One Day Get Away to the Bay

I knew I had to be up at 6a.m. but I decided to watch Schindler's list and as a result got no sleep. What made the morning even better was last night's decision to pack in the morning. I grabbed three Dodger t-shirts, (one can never have too many on a road trip), my laptop, and a couple of apples and was on my way. After a brief stop for some smokes and some gum, the conclusion was made that we were making excellent time. I mean, we had reached Gorman and it wasn't even 9 a.m. yet.

Yup, it was too good to be true. Got pinched for doing 89 in a 70. At least the officer wasn't a dick about it. Other than that, we arrived in Frisco without a scratch. At first glance AT&T Park is impressive. But more on the stadium later. After attaining game tickets from an automated machine we decided to pay the thirty bucks to park in the lot behind the ballpark and use their vastly superior public transit system the "muni".

To be honest I thought I had somewhat of a grasp on the city's massive transit system. Boy was I wrong. As a result of neither of us wanting to ask for directions our only option was to silently follow an elderly couple who shared our destination. (I must take time to give a shot out to Mayor Gavin Newsom. Great decision to use those "old thyme" light rail cars.) When Tarantino's, off the world famous Fisherman's Wharf, has a dry erase board promising a spectacular view of the bay upstairs don't buy it. Well, a small section does, but the side we were seated on offered a view of the street and the antennae and flagpoles of the small boats attached to the dock. It might have had something to do with the LA hats we were wearing. Oh well.

After lunch we decided to explore some of the city and hopefully find a drinking establishment that was showing the Dodger game. What awaited us was a classic case of zigging when you should have been zagging. We ended up in Frisco's version of 6th Street, the Tenderloin. While others were panicking at the thought of being surrounded by the creme de la creme of Bay area hobo society I kept a level head. Granted there were too many massage parlors and daytime crack deals for my liking but we persevered on. Finally we reached Market St.

Game time was fast approaching and more than anything I was anticipating the shit talking that Giant fan would unleash on me. But to be honest dear reader, nothing happened. I mean there were scattered boos and hisses but nothing too bad. At the Ravine Giant fan is lucky if they can make it out of the Ravine without getting stabbed.(The Passion Bucket does not condone violence towards Giant fans but do what you got to do.) Since they always miss out on the division and the playoffs, Giant fan can find solace in the fact that they have a beautiful park to play in.

Even before the game even started I was impressed by the beautiful brick pillars and their use of rod iron trusses. Plus the unlimited food options had my stomach dreaming. The park also has beautiful sight lines and this was only amplified with the watery arms of the bay hugging the ballpark. The only bad thing is the park has no passion or vibe to it. Giant fan lacks passion and a sense of ownership with their team. I mean when you have to make up a lame ass rally gimmick like "K-ville"(Plus you have to buy the "K's"), you shouldn't feel too proud of your marketing department. This not only reeks of Scum bag Anaslime Rally Monkey douchery,it might very well supersede it.

All in all it was a good trip, minus the scary fog, my fear of heights, and the Berkeley side trip. (trying to find our way using Rancid songs, really?) I had fun and as always can't wait to go back. Until next time Bum Town, er I mean Bay area...