The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge

We missed our exit on the way to the Exploratorium and found ourselves headed straight towards the Golden Gate bridge. My initial reaction was: what a hassle, now we have to go all the way to the other side to turn back! Then I quickly realized this was the first time the girls were seeing the bridge.

Why I didn't even think of showing them the bridge, I have no idea. We were staying with friends in Palo Alto, and our activities were centered around that area. In the week we were in the Bay Area, we only drove into the city this once, and it was to go to the Exploratorium.

"Look Geormel (that's our term of endearment for both of them at the same time), this is the very famous Golden Gate Bridge!" Actually, we missed the 75th anniversary of the bridge by a couple of days--not that I would've trekked to the city, braved the traffic, and celebrated with ten million people. I was a bit relieved we missed it because B is the celebratory type of guy and he would've insisted we trek, we brave and we celebrate (while I'm just a cornball who would prefer to watch it on tv).

B told the girls why the bridge was so iconic: it was once the longest suspension bridge in the world, explained how it was constructed and why it is painted orange, and other fun tourist stuff.

For me, the drive towards the bridge through Pacific Heights was just as interesting. I liked seeing the architecture of the homes and how nicely they are preserved.

'These are not apartment buildings, these are single-family homes. Look at the beautiful facades!" Of course the next question was, "Can we go inside the houses?"  I wish we could!

"And look girls, that's the San Francisco Bay!" 

Unfortunately I didn't take my own photo of the much-photographed Victorian homes. This photo below is from here.

I only managed to take these...

Here we are now driving across the famous landmark of San Francisco. Memories of Sausalito came to mind. It would've been nice to drive straight to Marin county and onwards, but the kids were hyped, expecting a day at the Exploratorium. So many things to do...so little time...

On the other side, we just parked the car and took the usual touristy photos.

 

Look at this clown...

Time to turn around and head back towards that Exploratorium. The detour was definitely worth the $6 toll back to the city.

Imagine, the girls would've gone to San Francisco and not seen the Golden Gate Bridge?!  Sacre bleu! We didn't mention the cable cars anymore. Maybe next time.

Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, Ca