We met up with my old friend Craig at City Lights Books. This shop has been around since 1953 and quickly became one of my very favorite bookstores ever. It is an independent bookstore and nonprofit publisher, with a focus on publishing works about San Francisco culture. One of the most famous works they have published is Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems.
I bought Sarah Kay’s book of poems, No Matter the Wreckage. I love Sarah Kay and how perfect to buy a book of poetry at City Lights.
We went on a little historical Beat Poet tour.
The Jack Kerouac Alley between City Lights and Vesuvio (the saloon of the Beat Generation) was adorned with murals and engraved poetry.
We ate our packed lunch at Vesuvio. which was such a cozy, artsy bar with a rich history.
We stopped for a coffee at Caffe Trieste, another writer hang-out from the 1950s.
The rest of the day consisted of strolling around. We wandered through Chinatown and a park filled with old men, leaning over, rapt, playing complicated-looking games, quite possibly for money.
The streets were filled with fascinating sights. Craig was an excellent tour guide.
We also visited the grand Ferry Building (below), a gorgeous space on the water which opened in 1898, and today is the home to a farmer’s market and lots of specialty food shops and restaurants.
What a full, vibrant time in San Fran! We felt like we really took advantage with the city – saw so much, filled our brains, feet, and hearts with the place. We ended our long day with a quick visit with Tom, a friend we weren’t sure we were going to get to see while we were there and were so glad we did. Then, back to spend time with our sweet hosts Mara and Mel.
Sammy sure enjoyed it too.
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