San Francisco's Chinatown

Did you know that San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America? It's also a really fun place to explore, and in spite of its size, it's easy to find one's way around and even easier to wile a few hours away and enjoy the unique sights, sounds, and smells.

I was fortunate to find my way here a few weeks ago. My original intention was to retrace the Barbary Coast Trail with some friends and hit up a few pubs and pizza joints along the way (you need some good nourishment for such an endeavor!) but as part of the trail winds its way through the narrow streets and alleyways of Chinatown, I became mesmerized and took a little extra time to capture some of the colorful sights along the way. It wasn't a particularly great day for photography - the skies were about as dreary as they could be - but that didn't stop me from pointing my lens at some of the colorful architecture, signage, and artwork we came across - including quite a few Santas on a pub crawl of their own...

The main gateway at Grant Street...

The TransAmerica Building peeking through...

A typical tourist shop...

Santas looking for a pub...

More tourist items for sale...

Typical Chinatown architecture - the Sing Chong Building...

Lanterns lining the streets...

One of the historical buildings...

Dinner anyone?

One more ubiquitous store...

An interesting hallway...

Somebody's lucky number and prize?

One of the many alleyways...

You can't get lost with this map...

Portsmouth Square (aka the "Heart of Chinatown") and a favorite local hangout...

A few remaining ginkgo leaves...

No matter when you may find yourself in Chinatown, there's always something special going on. But the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade is probably the most colorful and loudest event of the year. They'll be ushering in the "Year of the Hare." Persons born in the year of the hare are considered to be talented and ambitious. Happy New Year!

Final Scenes of Autumn

Autumn is winding down here in San Ramon. Before it's gone for the year, and winter moves in, come take a look at some colorful autumnal scenes that I shot at nearby AT&T Business Park...

Click HERE to see last year's shots.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Who can resist the majestic beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge? I certainly can't. Last Sunday as the temperatures edged near 80 degrees, I decided that a walk across the GGB would be a perfect way to enjoy the balmy weather. And so my walking partner and I braved the heavy traffic across the Bay Bridge, snaked our way along VanNess and Lombard Streets, and miraculously found a parking spot at Fort Point. From there it's just a short jaunt up the hill to the vista point next to the toll booths. That's where we began our afternoon stroll. It took forever to reach the other side, though, since the scenic views beckoned us to linger and ooh and aah at what unfolded below, beyond, above, and all around us.

Come take a look at what we enjoyed that warm, sunny afternoon...

Some interesting facts: The color of the GGB is called "International Orange," a mixture of cyan, yellow, black, and magenta. The name of the bridge actually refers to the "Golden Gate Strait," the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.