1933-4 were recurring themes in my walk around San Francisco on Thursday. It was this depression era that brought about San Francisco’s famous suspended bridges (the Golden Gate and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge). It was a major time in the history of Levi Strauss Company as it occupied all its many workers in producing their classic riveted jeans. It was the year when the Coit Tower was built and its walls decorated. Although the city was founded on a North Californian goldrush in the 19th century, it this year commemorates the centenary of its collapse under earthquake and fire in 1906. The city has grown to its beautiful and lively self, since, coated with trams and tourists (at least this time of year).
Over 7 hours I wandered 14 miles around the San Francisco bay from south to north. By the end all I wanted was a felafel and a beer. But I still uploaded photos for my dedicated fans. (more…)
Wednesday afternoon the plane finally took off from Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport. An hour and a half later we landed in Oakland, CA, which is west of Downtown San Francisco, where I’d reserved a hostel room for the night. (more…)
Well, you could call me too, but I have to pay when you call me because the American phone system is silly. Still, my number while in the USA is:
+1-415-248-6111 (Note, 25 Dec. 2006: this number is now invalid. Do not try to call me on it. When I am in Canada, call me on +1-514-659-4506)
(more…)
I know now what to answer that guy who yesterday asked where to propose to a girlfriend. Over the communication system of a helicopter descending into the Grand Canyon would be a highly adequate option. (more…)
I thought I would share a couple of potential changes in plan and ask for anyone’s opinion on them: (more…)
Vegas brings day to night
All night
Vegas brings night to day
Every day
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So on Thursday I woke up in the sweltering heat of LA. And fell back to sleep again. I got up a while later and — well, I just spent the last minute trying to remember what I did for breakfast, and then realised it was a fast day, and so I had none — wandered down the street to find a public telephone to call a rabbi to find out whether he could find me somewhere for lunch. He said he’d get back to me on the phone I still don’t have yet, so I gave him Ilana’s number. (more…)
Don’t get the impression I’ll always be blogging this regularly. But where I’m staying in LA there just seems to be a strong wireless internet signal from some neighbour.
And that, of course, means I should tell you about where I’m staying. It’s a small building owned by 82-year old Sylvia K who dances, goes to shiurim (Jewish classes), keeps a guest house, and is the grandmother of Ilana who is showing me around the city. I have closet, kitchen and basically anything else i need to get by, and am a short walk from numerous kosher restaurants. (more…)
1933-4 were recurring themes in my walk around San Francisco on Thursday. It was this depression era that brought about San Francisco’s famous suspended bridges (the Golden Gate and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge). It was a major time in the history of Levi Strauss Company as it occupied all its many workers in producing their classic riveted jeans. It was the year when the Coit Tower was built and its walls decorated. Although the city was founded on a North Californian goldrush in the 19th century, it this year commemorates the centenary of its collapse under earthquake and fire in 1906. The city has grown to its beautiful and lively self, since, coated with trams and tourists (at least this time of year).
