh continuously as she had a look of terror on her face that was hard to hide.  Her smile was more like a stretch. 

The funny things about China.

Made it to china

We finally made it to Shanghai. What a lovely place far. We are knackered but are showering and then going to grab a bit of dinner. Will post some pics later on.

Made it to china

If you're going to San Francisco......

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair...

Our very first purchase in San Francisco.  Naturally T-Mobile.  One payment, unlimited internet and free phone calls and texts.  Also free international phone calls to any land-line.  Fantastic service.  PS Doesn't the guy look like a wax figure?  Is Justine happy?  Oh yes she is... unlimited internet....  Must I say more. 

Justine with one of the many hearts found around Union Square.  I love hearts, so I really liked San Francisco.  I was going to wear flowers in my hair until I saw someone doing it.  It wasn't as cool as it seemed in my head.  Although I am sure if I had been there in 1967, I would have worn flowers in my hair, I would have sung songs about peace and love, I would have lived in a commune.  Instead I became a punk-rocker with flowers in my hair, wore pink converse and tight pants with florescent T-shirts and sweaters that hung off my shoulder.  I shaved the side of my head and bleached it blond.  Ahhh the 1980's.

Leaving my heart in San Francisco. 

The Painted Ladies behind Justine.  San Franciscan Victorian homes. 

A fantastic tour.  If you are a movie freak like Justine, you will love this tour.  I loved it.   We were shown and recognized so many places from many movies we have seen.  I would recommend this tour to anyone.  

 On the way to Pier 33 1/2.

 An old merry-go-round at Fisherman's Wharf.

 Lunch at a sports bar.  Pretty cool.

One of the hundreds of trams in Frisco.  They have a collection of them from countries all over the world.

 

 City Hall

 The Golden Gate Bridge from the Military Fort at the base of the bridge.

 Hopper's hands.  Since there were no other signs to be seen I am assuming that these belong to Dennis Hopper and his dog, whose paws can be seen at the bottom of the bottom photo.

 Justine on the top of the fort this time.

THE FAMOUS CASTRO AREA

This was made famous during the Stonewall uprising.  Also this is where Harvey Milk fought for gay rights. 
 

PLACES USED IN FILMS

 Used in 'Interview with a Vampire'

 Used in 'What's up doc' with Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neil

 This the Zoetrope building that belongs to Francis Ford Coppola.  The bottom floor is a stunning restaurant and bar. 

 This is the Zoetrope bar.

 The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bankcroft

Golden Gate Bridge

 But where is the phone number??

The gates to China Town in San Fransisco.

Me kissing a bear woodcarving while visiting the Redwood forest in San Francisco.

C'est moi in a Redwood.

On the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles

First stop:  The town of Carmel.  Stunningly clean beaches.  Loved it.

Carmel coast

Me taking a hip shot when I saw Clint Eastwood driving past us in Carmel, California.

If you're going to San Francisco......