Legion of Honor Museum San Francisco

Best Friend, Annette, Legion of Honor Museum

A month ago, my two friends and I planned a trip to the Legion of Honor Museum to see the Isabelle de Borchgrave "Pulp Fashion" exhibit. Unfortunately, my friend Cynthia, was not able to make it because she wasn't feeling well. Everyday we looked at the weather for San Francisco, everyday it said RAIN 100%. The night before we left, it said the same. The morning we were leaving, it said the same. When we arrived it was a beautiful, sunny day! Yay! God just seemed to bless us on this day.

We hopped in a taxi and told the driver, "Legion of Honor Museum, Lincoln Park". He took us the Lincoln Ave where all the other museums were, but not this one. To top things off, we began to feel sick in the back seat, had to roll down the windows and once we were at the right museum, sit outside for a few minutes in the cool breeze to feel better. Weird.

The Legion of Honor Museum is a gorgeous Beaux Arts style building complete with an arch and a courtyard. It is right by the water with a stunning view.

The arch is very detailed.

And to our surprise, Rodin's The Thinker is in the courtyard. The museum has a huge Augustus Rodin exhibit inside.

After we entered, we were greeted by these stunning flower arrangements.

This tulip is so amazingly beautiful. The color, the ruffled edges, and the shape are a delight for the eye.

Just beyond the flowers is the Rodin room which contains The Kiss, The Hand and many more. There were two rooms displaying his sculptures.

We then headed downstairs to the star attraction for us that day. The Isabelle de Borchgrave "Pulp Fashion" exhibit. The detailing, the painting, and the fashioning was amazing.

I got to take a few pictures (flash off, of course) before I was told there was no photography.

This dress was incredible. It looked like free flowing chiffon, but of course, it was paper. We had such a great day.

The Conservatory, Golden Gate Park

While we were at Golden Gate Park, we wondered over to the Victorian Conservatory. Inside was the cute little train city all made out of ordinary objects. Notice the clock tower is a grater with a timer and some forks. The name signs on top are scrabble pieces. Corks are used as pillars by the windows. In the back, the white building is made from cassettes. The other buildings are made of computer chips. Click on the pictures to enlarge and get a better look.

The Victorian houses in the back are made from cereal boxes.

The bridge as monkeys swinging from it.

Then there were beautiful orchids growing in the lush tropical climate.

It was very pretty and really hot, especially after coming in from the cold with a heavy jacket.

Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park has a beautiful Japanese Garden nestled among some big museums. There is an admittance fee of $7.00, but it is worth it. Spend some time sitting and relaxing among the beauty, the serentity, the calm. Take in all the colors and the harmony of the buildings with the landscape. Sit, be still.

Sightseeing in San Francisco

Before we hopped on the sightseeing bus, we walked down the street to The Plaza Hotel. This is a beautiful hotel close to Union Square and it has this magnificent restaurant by its lobby. This picture just does not do it justice. This hotel is on my list, the Handsome Husband has stayed here before on business.
There are lots and lots of old Victorian houses in San Francisco. I didn't get a chance to see the "Painted Ladies", but I thought this one was pretty and unique with that reflective green glass.
We catch our first glimpse of the bridge. It is nice and clear and in perfect focus. All the cameras were clicking away getting pictures.
We drove across the top and it was freezing and really windy, but totally worth it. Once we got to the other side, we got off the bus and took some pictures. Unfortunately, the sun was right behind the bridge and hindered any great shots.
Notice the fog rolling in over the bridge. Driving back over the bridge, it was even colder than freezing. You could feel the damp cold in your legs right through the jeans!
Here is another look at the fog that now is covering the bridge from the same point as when we first spotted it and it was totally clear. The time elapsed is about 20 minutes.
We then got off the bus and made our way to Chinatown. We wanted to see the fortune cookie factory, but couldn't find it. Next time, I think I will take a walking tour of this section with a local guide. Those tours are always very interesting.
In front of the entrance. I think these statues are called Foo Dogs. Not sure though. You can see the Handsome Husband got a few things for himself here as well.
I loved these lamp posts. The poles were painted aqua and then these fabulous decorative, red lanterns topped them. Love the detail: dragons, bells and peaked roofs!

We caught a this cable car on its way up California street and I took my first ride ever on a cable car. I sat on the outside and the Handsome Husband...

chose to stand on the outside and hold on tight. We had a full day of sightseeing and we were looking forward to our Indian dinner at Maharani's.

First things first, a little shopping...

First stop, Union Square. This little shopping area was so fun. You name it, it's there. We have a lot of the same stores here in Orange County, but something about the store fronts all being decorated and the big Christmas tree and the cool, crisp, sunny day, made it so enjoyable!
When you enter Neiman Marcus, there is this huge tree under this beautiful dome. I really enjoyed all the beautiful workmanship in the old buildings. Crown mouldings 18 inches tall with corbels, stained glass, iron work. It was like what you see in movies. Orange County is chic and new, you just don't get that elegant, rich atmosphere. (Not talking rich as in money, but as in texture).
This mall was just down the Powell Street on Market. Floors and Floors of shopping!
I loved this 4 story Williams and Sonoma store. Inside it had hardwood floors with white banisters. All the merchandise was not all crowded together, you could actually wonder around and get a look at all the fun things.
At night the square came alive. Music, ice-skating and beautiful lights everywhere. The Macy's was 6 floors and every window had a wreath in it.

The Handsome Husband did a little shopping as well. I can't wait until Christmas!

Welcome to Hotel Monaco, San Francisco

This is the beautiful main lobby at the hotel. I loved the big snowflake projected above the fire place, a fire was going all the time. So pretty, cozy and comfortable.
This is what the concierge called the living room. Free coffee and newspapers in the morning and free wine in the evening.
This beautiful Christmas tree greeted you as you walked in. It was decorated with hot air balloons which were also painted on the ceiling in the main lobby. Dogs are also welcome at this hotel. It was clean, up to date and very centrally located, two short blocks to Union Square.

The main floor of the hotel and the restraunt was filled with great art.

The grand staircase. We mostly took the elevator and it was always standing open whenever we came up to it. The staff was very friendly and extremely helpful.

This was our room. We got a King Jr. Suite. A little different than the room I originally wanted, but we liked it. The red rooms only came with queen beds.

The handsome husband matches the decor. Wow! Doesn't he look great all dressed up and ready to go?

These were the robes that came with the room, a little on the wild side!

The hotel has a great restaurant done in a grand art deco, french style. Murals done in the Toulouse Letrec style and these huge chandeliers. Very, very good food, we loved it.

Here is a better view of the restaurant. Loved the bunnies sculpture, it went up to a balcony and on the balcony another bunny stood. Very cute. Loved those mosaic tiled pillars, they were fabulous. I'll show you our San Francisco adventures tomorrow. See you then.