San Francisco

No idea how many times I've been to San Francisco. But I leave a part of me there every time I go. What a great city
First time was in 2000. Of course Jim Sherry facilitated the visit.
There was some kind if fuel protest in the UK. We all drove to Warwickshire. Cath and L were running a pub in the back of beyond. It had an old steam train out front and a suspended toy train running sound the ceiling of the drinking area. Cath had gamely agreed to look after Con and Ky for the week (they were just 6 mths and 3yrs) - saintly of her. So we dropped em off and headed to Heathrow: we had the idea that we'd stay in their flat in Twickenham which Ed and his girlfriend had been using. When we saw it we changed our mind and went to an airport hotel. Stand-on-their-own towels, dog hair carpets and the 'sex dice' decide for us (never seen a sex dice since - six faces: oral, anal, toys etc - can't remember the rest'.
We'd been in touch with Jim in SF - first time in a few years. Told him we were headed to Vegas. He insisted we come early and head to him in SF. We flew to LAX then hopped on a shuttle to SFO. Jim met us and we had two brilliant nights somewhere near the city. Come to think of it didn't actually see the city - felt it though. Really reconnected with Jim and his wine collection. - thanks Jim. He dropped us of for our south western flight to Vegas. First thing I noticed was the tables for groups of four seats. Real party atmosphere: funny hats, lots of booze. Second thing I noticed was the pilots announcement "thank you for joining us today for this flight to mexico city - we'll shortly be crossing the border and if you look down you will see...". At first I didn't clock it then Mo said 'I thought we were headed to Vegas?". Then the whole plane burst out laughing - a great intro to Vegas !




Then it was a taxi (technically a Limo)

I was invited to a GE SMallworld trade show - visited a load of fire departments - Pleasanton, San Ramon. But the highlight was meeting the California State Fire Marshall for the first time. y.