Day 1, San Francisco Arrival Day
I flew into SFO on a beautiful afternoon. I had done my research on taxis, Uber and Lyft –I’m a little embarrassed to say that when I took this trip I had never taken either Uber or Lyft. That’s all changed now! I had taken hundreds of taxis during the fourteen years I lived in New York City (back when dinosaurs walked the Earth before Uber or Lyft) so I jumped in a cab. I was really glad I did. I love talking with cab drivers, especially on the way from an airport to my destination. The drive was beautiful, the conversation, enlightening, and the cost –about fifty dollars or so plus tip, which was about what I expected after doing my research.
My driver took me straight to the door of the Kensington Park Hotel in the heart of Union Square. I love, I mean really love solo travel, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a little nervous or have some culture shock when I arrive in a new place. I always feel a little shy and have to take time to get my bearings. The Kensington really helped with that. The staff were friendly and helpful, the lobby is gracious and beautiful, but unpretentious –and loaded with history.
The Kensington has a real San Francisco feel. I was fascinated by its history. It lives in a building built in Moorish-Gothic style in 1925 by the Elks Club. The ceiling is hand painted so don’t forget to look up! The Kensington shares the building with the San Francisco Playhouse, so you can take in a play right in the same building. A real perk if you’ve walked all over the city like I do, but still want a unique San Francisco experience before going to sleep. Also in the hotel is Farallon Seafood Restaurant. Since I’m vegetarian I didn’t eat there, but it was packed every night! You can learn more about the Kensington and its history here.
I absolutely adored my room. It was tucked into a quiet spot with a view overlooking Union Square. The Kensington is a historic hotel, so the rooms are cozy. Mine had two full beds that were so comfortable I had some of the best nights’ sleep of my life. And I’m not exaggerating. I was very, very happy at the Kensington. I loved my comfy room so much I thought I’d see if I could create one like it. I couldn’t duplicate it exactly, but these linens come pretty close!
Mindfulness tip upon arrival
I always try to take a quiet half-hour or hour after I arrive at my hotel to acclimate, rest, and decompress. I’ve discovered it’s helpful when I’m traveling solo to make the space my own. I unpack my bag a bit, hang up my clothes, find my books and set them on the night tables –plug in the phone, and put my feet up for a little while. I check my messages, call home, and may flip on the tv, but usually I just rest, listen to the sounds outside the window, and shut my eyes for a moment or two. Taking a little time before rushing out into a new place helps center and acclimate me to my surroundings.
After I’d rested and freshened up I was ready for my first walk around San Francisco. I didn’t really have destinations in mind, but knew the general direction I wanted to go was –downhill. I had a nice spontaneous walk, got a little lost (I almost always get a little lost) and used my gps to make my way back to the hotel. I always carry my portable charger with me when I’m on my own. San Francisco is such a vibrant city. It’s exciting just to walk around and get a feel for things. My next post will cover my complete, spontaneous SF itinerary for the solo traveler, but right then, it was getting dark, and I was pretty hungry; where to go?
I knew I wanted somewhere close to the Kensington so I could get home easily after dark. I made a great discovery just one block uphill from the Kensington. The Zingari Restorante and Jazz Bar. After eight at night, it became my home away from home. Zingari was another really nice spot for me as a solo traveler. I arrived there tired, hungry, and a little rained on and left happy, feeling befriended, rested, and full. It overlooks the sweeping lobby of Donatello hotel, and live jazz plays every night. You probably do want to check the menu here before going. For me as a vegetarian traveling solo it was perfect. I sat at the bar, had a lovely vegetarian pasta, talked with the bartender, and relaxed after a very long day. And I took my sister when she arrived! By about ten, I was ready to return to my happy place at the Kensington.
What are your happy places in San Francisco? I’d love to hear about them!
