My husband and I recently made a trip up to San Francisco for a Neuroscience conference my husband was attending. Although I had been to San Fran before, there is nothing like seeing it with someone you love. Also he had never been so it the city new and exciting for me again as well. But what really made this trip unique was that we took a train, which is whole story in of itself.

First off, a word to wise…trains are always late so call the station before you arrive otherwise you may be sitting in the station for up the three hours! Not fun! Once you’re on the train all is good. You get to sit back, relax, drink cocktails, eat in the dining car, and just watch the beautiful landscape pass you by. Since I am college student my time on the train was put to good use…I studied! Ugh! Now keep in mind that going by train takes double the time to reach your destination, because of all the stops and delays, but if you’re not in a hurry, want to relax, or just have a fear of flying than train is the way to go!
After about twelve hours later we arrived in San Francisco! We stayed at the Hyatt where upon entrance the lobby overwhelmed my senses. With its high ceilings, tiers of balconies over looking the café and bar, and glass elevators you felt like you were outside, not in a hotel at all. We celebrated our arrival by getting a drink in the lobby’s bar, favorite hangout no matter where in the world I happen to be.

The next morning I awoke to the view through my hotel window of the hustling city residents and tourist who were already up and about, while I was still in my pajamas having my first cup of hotel coffee. The rest of the day was spent touring the city, though we didn’t stray too far from the hotel. We went to the local street market where locals sold fresh produce, meat, breads, spreads, spices, wines and cheeses, and even arts and crafts! As my husband and I strolled along we wished we lived in San Fran just so we could do our weekly grocery shopping in such a quaint environment.

That night we met some of my husband’s colleagues for dinner at a cozy little Italian restaurant over looking the bay. After dinner I wasn’t willing to call it a night so I talked my husband into walking along the city streets with me, but little did I know that in this particular part of the town late at night all the weirdoes come out to play and you can’t get a cab to save your life!! I have to admit there was a point in the evening where I got a little scared and frustrated, but we wound up taking the cable bus to the hotel with some of the cities finest (that’s supposed to be sarcastic).

The next day was spent shopping and hanging out at fishermen’s wharf. I wanted to take the tour of Alcatraz, but it was sold like every other time I’ve been to San Francisco. A word of advice, make tour arrangements in advance. That night after dinner we made sure we got a cab earlier in the evening before it got too late and have a repeat of the night before! I was so thrilled to be back at the hotel we decided to get a couple more drinks in the safety of the hotel bar. Let me tell you one thing…stress and alcohol don’t mix and it soon became apparent that I had one too many because I starting to sing along with the music!

I woke up the next morning regretting having that last drink the night before, but had no time waste I had to be at the train station by 8:00 a.m.! When we arrived at the station we were informed that our train was running three hours late!! This is why you should always call before you show up!! I had to sit in the station with the worst hangover I’ve had in a long time for three long hours. Once the train arrived all ended well; I slept off my hangover and was able to enjoy the rest of the relaxing ride home!!