Rediscovering San Francisco: A Journey After Two Decades
It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years since I last set foot in California and nearly 20 years since I’ve been to San Francisco. Seeing this city now, at this stage in my life, is a completely different experience than it was two decades ago. Back then, I thought of San Francisco as simply cold, windy, and crowded, with cool clubs lighting up the nights. Today, I find myself appreciating so much more — the stunning architecture, the vibrant wildlife, the incredible diversity of people, the amazing food choices, and the breathtaking landscapes that surround the city.
After landing, Marion kindly picked us up from the airport, and we headed straight for lunch at Pacific Catch. Known as a West Coast Fish House, Pacific Catch impressed me with its commitment to sustainably sourced seafood and Pacific Rim–inspired dishes — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying.
Thursday night took a lively turn at Jaxson, where we dove into some line dancing. There’s something so fun and freeing about dancing and sipping drinks in such a vibrant setting. Jaxson, a country-western bar nestled in the Marina District, has been a hotspot since 2015 for anyone looking to add a country twist to their night out. The energy there was contagious.
Friday was all about preparing for race day and sushi. Lloyd rented an e-bike to keep pace with my road bike as we scoped out the course together. Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Kuma Sushi + Sake. This cozy, authentic Japanese spot—with locations on Polk Street and Valencia Street—is renowned for its fresh, high-quality sushi and intimate atmosphere. Perfect for winding down and savoring every bite.
After eating sushi, we treated ourselves to Japanese Taiyaki in Japantown.
It was a joy to reconnect with Holly, Scott, and her son Kolten. Holly’s positive spirit is inspiring, and it’s clear how deeply loved she is by her family. Catching up with old friends always adds a special layer to a trip.
Saturday started with breakfast at Home Plate, a beloved brunch spot on Lombard Street. Established in 1989, it’s known for its welcoming vibe and scratch-made dishes that hit just right every time. Later, we explored the Palace of Fine Arts, where the tranquil lagoon is home to a lively population of red-eared slider turtles — a serene spot that feels worlds away from the city buzz.Our day ended at Baker Beach, soaking in some of the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, especially magical at sunset. Adding to the adventure, we even rented a Waymo self-driving car — a glimpse into the future on San Francisco’s streets.
Lloyd and I visited the iconic house from Mrs. Doubtfire on Steiner Street. We didn’t see Robin Williams climbing out the window in a pie mask, but we did consider yelling “Helloooooo!” just to keep the spirit alive. 🎭🏠I also got the chance to see Erna and Mark, and their insights on Africa and current events here at home were thought-provoking. Mark has helped friends train for Escape from Alcatraz, though he’s never raced himself — talk about insider knowledge!
It’s been 11 years since I last saw Holly and Erna, and just recently, I caught up with Karen, who was in Colorado when I was last in California. These reconnections made the trip all the more meaningful.
Coming back to San Francisco after so many years reminded me how much this city grows with you — revealing new layers of beauty, community, and inspiration every time you return.
Race Recap: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon 2025
The start of Escape from Alcatraz was early—I arrived at the bus stop at 4:15 a.m. and soon found myself boarding the San Francisco Belle, which left shore promptly at 6 a.m. The Belle itself is an iconic paddlewheel riverboat docked at Pier 3 along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Known for its grand Art Nouveau design, it’s the largest dining vessel on the West Coast and a unique venue for events and cruises. Boarding it felt like stepping into a piece of San Francisco history.Once on the ferry, I took advantage of the onboard restroom, grabbed a quick bite, and slipped into my wetsuit. Exhausted from the early start, I even managed to catch a quick nap on the floor before the swim began. What really surprised me was how few women were at the race — out of 1,492 racers, only 341 were female. No wonder the line for the women’s bathroom was so short!
The swim kicked off right at 7 a.m. Everyone started jumping off the boat in waves. I took the plunge and immediately started swimming, trying to follow others, but the swells were fierce and threw off my bearings. At one point, I swallowed so much water it was hard to breathe and I lost track of my direction. I stopped and held onto a kayak for a moment to calm myself down. The rest of the swim was incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally.
Exiting the water, I quickly shed my wetsuit — the cold hit me hard, so I threw on a jacket before hopping on the bike. The bike course was cold and steep, with some uphills so intense I worried about falling backward, and downhills so sharp I worried about flying forward. With roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain, the ride was a true test of climbing ability and bike handling.
After the bike, I was desperate for the bathroom, but changing out of all the gear was tricky. Then came the run — an 8-mile mix of sand, dirt, and pavement that flew by faster than I expected. The scenery was stunning, and the run course is rightly famous for both its beauty and its difficulty. Climbing the infamous Sand Ladder was a highlight — and a challenge — before finishing strong back at Marina Green.
Crossing the finish line felt amazing. The race support was outstanding, and seeing Lloyd cheering me on throughout gave me a boost when I needed it most. The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is a race I’ll never forget — brutal, beautiful, and totally worth every early morning and every tough moment.
Comments
Post a Comment