Sista Sista Weekend! Part 1

First, before the fun of my sisters visiting, I promised a recap of the bluegrass festival. I met up with Terry and Pat, my dad's childhood friend's cousin and his wife, and they took me to what I think is one of my first real SF experiences. Hanging out in a park, listening to music and enjoying good company/food. I think this picture sums up the crowd nicely. I tried to get a video of them dancing but I was too slow.

...hippies...old hippies...

Now onto the fun of this past weekend!!

Heidi and Maggie came to visit because they love me so much and Heidi had Columbus Day off from school and this weekend also happened to line up with one of Maggie's off weekends. It was just meant to be! I picked them up from the airport late Friday night, didn't hit any poles, and we pretty much just got back to my apartment and crashed before our fun filled Saturday.

Saturday morning we didn't really know what we wanted to do but knew we had a sail boat ride scheduled for that night so we would want to drive to wherever we were. Well we drove right into San Francisco and I can confidently say I never want to do that again. Holy hills, Batman! Never. Again. 

On the way into the city we stopped at my office so Heidi and Maggie could see where I work. The found the place quite nice and we stole snacks from the snack closet. I think the company can spare some Famous Amos and juice boxes. 

This is my desk!

They enjoyed the game room

After the field trip to my office we started out our day by going to Golden Gate Park and walking around, seeing some of the sights. Among other things, Heidi had her tarot cards read and we walked through a rose garden. Naturally we had to stop and smell the roses. 

From there we thought it would be cool to go see the Full House houses. Ya know the ones in the opening credits when they are having a picnic on some grassy knoll? Well they're called the Painted Ladies and driving to see them was when I found myself in hilly driving hell. And then in parking hell. I got so wound up and so frustrated that I got a headache. Many expletives were used and I may have cursed the entire city of San Francisco at one point. The houses were pretty but in our opinions there were far prettier ones in the area and we were underwhelmed. 

pretty.....but not gorgeous

After the painted ladies we decided that driving across the Golden Gate Bridge would be cool so we headed north! But just before the last exit before the bridge, we decided that we would try and get somewhere along the shore on the San Francisco side of things to try and take a picture with the bridge. Because of the government shutdown, most of the coast is "closed" because it is a lot of national park land but as evidenced in many different parks around the nation you can't really keep people out of an open area like that. It became "enter at your own risk" and we were just fine with that. 

Yay probable trespassing! 

Then we drove across the bridge!

Then we took more pictures on the other side of the bridge and of San Francisco!

For dinner we stopped at a random Italian place we saw on the side of the road and had some delish homemade pastas. Then it was time for the sail boat ride. I had seen this deal on Travel Zoo for a city lights bay cruise with complimentary desserts and champagne and have been waiting for new visitors so I didn't have to go alone. It was awesome! The people of SF Bay Adventures were super nice and while we had dressed warmly, they provided everyone with blankets and we didn't even have to share. That's top notch service in my book. 

Maggie and I aggressively snuggling to stay warm

Cheers to a sister weekend!
(don't worry, Heidi gave her drink to us)

We went under this bridge, I think it's famous or something

That's the end of day 1! Since this is getting rather long and it is way past my bedtime I am going to call it a night and leave you in suspense for Sunday's activities. Just a warning....they were delicious.