Tourist in my own town

This weekend I did something I've never done before, even after over 2 years living in the Bay area: I played tourist in my own town and went and gawked at the Golden Gate Bridge. Seriously, how have I lived here for 2 years and not taken a single picture of the most iconic sight in the whole city?


One of my new year's resolutions was to get into the city more. It's crazy that I live, like, 40 minutes away from San Francisco, but I act like it's hours. I mean, I drive 40+ minutes pretty much every weekend to go hiking, but when I think about going into the city, my brain always whines "but it's so faaaaarrrrr." My brain is a big fat liar. Lately, though, I've really been missing living in a big city. I mean, I'm an outdoorsy girl, but I also love the way that everything is right there at your fingertips when you live in the city. Oh how I miss living in Chicago and never having to drive ANYwhere! Of course, I could move to San Francisco. The commute would be perfectly reasonable with my job. But OMG, the RENT! I just cannot convince myself that it's worth it to pay $1300 plus for a teeny tiny little STUDIO (if I'm lucky). And I also can't quite convince myself that I'm ready to go back to roommate-ville, after living on my own for the past 3.5 years. So, Petaluma it is for me (and don't get me wrong, I actually love Petaluma, too), but with hopefully more frequent trips into the city.

Anyway, while I was there this weekend, I also explored the Presidio a bit. Love the rock sculptures on the beach by Crissy Field.

And, also, the military cemetery there is quite lovely:

(Is it disrespectful to wander around a cemetery with your camera?) Next weekend, I think I'm going to go to the Palace of Fine Arts, which I also have not done (though I DO at least have a membership to the DeYoung and the Legion of Honor!)