Wet Weather Safari

It rained today in the City but I didn't let that stop my safari.  I clocked 5 miles this morning.  

This sign seemed appropriate to kick things off in light of the weather...

After grabbing coffee at Espresso Roma in the Marina, I headed east and saw this written in the sidewalk -- "Act Up...Fight Back...Fight AIDS".  Some of San Francisco's activist spirit captured in the pavement.  

I'm so glad I'm not in this person's shoes... I'd be freaking out if I lost a passport or a green card!  I hope someone returns this person's papers.

A house on Bay St. near the border between Russian Hill and North Beach was covered in whimsical murals including this one of the mailman...

... and this one of a giant keyhole.  I wonder what this door unlocks?  Maybe the secrets of the universe?

I soon crossed Columbus and into North Beach.  The neighborhood is clearly marked with the colors of the Italian Flag.  

I love the murals and theme decorations at Trader Joe's, my favorite supermarket in the area.  

I saw this sign on an unmarked storefront a few blocks from Trader Joe's.  I wonder what people were wearing to this establishment that prompted them to post a sign reading "Strict Dress Code Enforced.  NO Athletic Gear, Baggy Attire, or Boots/Timbs/Lugz...Guys must have a full button-up collared shirt."  Yikes!

Apparently, it is possible to get an education in just about anything.  I passed The Cheese School of San Francisco.  I wasn't familiar with their curriculum when I walked by but found out upon returning home that the Cheese School "is the only institution of its kind in the Bay Area dedicated entirely to helping people maximize their enjoyment and appreciation of cheese."  Who knew?!

Looks like someone is upgrading their TV to prepare for the All-Digital revolution in 2009...

Is this more activist sentiment on Washington Sq. in North Beach?  "Enough with the plywood."

Now that's a Happy Hour!  I was tempted to stop in to check it out but decided that starting Happy Hour at noon on a Friday was probably not a great idea if I wanted to have a productive afternoon.  

I opted for an organic salad at Mixt Greens for lunch instead.  I was a video game fiend as a kid and I couldn't resist taking a snap of this bicycle with a Pac-Man ghost monster tucked into the spokes!  Awesome!

I decided to splurge and take the California St. Cable Car home.  I love hanging off the side even when the weather is inclement.  

I ended my safari today window shopping at Harris' Restaurant.  After a veggie intensive lunch, a steak for dinner sounds pretty good although this is a tad rarer than I typically like my meat.