We actually started with dinner at Ping’s Chinese Restaurant in San Rafael, which is consistently lovely and affordable at the same time. If you ever get to go, order mu shu pork for a starter, and do whatever it takes to get an order of the honey pecan prawns. Mmmmm…heaven. And the asparagus chicken and combination fried rice is pleasant too. It’s all served family-style, and at $10-15 a plate it’s a good deal (and we had a coupon!). And they have tablecloths and a quiet atmosphere perfect for a date. It looks a little strip-mall-dive from the outside, so it’s a place mostly only the locals know about. Try it if you’re in the neighborhood.

Then we headed south to the City, across the Golden Gate Bridge and over to the Palace of Fine Arts. We took pictures with what we collectively decided was neo-classical architecture. Swans in the pond. Very romantic. And free.

Then to Fisherman’s Wharf where Colin found the perfect parking place at Ghiradelli Square. We shared sundaes

and explored the rainbow of chocolate packaging and manufactory.

Then down the street to see the Cannery, look at the marina, and stare out the car window at the Coit Tower (which apparently wasn’t built to look like a fire hose nozzel, according to a random internet site I read that may or may not be a reputable source). A drive down the twisty Lombard Street and we were all too exhausted to go on.