Thursday, May 22, 2008, early morning This morning we open our eyes at 7:45. Almost fat morning! And yet, the alarm was scheduled an hour later ... Anyway, we must organize.
Having showered and dressed, we go down lunch. And we're not quite early. We exchange our thoughts on the surprise of the night who has enchanted more than one (e) s. And about last night, as far as I can remember, it seems that everyone slept well. Uh, it was time, right? No trains, no air, no highway or other noise in the vicinity ... Calm! An address to remember, and as a bonus, it's right in downtown.
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| famous Postcard Row Postcard with the equally famous Painted Ladies , also called Seven Sisters |
And today, we must remember to take special care in preparing the bags for the last time: it must properly allocate expenses to go to the record without problem. Once ready, we go into the hall where the meeting place for the start was set at 9.30. The program
This sunny morning, a city tour, because I understand that there are still some interesting places to see before you leave. It's good, the last coming at last. They had extended the tour of San Francisco by night, and it seems that the night was short for them. Yes, yes, I have names, but I said nothing because, after all, this was the last time to enjoy it. Everybody! we go again.
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| This alignment, 710-722 Steiner Street, survived the fire that ravaged the city following the earthquake of 1906 and the developers who wanted to demolish |
You know now, I avoid getting lost en route. Incidentally, this allows you to read regularly come following our adventures, which is not neutral for me, because it encourages me to continue. If you want, you can follow the plan . In fact, it's simple and it's five minutes from here.
must descend Polk Street to the City Hall, Civic Center Plaza located. You can not miss it! Remember : in 1906, the tremor earth had devastated many buildings including the town hall which was rebuilt in 1915 on the model of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It is the largest City Hall in the United States with an area of 46,000 sqm.
monumental and grandiose in design, its pure neoclassical style is called "Fine Arts", like many public buildings in Paris and the United States. Its dome, the fifth largest in the world, also mimics that of the Invalides in Paris. He is twenty meters in diameter and rises to over 90 meters above the ground. During the earthquake of 1989, he shifted more than 10 inches from its base. I assure you, since, work has been undertaken to strengthen it. You never know!
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| Alamo Square, Victorian houses |
Then turn right on McAllister Street and, via Gough Street, you climb Grove Street lead on Alamo Square Park. It already is! Come on, everyone gets to shoot!
What we first notice is that this is one of the views best known in San Francisco, perfectly illustrating the contrast of this city of tradition and modernity. From this hill you can see the Transamerica Pyramid , the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption , the buildings of Financial District, the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge. And of course, distant a mile and a half ago, the dome of City Hall is also clearly visible. That for the modern part.
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| San Francisco, a city of tradition and modernity: the Painted Ladies and, in the background, Cathedral, Transamerica Pyramidles and skyscrapers of the Financial District |
More importantly, here there is a row of seven houses in the typical Victorian architecture, built between 1892 and 1896 and nicknamed the Painted Ladies (Painted Ladies) because of their bright colors or pastel for some, as here. They are often seen in the foreground views ( Postcard Row ) and the media touting San Francisco as a backdrop to the movies.
is the case in over 40 films, television series and commercials. The 710 Steiner Street is well Part of the places of shooting policeman The Dead Pool ( Dirty Harry is the latest target ). The TV series Full House is another example. The house furthest to the left, at 722, was built in 1892 by Matthew Kavanaugh. It was almost like his sisters, being demolished in 1976 before being finally (and thankfully) restored. Phew! In 1997, the 712 Steiner Street (the second house on right) was named "Best Painted House in America".
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| View from Alamo Square, St Mary's Cathedral, bell-shaped, built in 1970 (center) |
This house type was developed during the Victorian era, particularly in the United States. The houses are generally built of redwood, which has preserved the fire that followed the earthquake of 1906. They usually have three floors, a tower and a porch.
San Francisco is one of the cities where there are as many Victorian homes. Thus between 1849 and 1915, some 48 000 houses were built, first from the Victorian era (until the death of Queen Victoria in 1901) and subsequently appointed Edwardian. There are now only about ten thousand.
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| Victorian house on Herman Street |
I've outlined above some of the famous painted houses of San Francisco, seen at our various trips in the city. Some have more than 150 years, yet they are still well preserved and all dainty. They are often three or more colors to highlight and enhance the architectural details. The term that designates them was first used in 1978 in the book Painted Ladies - San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians Pomada writers Elizabeth and Michael Larsen (see their website: Painted Ladies ).
During the two world wars, many of these houses had been painted gray, with the excess paint from the navy. In 1963, artist Butch Kardum had the idea to repaint his house in blue and greens. He was first criticized, until the neighbors began to imitate ... Then other artists continued the momentum, and in the 1970s, a movement that appeared colorist continues successfully today.
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| Others painted houses on Church Street |
I speak, I speak, but I do not forget that we have a plane to catch at all time. We can not linger too us. Fortunately, there is still space on memory cards ... Memories ... And now, we can say now that is gone!
We take the bus to go and visit another area. To immediately ...
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