Found the locals

This city is way more fun with the locals. They have been sheltered from the mass of tourists and are much more real and very territorial as well. I talked to the hostel workers about a recommendation for a pint (to celebrate my passing my tests at DMV of course!) and they recommended I go up Polk St so I did. And I wandered for a little bit until I came to Swans Oyster Bar!! Oh the memories! No line today Chris! I walked right in and found a seat and placed my order. It was great. I sat way down the bar this time and had a fish head looking right at me. That was a little weird. They close early evening though so I got pointed in the direction of a locals place down the road and that turned out to be a great suggestion. It was called McTeagues (Sutter and Polk). Happy hour 12-7. If you can believe that. Cheap beers and the bartender, names Liz, was really cool. Nice gal and friendly. Really a quiet place lots of regulars there. All ages and mental abilities~ha. So I met a local girl and guy and then another guy and it was funny because they are ALL transplants. Not one I met was from here. So our stories are similar. Its really funny how this town is. They came and loved it and never left. They said if I were here 6 months then I'd stay forever. That is the general rule. I don't know about that.
They also recommended places to me. Shanghai Kelly's, Lush, Mayes. All on Polk. Just so I remember.

I just called to confirm my trip to Yosemite tomorrow. I get picked up at 6:10am. Ouch! No sleeping in for me for sure! I think the next day I'll sign up for a city tour that is in the afternoon so I can finally sleep in!
I'm currently surrounded by Aussies in the bunks these days. (and creepy guy too of course) they are working the ladies right now. Its pretty funny. A big group of French girls came yesterday and the Aussies are already woo'ing them. Ha!

So, funny afternoon of exploration. I found a place that was quiet finally. Its not easy to do unless you get off the tourist track. That takes some doing. I guess I need to get off the bus on Lombard street and walk up to the crooked part. Everyone keeps getting on and off the bus to do that and I keep forgetting I'm that close by.

So more adventures tomorrow. I'll put notes here so we can all enjoy them. Aunt Maureen, Uncle Stan...you'll know all my secrets when you come to visit me! Miss you guys.

Other notes...Fishermans Wharf is packed with people right now. Take the stairs and get up above them. You can bypass the crowd until you see what you want and can get down the stairs. Amazing. Who's ever noticed. You have that whole upper boardwalk to yourselves.