It was soon to be a hot day when we departed from the hotel to walk to Lands End. A way to go, but a stop at Arsicault made us eager to do that. We walked up the California Street hill when Paula got something in her eye, causing a small drama-queen scene right there on the corner of California and Franklin where the wind blew even stronger. While Armands looked for tissues in the Whole Foods beauty aisle, the dirt managed to get out, and the big pack of tissues was out a trustworthy friend for a day. Thirsty with still a few km to walk, we entered a local shop to have a chat with a sales clerk whose history lessons (coming from Europe) were much better than one would expect. With a bottle in hand, we almost kissed each other farewell in the French way (as he is a French teacher and the girls speak French).

It was not long after a good 45-minute walk when we arrived at Arsicault Bakery where, as The Guardian says, you should arrive early because croissants disappear very fast. It was noon when we got in line with all the excited croissant lovers, and we got ours in a few minutes. We went around the corner where the sun did not burn our faces, all covered in flakes of pastry and butter. If someone had recorded us, it would have been very risqué material with way too many “uhs” and “ahs”, but it would have been a sin to eat them without emotion – croissants that are considered to be the best in the state. After walking through the local market and tasting all the seasons treats – persimmons, peaches, and Asian pears – we headed to Lands End, visiting the Lincoln Park Steps on our way. The colorful steps with a bench on top let you admire the streets you have walked up on your way. Maybe not all of them are stunningly beautiful, but all are full of Chinese shops, local cafeterias, and the people who live there.

Having finally arrived at Lands End, we forgot about all the kilometers behind us, sat down, and enjoyed the view. No one wanted to move on as the view was breathtaking. Every time it is like that – magnificent, no matter what the day brings, sun or clouds. Located between the Sutro District and Lincoln Park, it holds a hiking trail and the famous Sutro Baths, once a public saltwater swimming pool. As we had a destination to get to, we slowly walked towards the Cliff House overlooking Seal Rocks working our way down to the ocean beach where the wind was blowing sand into everyone’s eyes (who did not have sunglasses), and the ocean froze our feet because we forced ourselves to get into the water. The beach was full of people. Some tried to enjoy their picnic sandwiches without the crunchiness of the sand, some caught the waves, and the rest enjoying the warmth of the last days of October.

Arriving at the Outerlands, we wrote our name on the board, ordered local cola, IPA, and wine, and sat outside waiting for our name to be called. In 20 minutes, we ordered the always famous Dutch pancakes and sandwiches. I sat there admiring the beauty of the place, the food, and the dedication to the community, not wanting to leave. We departed to Golden Gate Park, and discovered the beauty of local living where people picnic, walk their dogs, run, work out, and enjoy the Sunday. I gathered wind blown eucalyptus branches (to take to the hotel) and went to the Rose Garden where Paula and I disappeared for half an hour admiring hundreds of roses in all sizes, colors, and textures. Passing by the Japanese Tea Garden, the girls begged to enter, and we enjoyed a beautiful 30-minute feeling of Japan, soaking up every neatly cut tree and goldfish and the pavilions built in the center. I could not be more happy and grateful to the girls for taking us there as there is no other garden like this in SF.

A day plan that was meant to be short turned out longer than 20 km of walks, beautiful food, cold ocean-washed feet, and Japanese theme inspired. I still look at the pictures of roses, dreaming of the day I will have some in my garden. I still remember how we ate croissants that melted like butter (and we too). I still remember the argument about walking on the sunny or shady side of the street, but most of all I remember the views and emotions of all of us that will stay there forever.