We are off again. We decided on getting the bus to Auckland airport. It was a bit late leaving Hamilton but got us to Manukau City ok. Typically, people got off at Hamilton for the bathroom or a smoke but left their bags on both seats so that there didn’t appear to be enough SeaCats for the Hamilton people. The driver told us to find a seat so we moved some stuff and got comfy. The tourists we displaced took it in their stride.

It’s a bit of a hike around the mall and across the street to change buses but we got there ok and checked in with time for a glass of bubbles and snack at the Koru Club. Mike almost sustained an injury when the cork blew off and hit him between the eyes but he gallantly boxed on returning with the bubbles.

We travelled non-premium economy (ie cattle) but it was nice and close to the loos at the rear. The flight was pretty uneventful really. One movie, dinner then a fitful sleep. I discovered that I can still get dehydrated and dizzy even when sitting down. That was a bit scary but Mike went and got ice flannels and lots of water and I recovered ok. We had a reasonable sleep then breakfast and we were suddenly in San Francisco – and it was cold. Blue sky but a cold wind.

We got a cab into the city. Our driver was so much of a stereotype that I nearly cracked up but he imparted quite a bit of useful information amidst the horn tooting and cursing that went on. It was $50 which is what Jen thought from a quick check with Aunty Google before we left.

We are staying at the Omni San Francisco which is a grand old style hotel midway between Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. It is really very nice. The lobby area is cool and the people are friendly and helpful. The doormen have the door open for us when we come back even before we get there. The room is very comfortable with excellent shower. We are on the 5th floor overlooking California Street which is one of the main arteries.

We arrived about 2.30 pm on Thursday 31May so had a nana nap when we got back and showers then out for a walk to dinner. San Francisco is hilly. It’s not like Wellington and hilly around he edges. It’s hilly randomly everywhere. It’s also quite disorienting to start with. That’s code for ‘we got a bit lost’ getting back.

We are close to Chinatown and Little Italy so opted to go for an Italian meal. We set off and walked the 4 or 5 blocks and found a whole lot of restaurants. Oh so much choice. We went down here and down here then back there and decided on one that looked full and smelled nice. It was called Bask and yes it turned out to be Spanish. We managed to find a Spanish restaurant in Little Italy. Anyway the food was great. Tapas to start followed by seafood paella. Totally yum. We also saw the end of a basketball game playing on the big screen. Golden State Warriors against the Cleveland somebodies in the finals. GSW won in extra time so all the locals went ballistic.

Our walk home was far from direct.We managed to see the Golden Gate Bridge all lit up between buildings at the end of a road. We now realise that is the Bay Bridge not Golden Gate but it’s still pretty. We managed to end up several blocks west away and several large hills away but a local gave us directions and we eventually got back to a very deserved nightcap at the bar.