When I go to San Francisco, there is only one day I plan my trip around – Saturday. The famous Ferry Building Farmers’ Market day. The plan of that day is always as clear as the blue sky – coffee after standing in a long line at Blue Bottle Coffee, then a walk around the market to taste all the local offerings (October is the season for persimmons, some types of oranges, peaches, fresh peanuts, pomegranates, Asian pears, and many more seasonal delights) and a meal afterwards. I love to take a long walk through the market, stopping at stalls to admire the produce. When the coffee cups are empty, it is time for some food. In the summertime, there is nothing better than fresh figs with Cowgirl Creamery fresh ricotta and freshly baked bread from the Acme Bread Company, but as fall approaches, it is time for a slow-roasted pork sandwich and rotisserie chicken from Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie.The line, as always, never-ending. Paula tried to squeeze between the people to see the slowly-roasting meat, dreaming about the way she will enjoy it. I sent everyone to wash their hands as the time of the sacred meal was approaching. One sandwich and half a chicken with potatoes is more than enough for four to keep us happy for almost the entire day.

Although I do like to sit down for my meal, there's magic in having a meal standing at the market. We stood there, sharing our food with me trying to feed everyone so that no chicken falls on the floor and making sure that the potatoes are equally shared among everyone (God forbid, someone will get more than someone else). As we went to wash our hands, one look at the Frog Hollow Farmcake stand made me unlock my wallet and the other chamber in my body to have a slice of pecan pie to share with my family. We did and never regretted that.

As the Exploratorium is just a few buildings away, we waked there slowly to discover another world of physics, chemistry, sound, human body, gravity: the museum sucks you in like a vacuum cleaner. Two hours turned into almost four when we were politely asked to leave the building due to closing even though we saw maybe half. The girls, the same as us, loved this place, and if fate takes us back, this place is on the red list.

Without telling the others, I had an address in my head that I wanted to take them to – Polka Street 1621 passing by the smallest winding street in the world on our way. Lombard Street’s curves are short, but everyone with a car and guide in their hands wants to drive down, although I think it is much nicer to walk and admire the view, flowers, and street itself. To get to Lombard Street from Exploratorium, the map guided us through a shortcut, and thank God we had a hearty brunch a few hours before, as this was one steep and workout-filled way to there. The Greenwich Steps took us up the hill, begging to stop every once in a while to turn our gaze to the bay below. The gardens on our way, hiding the houses behind, were are packed with trees and flowers, and the top of the hill, a surprise greets you in the form of the most spectacular views to the Golden Gate Bridge and bay area with Coit Tower on top of it all. We were surprised, awe-struck, and happy to discover this, unplanned, so all we did was sit there and enjoy pears bought at the market, quietly, bite by bite, before heading down to head up again.

Approaching Lombard Street, the wind got stronger, biting us through our thin layer of clothes, but that changed after meeting charming Lombard and Polka Streets and Bobs Donuts and Pastries. The overwhelming choice of doughnuts made everyone forget about the cold, as choosing one of many made the body work so intensely that we almost felt too warm. With doughnuts in our hands, Friday and Halloween just two days away (when the city would turn into a costume parade), we walked to the hotel. Daylight went to sleep as night came to work, and we got dressed, ordered a taxi, and went out for a light dinner to Hog Island Oysterat the Ferry Building. Skipping the oysters (we would visit them in Sonoma in few days), we ordered chowder, steamers, lamb for the little lady, and rustic seafood stew, all accompanied by homemade fries and a glass of wine for the adults. The long day slowly made us dreamy until the moment the food arrived, all hearty and fresh. Barely managing to finish, we looked forward to a soft bed and sweet dreams. As we walked back, climbing every hill in front of us, we stopped by Chinatown, admiring the red lights and full restaurants. I love Chinatown during the day, but there is a certain magic in the evening when all the busy people are gone, and the streets are left for those who love a more relaxed pace. The hotel seemed to fall away from us with every step we took, knowing that we needed more time to soak up the feelings while still here.