Arrival and acclimitisation

That the air conditioning wasn't working on the plane when we boarded because the 'mini engine in the tail didn't work' was ominous. After being shunted onto the taxiway that engine number two didn't start compounded the unease. Having sat in the plane for two and a half hours with steadily increasing temperature to be told that the spark plugs were changed and the engine started was nothing but good news. Uneventful flight. Tons of leg room and much entertainment choice. British Airways get 7/10.

Upon arrival at SFO International, and having dropped off my gear, we took a trip to The Dubliner on 24th Street. Not as busy as one might expect on the 17th of March but fun enough. A brief trip to the Bliss Bar (also on 24th) then home. Yesterday Caitlin & I headed downtown to Old Navy and Virgin Megastore and met Gregor for lunch at Tu Lan Vietnamese 'Restaurant'. Amazing chicken curry, imperial rolls and shrimp something in bizarre surroundings. It's on 6th at Market which is a little run down but the neighbourhood and the decor just added to the experience. On the back of the menu they have a copy of an article in which (the late) Julia Child recommended the place. A twenty four year old recommendation is probably not necessarily worth much, in this case though her recommendation is affirmed.

Last night Matt & Maya were having a bohemian gathering which provided the opportunity to sample Matt's vodka infusions. I tried black peppercorn, jalapeno, coffee bean, pineapple and maybe one or two others. I can't rightly remember. Met nice people, Josh, Amy, Colin, Miranda, Nigel. Rose flavoured tobacco embers glowed on the Hookah, music was chilled. Nice time.

Today we're heading up to Lake Tahoe, for some snow action. It's gonna be fun. It's been rainy the last couple of days but warm enough and rain here seems to equate to snow at Lake Tahoe so it's all good.

Posted by Paul in USA: CA: San Francisco Travel at March 19, 2005 07:25 PM