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I'm staying in the middle of downtown San Francisco, too far away from the bay to work in a run around there without the help of public transportation (at least in my current state of conditioning). But I did get a quick two-miles-and-change around downtown this morning. In a city as varied as San Francisco, it's not a great taste of life here, but it's a small sample.
I've been here a few times before, and never quite got it. It always seems too cloudy and grey for California. I can't say I get it yet, but I'm warming to it.
I forgot how many skyscrapers there are here - it feels like a more laid-back New York - and the diversity of cultures and things to do here is similar to New York. The other striking thing about downtown is how many early 1900s-era buildings still form the look of the architecture, built in the years following the Gold Rush that essentially put San Francisco on the map.
As for AT&T Park, well, I'm still warming up to that, too. I couldn't believe how low the press box was, or, for that matter, how few seats there are in the outfield. This park feels as 1940s as any of the new ones in the majors. But it's certainly distinct; nothing I've been to feels quite like it. I have a feeling it'll be high on my list by the end of the series before going to my personal favorite, Petco Park.
One of the best things about this job, in my mind, is getting to see so many different cities, so when I'm out running, I'll try to do so with something of a journalistic bent and try to bring you some of the local flavor when I'm on the road. Anything I should check out here? Don't give me Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, etc. I've seen all that stuff before. Other ideas? Let me know. Also, what's the feeling on Del Taco?
Time to head out for a little shopping - I intentionally left my sportcoat at home so it would force me to buy another one to add to my collection (I need another option or two) and save me from having to pack one in my suitcase on the way out here. More later today.
