FASCINATING SAN FRANCISCO

 (All pictures except those pertaining to our family were borrowed via the internet)

On February 11, 2017, our granddaughter Sonam‘s boyfriend surprised her with a proposal, at the Palace of Fine Arts (3301 Lyon St.), in San Francisco. My wife, Kundan, and I, along with both sets of parents and other close relatives were there to bless them.

Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA

To assist them, Sonam’s parents had set up a small table, in the narrow strip of green grass and bushes that fringes the eastern bank of the monument’s lagoon. The table had been adorned with a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of champagne and the couple’s framed picture. Also a decorative runner that led up to the table had been laid out.

Dharmil proposes to Sonam

The Happy Couple

    

  

   

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Marina District, the Palace of Fine Arts is a magnificent, stately building. Because of its several tall Corinthian columns, this neo-classical edifice reminds one of the classical Roman and Greek monuments.

Area Map

Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA

It was originally erected in 1915, for the Panama-Pacific exposition. But it was eventually torn down and rebuilt in 1965. The monument’s small, artificial lagoon is inhabited by a variety of waterfowls. A few Australian eucalyptus trees stand by the lagoon. 

The monument’s small, artificial lagoon is inhabited by a variety of waterfowls. A few Australian eucalyptus trees stand by the lagoon

Lagoon at the Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA

The site is a popular attraction for tourists, a favorite picnic-spot for the locals, and a beautiful meeting place for romantic couples. Also with its lagoon, the building makes a good backdrop for everyone’s photographs. 

The Palace is close to the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge and easily accessible by car as well as by public transportation.

Presidio

Golden Gate Bridge cGolden Gate Bridge

I have been to San Francisco a few times before. Several years ago, I visited here to join a group of protesters outside the Indian Consulate. Later that evening I enjoyed poetic presentations by a few local Urdu language poets. A few other times I came here to view special exhibits at the Asian Arts Museum. 

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA

Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA

Also I have visited its Chinatown as well as…..

Chinatown, San Francisco, CA

Chinatown, San Francisco, CA

the Fisherman’s wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA

But this time it was different. As I was not driving myself, I could take in the sights along the way.

Going up and down the steep streets reminded me of a few roller-coaster rides I had experienced years ago, but without any nausea. 

Steep streets of San Francisco

Steep streets of San Francisco

Upon the return trip later in the day, streets had come alive.

Chestnut Street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and coffee houses, was bustling with people.  Some people were just wandering around. Others were shopping at boutiques and supermarkets. Many were enjoying drinks and meals at tables, which had been set up on sidewalks by the area restaurants.

Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA

Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA

At places, lighted windows of multistory buildings reminded me of paintings of nocturnal urban scenes.

Buildings at night, San Francisco, CA

Buildings at night, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is the cultural, commercial, and financial capital of Northern California It is also the second most densely populated U.S. city after New York.  

San Francisco Bay area map

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, San Francisco is a beautiful, fascinating city, anytime of the day, and anytime of the year. No wonder that it is called “The Paris of the West.”

Climate in San Francisco fluctuates. It can rain even in the middle of summer. But some of the city's warmest temperatures happen to be between September and November. Spring is usually mild and dry.  And winter is quite chilly.

San Francisco Bay Area Weather Map on Feb 16, 2017

Currently weather here is cool and wet. Highs have been ranging between low 60’s and high 50’s, and lows between low 50’s and high 40’s. In the next few days, we plan to return to our home in northwestern Oregon, where weather is about the same.

Until our trip back home, we are enjoying our visit to the fascinating San Francisco area.