Panoramic shot of Golden Gate Bridge traffic from the north vista point Oct 20 2011 3:30 PM
Panoramic shot of Golden Gate Bridge traffic from the north vista point Oct 20 2011
Panoramic shot of the houses around the Discovery kids museum Oct 2011 1:45 PM
The giant sequoias Panoramic Oct 20 2011 5:15 PM
where we took a U turn after noticing a farmer's market in the midst of the desert like landscape while driving to Monterey Bay Panoramic Oct 22 2011 4:30 PM
Nim stands near the side swept trees of Pebble Beach Panoramic Oct 22 2011 6:45 PM
Nim and I at Point Joes Panoramic Oct 22 2011 6:45 PM
Beginning of journey to California. At Newark Airport Oct 15 2011 5AM
Nishka aboard our Continental flight to San Francisco via Houston Oct 15 6 AM
Newark from above during take off
Newark from above during take off
Nishka enjoys her window seat
Rishma wakes up from her nap aboard our flight to SFO 7:45 AM
As the plane descends upon Houston Intl airport the shadow of our plane is cast over a community passing by oct 15 2011 9:15 AM
Nishka at Houston Intercontinental Airport Oct 15 9:30 am
At Houston airport near Lasalsa mexican restaurant midway through our coast-to-coast flight to SFO. 10:40 AM
At Houston airport near Lasalsa mexican restaurant midway through our coast-to-coast flight to SFO. 10:40 AM
Asked for full size but got a premium car, Grand Marquis at SFO Intl airport. For driving inside a big city like SFO, this car was a little too big Oct 15 2011 5 PM
Driving through the hilly streets of SFO when driving towards Lombard St on Oct 16 2:37 PM
Driving up the hill towards the descent point of Lombard St Oct 16 2:45 PM
Overlooking the downward descent on Lombard St Oct 16
Driving down Lombard St. While for Nim it was the first time down for Nish and Rish it was the 2nd time down Crooked Street as I drove them down this morning as well after dropping Nim at Parnassus
Nim awestruck by Lombard Street uniqueness upon her maiden visit to SFO and one of its prime landmarks - Oct 16 2011 2:45 PM
Nim videotaping as we zigzag down Lombard Street
Driving down Lombard St
While Nish was thrilled by the ups and downs and zig zag rides through SFO, disagreement over some toy that Rishma did not share with her made her sombre on our 2nd trip through Lombard St.
Cars tailgating us on Lombard Street
Tourists throng at the base of Lombard Street where it intersects Leavenworth St. for pictures
Less people traffic on Lombard St once we cross the crooked section between Hyde and Leavenworth
Seatbelts hold on Nishka and Rishma as our car hurtles down the SFO streets at and angle of 40 degrees Oct 16 2:50 PM
Seatbelts hold on Nishka and Rishma as our car hurtles down the SFO streets at and angle of 40 degrees Oct 16 2:50 PM
Greenery that lasts year round. Unique to California in US
Greenery that lasts year round. Unique to California in US. As we drive uphill to Coits Tower in Telegraph Hill, SFO along the tree lined streets with victorian apartments on either sides Oct 16 2011 3 PM
View of Alcatraz Island from Coits tower parking lot 3:15 pM
North Eastern section of SFO city from atop Telegraph hiL
Nim and kids atop Telegraph hill
While we were appreciating scenic views of the bay from atop Telegraph hill, Rishma's only concern was getting the lollipop from the souvenir store at the base of Coits Tower 3:30 PM Oct 16 2011
While we were appreciating scenic views of the bay from atop Telegraph hill, Rishma's only concern was getting the lollipop from the souvenir store at the base of Coits Tower 3:30 PM Oct 16 2011
San Francisco Financial District as seen from Telegraph Hill Blvd close to the Summit 6:30 PM Oct 16 2011
Immensity of California infrastructure and grandeur of natural formation comprehensible in the Bay vew and Oakland SFO Bay Bridge from Telegraph Hill
Against a backdrop of the Bay Bridge and SFO Financial District 3:45 PM
Against a backdrop of the Bay Bridge and SFO Financial District 3:45 PM
SFO Skyline
Magnitude of one of the many towers supporting the 12 mile Bay Bridge
Vehicles suspended above the Bay on 2 decks of the Bay Bridge
Palm trees so refreshing
TransAmerica tower as seen from Telegraph Hill 85MM 3:45 pm
Boats seen at the bottom are used to ferry commuters who travel to the city by water. Ferry service commences from Ferry Building in SFO 85mm
View of Northern section of the Bay from Telegraph Hill and the innumerable yatchs dotting it 85mm
Our car the blue one (Mecury Grand Marquis) at Telegraph Hill's parking lot 85mm
Silhouette of Nim and kids on Telegraph Hill Blvd against SFO Skyline
Nim and Kids against SFO Skyline from Telegraph Hill Blvd. Rish just cannot let go of her lollipop that we had to buy to calm down her hysterics at Coits Tower 4PM
With kids on Telegraph Hill Blvd 4PM
With kids on Telegraph Hill Blvd 4PM
Trans America tower and BOA tower two of the tallest buildings in SFO
One of the rose gardens near Coits Tower
Year round warm weather facilitates rose gardens like these along Telegraph Hill Blvd 4pm
Yes you guessed it right. Roses
Cottages for Lease. How I wish I owned one of those
Coits Tower built 80 years ago in 1933 by Lillie Hitchcock Coit
Coits Tower built 80 years ago in 1933 by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, is backdrop to the silver grille of our rental car.
Nishka at SFOs' Sea Food Haven, Fisherman's Wharf Oct 16 2011 4:45 PM
Nishka at SFOs' Sea Food Haven, Fisherman's Wharf Oct 16 2011 4:45 PM
Nim inquisitive at one of the street performers at Fisherman's Wharf SFO
Nim inquisitive at one of the street performers at Fisherman's Wharf SFO 4:50 PM Oct 16 2011
Nim and kids walking along Beach Street in Fisherman's Wharf by the maritime area that constantly buzzes with activity and lined with Sea food and crab restaurants
One of the street performers
Fisherman's Wharf, SFO
Nim, Nish and Rish wait in line for the Red & White Fleet for the golden gate cruise at 5PM
Aboard the Golden Gate Cruise ship Oct 16 5 PM
SFO as seen from the cruise ship
SFP as seen from cruise ship
Nim listens to commentary as Kids stay indoors on the cruise due to the frigid winds hitting like knives outdoors
Silhouette of Nim and other passengers as the Golden Gate Bridge emerges in the backdrop
Nim and i aboard the ship 5:30 PM Oct 16
At the rear of the ship
A couple of miles away from SFO Peninsula seen in the background
Nim all smiles as she passes just a few hundred feet below the bridge she had fantasized about visiting all these years from 3000 miles away Oct 16 2011 5:30 PM.
Passing under the Golden Gate Bridge rekindled flashbacks for me about my usual haunt to this bridge during my bachelor days
Nim all smiles as she passes just a few hundred feet below the bridge she had fantasized about visiting all these years from 3000 miles away Oct 16 2011 5:30 PM.
Nim below Golden Gate Bridge
As the cruise passes by the Landmark 75 year old Bridge of US.
As the cruise passes by the Landmark 75 year old Bridge of US.
SFO Peninsula as seen from the Red and White fleet Cruise 85 MM
Golden Gate Cruise 5:45 PM Oct 16 2011
Golden Gate Cruise 5:45 PM Oct 16 2011
Beautiful SFO 85mm
Alcatraz 85mm
Oakland SFO Bay Bridge 85mm
Closeup of Alcatraz as the Cruise circles around it 6pm
Nish loved the cruise
Aah I like the breeze
Getting closer to Fisherman's Wharf for disembarking
Rishma cant get enough of the messy lollipop
Maritime museum close to the cruise boarding area
Nishka preparing to get off the ferry 6 pm Oct 16 2011
Dynamic Duo at Fisherman's wharf post cruise Oct 16 2011 6:25 PM
Dynamic Duo at Fisherman's wharf post cruise Oct 16 2011 6:25 PM
Me with Nish at my customary haunt during my Bachelor Days in Bay Area
Traditional forms of transport like this Muni rail in SFO showcase its cultural merit
Fishermans Wharf boardwalk by the seal exhibit at night 7 PM
Fisherman's Wharf overlooking the SFO Maritime center Oct 16 2011 7:15 PM
People at Fisherman's Wharf boardwalk
Tiny Forbes island seen from Fisherman's Wharf Boardwalk
Fisherman's Wharf Boardwalk Dinner time at Luigis Pizzeria 8PM
Oct 17 2011 Noon Kids having a ball at our Hotel in Burlingame while Nim was out
Office chair with wheels at hotel becomes sport for kids
Office chair with wheels at hotel becomes toy for Nish and Rish Oct 17 noon
Nish Rish create ruckus at the Burlingame Hotel room on the noon of Oct 17 2011 while Nim was in SFO city.
Outside Vagabond Inn overlooking San Francisco Intl Airport runway Oct 17 2011 6:40 PM
Outside Vagabond Inn overlooking San Francisco Intl Airport runway Oct 17 2011 6:40 PM
Outside Vagabond Inn overlooking San Francisco Intl Airport runway Oct 17 2011 6:40 PM
A Haze of Oakland SFO Bay Bridge 20 miles away as seen from our hotel backyard
Outside Vagabond Inn Oct 17
An American Airlines flight lands at SFO Airport. A view for guests sipping coffee from the balcony of Vagabond hotel.
A view of SFO airport for guests of Vagabond inn from their bedroom balconies.
Nim with kids on the hotel balcony Oct 17 2011 6:30 PM
Driving through California's longest and busiest highway 101 to Children's Discovery Kids Museum in Sausalito on the morning of Oct 18 2011 11 AM
Passing through SFO City on I-280 enroute to Sausalito
Fog is Bay Area's trademark resulting from advection as air travels from over warm water surface to cold water surface
Network of electric cables for the city Transit System form a net over Market Street in San Francisco
A Muni trailer bus passes by as we drive through SFO city to Sausalito Oct 18 11 AM
Driving through SFO
Fog while driving over Golden Gate Bridge draws parallels to the fog masking the Bird Cage bridge in Jurassic Park 3
Marin County as we get closer to the north end of Golden Gate Bridge Oct 18 11:15 AM
Upon reaching Discovery Kids museum at Sausalito at the base of Golden Gate Bridge
Introducing Rishma to the Crab wash out area at Discovery Kids Museum Oct 18 noon
Rishma fascinate by a toy crab at Sausalito
Introducing Rishma to the Crab wash out area at Discovery Kids Museum Oct 18 noon
An artificial cove
At the craft center in Discovery Kids Museum, Nishka makes a greeting card for Sanjana when we visit Badami's house a few days from now
Nishka at the arts center in Discovery kids museum at 12:30 noon
Once she found an abandoned stuff animal at Discovery kids museum, Rishma loved the art center too
Playing ship crew members aboard a ship replica
Nishka plays at the crab wash out area
Nishka plays at the crab wash out area
Nishka the Ship captain 12:45 PM
Nish and Rish aboard the observation deck
Nish and Rish aboard the observation deck
Nish and Rish aboard the observation deck
Giddy up
Nishka plays Bob the Builder 1 PM Oct 18 2011
Rishma's turn to play Bob the Builder
OOPS, that hard hat is reversed
Nishka races a dump truck down the incline on top of a Golden Gate Bridge prototype at Sausalito Discovery Kids Museum 1 PM
A spider web makes a good hammock for the ladies
An intuitive hammock
A giant spider-web surrounded by giant grass
Nim has no intentions of leaving the hammock to proceed for lunch Oct 18 2011 1 PM
Nishka tries her luck on the spider-web
Oops the spider has an upper hand now.
Nishka ascends steps of timber stumps at Discovery kids museum
Nishka ascends stairs of timber stumps at Discovery kids museum
Rishma tries her luck on the stairs
Nishka tries her painting skills 1:15 PM
Nishka tries her painting skills at Discovery Kids Museum
How can I dismantle that star ?
How can I dismantle that star ?
More painting
Look what I can make out of clay
Look what I can make out of clay
Nishka's creation Oct 16 2011 1:30 pm
Nishka tries to sort out the foam puzzles
Nishka tries her luck with the foam builder set
Where is the missing piece ?
Rishma joins the frey
Rishma joins the fray
Assembly done
Scenic Sausalito Oct 16 2011 1:45PM
Snazzy California houses
Panoramic shot of the houses around the Discovery kids museum
It was chilly so we decided to have lunch inside the car
Must be ucsf library
Driving down the slide on Hilway Ave towards nearby Golden Gate Park
Touch Down from Parnassus Ave to Carl St on Hilway Ave
Nim, Rishma and Nishka at Golden Gate Park opposite California Academy of Sciences with the De Young museum in the backdrop Oct 18 2011 4:30 PM
Nim, Rishma and Nishka at Golden Gate Park opposite California Academy of Sciences with the De Young museum in the backdrop with the lining if pretty perennial tree.Something that Central Park in New York would never be able to boast of Oct 18 2011 4:30 PM
Me with Rishma and Nishka at Golden Gate Park right across California Academy of Sciences with the De young museum visible in the backdrop and perennial trees like Cycas etc
At Golden Gate Park Oct 18 2011 4:30 PM
Nim and kids across Academy of Sciences building in Golden Gate Park San Francisco
A trail of cops on Segways cruise past the Academic Sciences building
trees echo the tropical sentiment of Bay Area weather
Nishka at Golden Gate Park
Cycas and coconut trees signal the unique conducive weather of Northern California
Cycas and coconut trees signal the unique conducive weather of Northern California
Nishka trots along in Golden Gate park before proceeding to San Francisco Botanical Garden and Japanese Tea Garden
Family pic at Golden Gate park
Arche drum Bridge near the entrance inside Japanese Tea Garden Oct 18 2011 5:15 PM
Arched drum bridge in Japanese Tea Garden
Nim and Nishka on the stairs of the bridge
With daddy on the bridge
Japanese Tea Garden with its native plants pagodas and pools
nim and kids in front of a pagoda oct 18 2011 5 PM
At a serene Koi pool in Japanese Tea Garden
Nish Rish drawn to the beautiful fish in the serene pool
Nish Rish drawn to the beautiful fish in the serene pool
Fish in the Koi pool of Japanese Tea Garden
Without the wooden stumps lining the garden it would be impossible to get a clear shot of the Zen Garden at iso100 in the dusky environment of a setting sun at 5:30 PM
The catchy unique trees of Japanese Garden
Pristine acres of land at Hagiwara Tea Garden
Eye catching formations at the Japanese Garden 5:30 PM Oct 18 2011
Characteristic native Japanese trees of the Zen Garden
Native Japanese trees like broccoli bunches
Nishka shows off her flora collection
Nishka shows off her flora collection
Garden
The Japanese Bronze Buddha statue was captivating
The squirrel outside the Japanese Garden souvenir store is hardly scared of Nishka 6PM
The squirrel outside the Japanese Garden souvenir store is hardly scared of Nishka 6PM
The squirrel outside the Japanese Garden souvenir store is at ease with Nishka 6PM
Nishka says Sayonara !
Dinner at Chevys Restaurant at Stonestown Mall near San Francisco on the way back to our hotel. Nim enjoys her enchilada while I couldn't care for anything other than my favourite burrito Oct 18 2011 8 PM
Dinner at Chevys Restaurant at Stonestown Mall near San Francisco on the way back to our hotel. Nim enjoys her enchilada while I couldn't care for anything other than my favourite burrito Oct 18 2011 8 PM
Hearing the deep extra loud rumble of a jet blast at the runway, we came out to our hotel balcony at 8 AM Oct 19 2011 and noticed a Japanese Nippon Cargo Jumbo 747 preparing for take off on the SFO airport runway 4 miles away
Nim, Rishma and Nishka at BART station in Millbrae before boarding to go to SFO city today at 1:15 PM
With kids at Millbrae BART Station. It rekindled old memories of my BART ride to SFO daily to work from Dublin Pleasanton over 10 years ago
While Nishka is dynamic as ever, the other half of the dynamic duo has no intentions of dismounting from her stroller for the whole of today at Millbrae Bart station. Oct 19 1:15 PM
Rishma all set to head out to SFO city
Nish Rish and Nim inside BART as we hurtle through the tunnels to SFO via other cities like San Bruno, Daly City
Nim lays her feet on the streets of SFO for the first time in her life Oct 19 2 PM
Behind the Muni rail is 455 Market Building where i used to work as a bachelor 12 years ago. Now i am standing at the same spot with 5 year old Nishka
With Nish and Rish in SFO Financial District Oct 19 2011 2:15 pm
Nim and kids fascinated by pigeons across from 455 Market Wells Fargo Building
Nishka and Rishma playing with pigeons at Financial District
Nishka and Rishma playing with pigeons right across 455 Market Building one of my first places of work in US at Wells Fargo over a decade ago Oct 19 2011 2:30 pm
Nostalgia: With Nishka right across from 455 Market Building one of my first places of work in US at Wells Fargo over a decade ago when i came to US as a bachelor Oct 19 2011 2:30 pm
Nostalgia: With Nishka right across from 455 Market Building one of my first
On Market Street in SFO Financial District
Nishka enjoys he big city
Sculpture on Mission St right behind my old place of work Wells Fargo on 1st
Bike parking lots, so typical of SFO
Bike parking lots, so typical of SFO
Electric cables all over the city for Muni buses to draw power oCT 19 2011 2:45 pm
Another of the historically significant rail cars in SFO
High rises of SFO city
A newspaper vending machine formed a tripod for this photograph
Nish and Rish in SFO 2:45 pm
Skyscapers are normally confined only to the Financial District in SFO unlike in New York where they are rampant across the city.
A couple of blocks east of 1st Street on Market Street as we walked towards Ferry Building 3 PM Oct 19 2011
Nishka on Market Street while walking North East onwards Ferry Building on the Embarcadero / Lincoln Highway
Nishka at the backside of Ferry Building overlooking the bay Oct 19 2011 3:23 PM
As Nishka poses oustide Ferry Building, the SFO-Oakland Bay Bridge can be seen cutting through Yerba Buena Island at its mid section
Nim and kids outside Ferry Building on the waterfront side Oct 19 3:30 PM with the Bay Bridge tower in the backdrop
A sea gull in the Bay
Rishma admiring the sea gull
People enjoying the afternoon Bay View outside Ferry Building with the initial section of suspension spans of the Bay Bridge closer to SFO visible at the top
Nishka and Rishma having snacks to build up energy for the rest of the day when we plan to take the cable car ride around SFO like Union Square, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf
Nishka and Rishma enjoy the view of the water with its boats and myriad sea gulls
A passenger ferry pulls out from the Ferry Building boarding area with its ?passengers primarily work commuters as two of the anchorages holding the Western spur of the Bay bridge suspension dominate the background
Inside Ferry Building where we found excellent qualify brittle almond chocolate
Another sky scraper
Power lines for muni buses appear like fish nets
Nim and Nishka in front of Ferry Building Oct 19 2011 4 PM
Nim , Rish and Nish enjoy their first rocky pulley powered cable car ride
Nishk and Rishma inside the cable car that we took from Market Street turntable
Nishk and Rishma inside the cable car that we took from Market Street turntable
Getting ready with the change for the tickets
on the Powell Street Cable car 4:15 pm
Really rocky and precarious as the Cable gets pulled up and held down the Slide like roads in SFOs' hilly topography
Our first pit stop on the cable car to view Union Square
Cable car tracks line the steep ascents and descents of San Francisco streets
Near Union Square
At Union Square after getting off the cable car
On Powell Street a block away from Union Square Oct 19 2011 4:31 PM
As we stand on Powell Street a Ride the Ducks SFO tour bus passes by which provides an entertaining land and water tour in a single vehicle.
Nish and Rish at Union Square 4:30 PM
A cable car going up Powell Street from union square SFO
Family montage at Union Square SFO
Nish and Rish get bandwidth for their shenanigans at Union Square park
Taking a temporary break at Union Square
Taking a temporary break at Union Square SFO
Palms galore at Union Square
Union Square
After taking our 2nd stop on the cable car at China Town, took this snap but the TransAmerica tower in the backdrop got overexposed
SFO Cable car symbolizing SFO's historical richness
SFOs' China Town: The biggest Chinese market outside of China Oct 19 2011 6 PM
SFOs' China Town: The biggest Chinese market outside of China Oct 19 2011 6 PM
The Chocolate colored building in the backdrop is SFO tallest tower Bank Of America
After finishing up our Chinatown shopping took this snap of TransAmerica tower from one of the side streets of ChinaTown Oct 19 2011 7:50 PM
Travelling to our final destination for the evening for souvenir shopping Fisherman's Wharf from China Town in the cable car Oct 19 2011 8:30 PM
Our usual drive from our Burlingame hotel to SFO everyday on US 101 showing hilly residential areas Oct 20 2011 12 Noon
Enroute to Lombard Street
Before turning right onto Lombard Street for the eventual precipitous downhill ride.
From our parking slot at the top of Lombard Street before we proceeded to walk down the walkway along the street for photography 12:43 PM
The elevation comes to perspective as the City comes into view
The elevation comes to perspective as the City comes into view
At the Western summit of Crooked Street where we can see cars driving down the street
At the Western end of Crooked Street
Beauty of SFO is due to its uneven elevation, at higher elevation, the rest of the city and bay can be visible for tens of miles
Beauty of SFO is due to its uneven elevation, at higher elevation, the rest of the city and bay can be visible for tens of miles
The Staring point of Crooked Street is a primary cable car disembarkation point for tourists Oct 20 2012 1 PM
Flora lining Lombard Street make it even more spectacular
At a midsection of Lombard Street
For Nishka, flowers become fascination
Nishka and Rishma rest by the flowers midway on the downhill Lombard Street
Nishka and Rishma rest by the flowers midway on as riders navigate the twin complexities of slope and zig-zag pavement of Lombard Street
Residential houses at an iconic landmark of US makes it even more interesting
As Nishka stands on the stairs lining Lombard Street, throngs of tourists can be seen at the base of Crooked Street
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of tourists driving and walking along Lombard Street, somebody was also moving into one of the houses along the street
At the base of Crooked Street Oct 20 2011 1:30 PM
Lombard Street
Nim and kids at Crooked Street
Cars rolling down 85mm
Flowers in full bloom as tourists walk down 85mm
With Nishka at base of Lombard 1:45 PM 85mm
At the base of Crooked Street as a Prius rolls down the street behind us 85 MM 1:45 PM Oct 20 2011
Nishka with her possession from Crooked Street of SFO
Lot of tourist activity going on in the background at SFO's iconic vista
Guess the mover van left to get his second shipment of household items 85mm
As I walk up with the kids and get our car down Crooked Lombard Street Nim who was waiting below gets us in the frame 2:15 PM
Kids have a ball of a time as we zig zag down Lombard
Kids have a ball of a time as we zig zag down Lombard
As I walk up with the kids and get our car down Crooked Lombard Street Nim who was waiting below gets us in the frame 2:15 PM
Our Mercury Grand Marquis at the base of Crooked Street
By the side of our Mercury Grand Marquis as Coits tower can be seen in the backdrop
Distinctive beauty of Golden Gate Bridge Oct 20 2011 3 PM
North bound side of 101 continues further into Marin County past Golden Gate Bridge
Sausalito's Discovery kids museum that we had been to a couple of days ago as seen from the top of Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
Nim with kids at Northern Vista Point of Golden Gate Bridge 3:21 PM Oct 20 2011
Nishka feels the pang of the cold winds hitting at the observation deck while Rishma tinkers with a nearby observation binocular without even one quarter to spare
Nim at Golden Gate Bridge at Vista Point overlook on 101 Oct 20 2011 3:30 PM
Nim and I at Vista Point overlook
The quartet at Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point Overlook 3:30 PM
Ships constantly travel below the bridge
It was foggy today but not so much as to necessitate Golden Gate Bridge fog horns to be activated unlike two days ago when we came to Sausalito as it was so foggy that day.
It was foggy today but not so much as to necessitate Golden Gate Bridge fog horns to be activated unlike two days ago when we came to Sausalito as it was so foggy that day.
Panoramic shot of Golden Gate Bridge traffic from the north vista point Oct 20 2011
Panoramic shot of Golden Gate Bridge traffic from the north vista point
A gigantic crow caught our attention at the parking lot of Muir Woods National Park Oct 20 2011 4:40 PM
Just before walking along the road from the parking lot to the main entrance of Muir Woods National Monument 4:50 PM Oct 20 2011
Just before walking along the road from the parking lot to the main entrance of Muir Woods National Monument 4:50 PM Oct 20 2011
The magnificent Sequoias need to be seen to be believed 5:30 pm
Some facts of Muir Woods
Strikingly peculiar tree growth formations
Nim and kids dwarfed in front of the majestic Redwood trees of Muir Wood Forest
History of Sequoia
At the base of another Nature's Tower Oct 20 2011 5:50 PM
Hollow inside a Giant Sequoia becomes a cavern
Hard to get perspective of a Sequoia in a camera
Dynamic Duo at the base of a fallen giant
Nature at its pristine best
A visitor passing by on a bridge dwarfed by the trees around her
The giant sequoias exp Panoramic
Left Muir Woods at 6:30 PM closing half heartedly as we felt we should have come at least a couple of hours earlier to enjoy natures unique form of beauty in full strength in its majestic breathtaking Redwood forests
Dynamic Duo at our hotel backyard overlooking the SFO airport Oct 21 2011 11:30 AM
Dynamic Duo at our hotel backyard overlooking the SFO airport Oct 21 2011
Dynamic duo at our hotel backyard Oct 21 2011
See how I can balance on solid ground
With halloween just over a week away, people already in the mood in Burnlingame dressing up Freakishly as Nishka finds it funny 11:40 AM Oct 21
Oct 21 12:20 pm heading out on 101 for today's primary destination Napa Valley
Spider network of California Freeways as we proceed on 101 from Burnlingame
Passing by San Bruno Mountains enroute to Napa Valley on 101 North
SFO city as seen from 101 Freeway as we prepare to connect to San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge 80 at 12:30 PM Oct 21 2011
SFO city as seen from 101 Freeway as we prepare to connect to San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge 80 at 12:30 PM Oct 21 2011
The 13 mile Bridge cutting through Yerba Buena Island. First time I am driving on this in 10 years
The 13 mile Bridge cutting through Yerba Buena Island. First time I am driving on this in 10 years
After crossing the bay bridge we continue on our 30 or so more mile drive on 80 North in the directions of cities like Richmond and Vallejo
Flyovers at Stratospheric heights a common sight in California Oct 21 2011 12:45 PM
Carquinez and Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge passing over San Pablo Bay just before Vallejo 1 PM
Domaine Carneros Wineries where we visited based on recommendation from the helpful old and experienced staff at the visitor 3PM Oct 21 2011
Nim at Domaine Carneros winery feels thrilled visiting the first winery of her life
Nim at Domaine Carneros winery feels thrilled visiting the first winery of her life Oct 21 2011 3 PM
Nim at Domaine Carneros winery feels thrilled visiting the first winery of her life Oct 21 2011 3:15 PM
At the wine tasting area with the wineries in the background
At the wine tasting area
People immersed in conversation and drinking. Thats the essence of Napa
Kids having fun in front of the victorian style Domaine Carneros winery 3:46 PM
Standing as we are pro wine tasters
Family mug shot in the piercingly sunny weather
Napa wineries makes us feel thirsty in the hot weather
Nim steps through wine flavors from the light white wine to the stronger red wine sipping through vintage classics like Provicative Chardonnay, Provocative Cabernet, Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley Merlot along the way at Oxbow's Uncorked
Nim steps through wine flavors from the light white wine to the stronger red wine sipping through vintage classics like Provicative Chardonnay, Provocative Cabernet, Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley Merlot along the way at Oxbow's Uncorked . Totally irrelevant place for Nishka and Rishma but they managed to keep themselves entertained with bottled water 4:50 pm Oct 21 2011.
At Oxbow Public Market in Napa Valley 5 PM Oct 21 2011
At Oxbow Public Market in Napa Valley 5 PM Oct 21 2011
Outside Uncorked our wine tasting sanctorum
Outside Uncorked our wine tasting sanctorum
At Napa Valley town center over looking the Napa Valley Wine Train seen in the distance just before heading out to East Bay 5:45 PM
Nish and Rish At Napa Valley town center over looking the Napa Valley Wine Train seen in the distance just before heading out to East Bay 5:45 PM
Nish and Rish At Napa Valley town center over looking the Napa Valley Wine Train seen in the distance just before heading out to East Bay 5:45 PM
Outside Napa Valley town center where we bought and lost out souvenir as well before heading out to East Bay
Having fun with the fountain at Napa Valley Shopping center
at Napa Valley Shopping center near the visitor center
at Napa Valley Shopping center near the visitor center where we also bought a souvenir magnet and then left it by mistake just before driving down to east bay 5:50 PM Oct 21 2011
Nish and Sanjana have dinner at Badami's house in Foster City 9PM Oct 21 2011
Nish and Sanjana have dinner at Badami's house in Foster City 9PM Oct 21 2011
Nish and Sanjana
Nish and Sanjana have fun at Badami's house in Foster City where we went at night after our tour of Napa Valley and East Bay San Ramon on Oct 21 2011
Though not mingling with others, Rishma preoccupies herself with the toys in Badami's house
Badami with Namita as Nishka and Sanjana have fun time
With Badami's Family
Nim and Rish with Madhura and Namita 10:48 PM Oct 21 2011
Kids mug shot
Kids mug shot
Kids mug shot at Badami's house 10:50 PM
Engrossed in Craft work
Driving past Oracle Corporation in Redwood City California as we drove South on 101 to Mystery Spot in San Jose on Oct 22 2011 11:30 AM
enroute to Mystery Spot 12:30 PM Oct 22
enroute to Mystery Spot 12:30 PM Oct 22
enroute to Mystery Spot on the notorious California Hwy 17 with its serpentine roads which still require us to maintain speeds of not less than 70 mph
At Mystery Spot Oct 22 2011 1:15 PMM
Nishka at Mystery Spot
Before our allotted time for tour of Mystery spot we decided to have some refreshments 2:15 PM
Beginning our tour of Mystery with our mellifluous, dulcet narrator 2:30 PM Oct 22 2011
At the Mystery spot cabin
Prior to experiencing the Mystery spot cabin fever
Cant figure out whose erect
Inside the Mystery spot house
Oct 22 2011 2:45 pm
Our musical host demonstrating how tall individuals appear short due to the center of gravity bewilderment at the Mystery spot at the exit of the cabin
Rishma cant understand one bit of the frenzy at the Mystery Spot
Our musical host demonstrating how tall individuals appear short due to the center of gravity bewilderment at the Mystery spot at the exit of the cabin 3 PM
At that end Nishka doesnot appear too much shorter than Nim
At the other Nishka certainly appears much more shorter
Driving out of Mystery Spot San Jose in the midst of the Red Wood trees that this spot is surrounded by 3:40 PM Oct 22 2011
Driving out of Mystery Spot heading to Pacific coast 17 mile drive 50 miles away before it gets dark
Driving to 17 mile drive 4 PM
Driving to 17 mile drive through the Pacific coast 1 of California surrounded by vast expanses of Californian terrain
An industrial building enroute to 17 Mile drive from Santa Cruz 4:30 PM
where we took a U turn after noticing a farmer's market in the midst of the desert like landscape while driving to Monterey Bay Panoramic
Flora at Enchiladas farmers market we halted at for some groceries enroute to Pacific 17 mile drive 4:30 PM
Nim fascinated by the exotic vegetables at the Enchiladas farmers market on Highway 1
Nishka relishes a strawberry at the farmers market
Nish and Rish dwarfed by the farmers market pumpkins
At one of the initial first vista points of 17 mile drive Spanish Bay where Don Gaspar De Portola and his Spanish crew camped in 1769 when exploring Monterey Bay Oct 22 2011 5:54 PM
Our First vista point stop on 17 mile drive Spanish Bay
At Spanish Bay which is a popular picnit spot to stroll along the shore line
Family montage at Spanish Bay 17 mile drive in Monterey 6PM
Sand and stones more than satiate the girls' appetite
Sand and stones donot so much so as devour the kids attention
Nish and Rish indulge in building stone towers and playing with Sand in the pristine beach of Spanish Ba of 17 mile drive as the sun sets at 6 PM on Oct 22 2011
Nish and Rish indulge in building stone towers and playing with Sand in the pristine beach of 17 mile drive as the sun sets at 6 PM on Oct 22 2011
The photographer alluring beach of Spanish Bay where Don Gasper De Portola and his Spanish crew camped in 1867 is also a popular picnic spot for people to stroll along the shoreline
Nish and Rish cant get enough of the beach sand and distinctive round pebbles
Rish engrossed in playing on the beach
Family pic at Monterey's 17 mile drive 6:15 PM Oct 22 2011
Rishma intrigued as a mysterious swarm of miniscule insects fly by the beach
Rishma intrigued as a mysterious swarm of diminutive insects fly by the beach
Rishma playing merry go round as we prepare to drive to the next pit stop Point Joes
A couple on the beach stroll as is customary at Spanish Bay a popular picnic spot in Pebble Beach as we prepare to leave this pit stop 6:30 PM
3 friends repose as the sun sets on the beach
Pt Joes, our 2nd Observation area on 17 mile drive where early mariners would accidentally land in when searching for Monterey Bay because of its signature rock formations Oct 22 6:35 PM
Since there was no sand or pebbles at Pt Joes, kids sat in the car while we took pictures
Picturesque landscapes with sideways growing cypress trees at Pt Joes 6:45 PM
17 mile drive dotted all along with gorgeous landscapes, trees, ocean, beaches and resorts
Golf course by the ocean. Just dont hit towards the ocean waters.
Our chariot at Pt Joes served us well these whole 7 days through the hustle and bustle and calm of Bay Area.
The picturesque tree at Pt Joes appears to be perpetually blowing sideways
Nim stands near the side swept trees of Pebble Beach Panoramic
Nim and I at Point Joes Panoramic
The landmark tree a darling of television broadcasts at Pebble Beach on 17 mile drive "The lone Cypress Tree" after we skipped several vista points and drove directly to Lone Cypress Point as it was already getting dark. In near darkness, got this long 20 second exposure shot of the world famous salt pruned Cypress Tree at Oct 22 7 PM. This was our last stop on 17 mile drive before heading back North to Mountain View 85mm
Pebble Beach's symbol "The lone Cypress" Tree at 17 mile drive Pebble Beach 7 PM. Only Nim and I came out to see this while kids stayed in the car.
At Mountain View California after driving from 17 Mile Drive in Santa Cruz on the notorious California Hwy 17 on the night of 9:15 pm Oct 22 2011
At Mountain View California after driving from 17 Mile Drive in Santa Cruz on the notorious California Hwy 17 on the night of 9:15 pm Oct 22 2011
At Shiva's restaurant at the intersection of California and Castro Street in Mountain View near the closing time. This would be our last recess in Bay Area before flying out to East coast tomorrow Oct 22 2011 10:20 PM
Sleepyzzz. After returning from Mountainview at 11 PM yesterday night I didnot sleep at all to ensure all our items were packed and ready to go before the break of dawn. Culmination of our California Bay Area trip of 2012. Inside air train at Sfo International airport while getting from the parking lot to the departure terminal to get back to Newark before the dawn of Oct 23 2012 at 4:15 AM
At SFO airport proceeding to checkin counter 5 AM Oct 23
Waiting for our Continental New Jersey flight at our gate 5:30 PM
From the Pacific to the Atlantic. After our 6 hour coast-to-coast flight, back at home New Jersey outside Liberty airport kids wait for our shuttle at 3 PM Oct 23
Kids tired after a 6 hour flight from the Pacific oast to the Atlantic coast at Newark airport 3 PM
