The hills are alive ... with me panting struggling up and down them

My first day in San Francisco, I walked wherever the many steep hilly streets took me. And first up was Fisherman's Wharf which had a great view of the bay, Alcatrez and some very content sea lions. 

Note the boat name! - Kitty Kat :)

Next was Pier 39 which was very touristy and probably a total ripoff but it had a very entertaining atmosphere. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co was there but I didn't take a photo because I didn't want to look *too* touristy. And so was a Leftoriam, which I past once, but couldn't help but take a peek inside. And here started my souvenir purchasing. Something for Paul - it's a bit mean so I didn't buy one for you Mum :) - and something for Dad - you've probably already guessed what it is. ;)

I didn't know much about San Francisco, so this might be old news to everyone else, but 3/4 of San Francisco was burnt down in 1906. Apparently there was an earthquake that burst the gas and water pipes. Fires broke out all over town, fuelled by the gas, and were able to burn for 3 days because there was no water to put it out. The old Victorian buildings were saved by knocking down blocks and blocks of building to act as a fire break. Most of the houses here are made from Redwood timber, so were highly flammable. You'd never guess it though because it's a beautiful city with a very rich and fascinating culture and the buildings are so cute in all different colours.

This striking green building is owned by Francis Ford Coppola with apparently a very good restaurant he owns at ground level. The other building is the tallest building in San Francisco and had to be built in a pyramid shape so it didn't cast too much of a shadow over the rest of the city.

Little Italy for lunch of Funghi Pizza, which was superb!  I also found a totally groovy shop and bought something for Jack (x2), Steve, Paul and me. After Little Italy, I hit Chinatown but thankfully only bought a bracelet made of duck mahjong bone tiles. Don't hurt ducks.

In the afternoon, I only barely was able to drag myself up the massively steep Telegraph Hill to visit art deco Coit Tower which gives a 360 degree view of  the San Francisco area. The main reason I wanted to see it though, was for the 1933-34 Diego Rivera-inspired murals depicting the struggles of working class Americans. The murals are very commanding.

In the evening, Andrew and I went on a night tour of San Francisco - it was very cold and bumpy - but the tour guide, Reed, was really friendly and full of fascinating San Francisco history and local tips (like a fitness centre that operates out of an old cinema, so while you work out you can watch movies on a big screen!).

We had dinner at America's oldest Italian restaurant and, happily, ended up where I always end up - a yummy chocolate shop - and had a lovely flat walk home.