Ari is US-bound!

[Saint John]

I found San Francisco to be an over-populated, hilly city with far too many weirdos. That said, I did enjoy the area around the wharf and piers, but I can't imagine the city having any redeemable qualities in the winter. You'd be far better off hitting southern California from LA to San Diego. You can hit Malibu, LA, Santa Monica, and Hollywood and then start working your way down to San Diego. San Francisco will probably be nothing more than a colossal waste of time in the winter.

[Arianddu]

I found San Francisco to be an over-populated, hilly city with far too many weirdos. That said, I did enjoy the area around the wharf and piers, but I can't imagine the city having any redeemable qualities in the winter. You'd be far better off hitting southern California from LA to San Diego. You can hit Malibu, LA, Santa Monica, and Hollywood and then start working your way down to San Diego. San Francisco will probably be nothing more than a colossal waste of time in the winter.

Sounds like a great plan, Dan, just one flaw - I don't have friends in those places offering me free accomodation and board in exchange for a few chores and cooking dinner daily.

I'm going to be there just in time to spend Thanksgiving, jetlagged, with Ian's family. Fortunately falling asleep on the couch at random times seems to be part of the tradition.

[Maui Tom]

I found San Francisco to be an over-populated, hilly city with far too many weirdos. That said, I did enjoy the area around the wharf and piers, but I can't imagine the city having any redeemable qualities in the winter. You'd be far better off hitting southern California from LA to San Diego. You can hit Malibu, LA, Santa Monica, and Hollywood and then start working your way down to San Diego. San Francisco will probably be nothing more than a colossal waste of time in the winter.

Stupidest fucking thing you have ever said......

[Arianddu]

I found San Francisco to be an over-populated, hilly city with far too many weirdos. That said, I did enjoy the area around the wharf and piers, but I can't imagine the city having any redeemable qualities in the winter. You'd be far better off hitting southern California from LA to San Diego. You can hit Malibu, LA, Santa Monica, and Hollywood and then start working your way down to San Diego. San Francisco will probably be nothing more than a colossal waste of time in the winter.

Stupidest fucking thing you have ever said......

That's an awful lot of stupid, Tom! Are you sure?

[Kilaya]

Whilst in LA, you MUST do Disneyland. You will never forget that place.

Hi Ari,

I am new to the boards but wanted to say that I agree with Deano. DISNEY is fantastic. If you do get a chance to do Disneyland give yourself at least 1 day in each park. And spend some evenings in Downtown Disney. Besides shops and restaurants they have struggling musical artist out there playing and most often selling their music. It's nice to walk around and listen to the different sounds.

Now if by any chance you can travel more when you are here...try to get down to New Orleans. It is a fantastic town. Filled with a lot of history, beauty, fantastic food and a night life.

Have a fantastic trip!!!

[Kilaya]

Thanks for all the suggestions - you've given me lots to think about.

I've been told by a few people that there is good American chocolate - any suggestions? Because life is too short to eat bad chocolate.

Ghridrardelli is famous in San Francisco as well as over the US. If you go to Ghirardelli Square make sure you visit the Ghirardelli dSoda Fountian. The ice cream is fantastic and the hot fudge is to die for!!! See's chocolates are very good and you can get them in the West Coast.