JB's Warehouse & Curio Emporium

1,564: TAPE FROM CALIFORNIA 6: TOWERS, NOVELTIES AND SUSHI The walls of the interior base of Coit Tower are covered with Depression-era murals created by two dozen artists as part of a government-funded program during 1933 and 1934. The project proved controversial due to the influence of Diego Rivera in injecting political commentary into the scenes. Mixed into the celebrations of the city's culture and industries were contemporary headlines and a library featuring not-so-hidden tomes by Karl Marx. An elevator was the only means to go up to the observation area. The operator dashed off a summary of the building's history at 125 mph, but slowed down his diction to ask for tips to be placed in a plastic bracket. A sampling of views from the top. This was my opportunity to glimpse sites like Alcatraz that I wouldn't have the chance to see up close during my stay. Another landmark taken from a hazy distance: the multiple switchbacks of Lombard Stree...

1 Day five was the first of three full days in the Bay Area. Rather than find lodging in San Francisco, I chose the East Bay for several reasons: Cheap accomodations. A little hunting turned up a Comfort Suites in Castro Valley (south of Oakland) for under $70 US/night. Parking alone in San Francisco could have eaten up to $40 US/day. No desire to drive up the hills in San Francisco. Waiting for a red light in the middle of a steep incline does wonders for my nerves. Easy access to public transit. The Castro Valley BART station was a short drive from the hotel, with plenty of cheap parking ($1 for entry between 4 AM and 3 PM). Comfortable, roomy seats made for relaxing rides into San Francisco and Berkeley, along with an opportunity to catch a few Zs on the way back. Previous success using these tactics, at least for cheap sleeps and public transit, in cities like Boston and New York. First stop in San Francisco was the Ferry Building Marketplace , home to an assort...