San Francisco Rendevous - February 11, 2007

[Love,]

   

 

Sunday, February 11, 2007

by Love,

 

Well, this last Sunday, Ramona, Jane, and moi had a wonderful time together in our little rendevous at the San Francisco Bay!

 

Jane had told me back in Vegas that she was on her tour of America; and that one of her stops would be San Francisco. So, immediately, we thought about having a rendevous! Two weeks ago, I gave a recommendation that we ought to invite our friend, Ramona, to join us. She said "Yes!"

 

Now, the story begins: The night before, I was working on a project and had family events until 3AM. I had just enough sleep to wake up on time to dress up and prep for this trip; for a rendevous that was to start with a lunch at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Restaurant at noon. I had put my cellular phone on "silence" because of all the events and things going on from the previous evening. I turned on my cellular phone to discover four messages from Ramona: "Hello, Love," "Hello, Love," "Hello, Love," "Hellooooooooo, Love," Ramona will continue to call me "Love," for the rest of my life - OF COURSE, it's easier than my real name. She was already on her way to San Francisco and she was ready to turn around and head back home because she had not heard from neither Jane nor myself. So I quickly called Jane, because Ramona was already in the vicinity of San Francisco. Jane txted me back, immediately. I, on the other hand, was a speedster, zooming through the Valley, up across the Altamont Pass, through the Oakland highway, across the Bay Bridge and into San Francisco. I experienced some delays: the usual traffic jams. Then, I arrived at Pier 39 parking lot. I got one of those $20 flat rate parking spots. I had to go through four different parking spots, because each one had broken glass. I feared for my car, but since the time was already 12:30PM and the cars surrounding me were mostly luxury cars, I felt more assured. So, I parked, and rushed out. As I walked into the Pier 39 area, I noticed so many people who were also there to walk around and enjoy the beauty of San Francisco. Ramona had called me earlier and told me that Bubba Gump's Shrimp Restaurant was located in the back. I thought to myself, "Where?" I walked and walked until I saw the "Bubba Gump's" sign. Immediately I called her again. This time she told me it was "upstairs." So, I walked up the wooden steps to the second level. I kept walking and walking, and I stopped to ask a shopkeeper where Bubba Gump's was. Funny answer she gave me: "I don't know." I did not bother to stop. So I went on and found a tourist - who pointed me in the right direction. I could see it straight ahead, but since the area had circuitous pathways, I did not know where to go. So, I kept on walking and walking and finally, I entered Bubba Gumps. After telling the receptionist that people were waiting for me, I walked inside the restaurant, only to hear a big "Hello!" from Ramona, and I stopped, smiled, and gave two kisses each to Ramona and Jane, my friends!

 

They had a platter of samplers in front of them: Popcorn shrimp, shrimp, artichoke dip, chips; I was sweating from the walk, the urgency, and the hunger. So, immediately, I stopped one of the waitresses to ask for lemonade; and off I went on the samplers! It was so nice to sit down and relax, and talk to Jane and Ramona. For the next five hours, we were there in the restaurant. We discovered Ramona's "Ugly Baby." Yes, we talked about each one of you from the January rendevous. Naughty us! Ramona told us so many stories about her experiences with Celine and those close to Celine. FIVE HOURS we were there in the restaurant. I had about four refills of my lemonade. Ramona and Jane went through countless cocktails. For our entrée, Jane had Coconut Shrimp, while Ramona and I each got a bowl of shrimp stuffed with crab on rice pilaf with melted cheese. It was heavenly! Bubba Gump's Shrimp Restaurant is inspired by one of my favorite films, "Forrest Gump." The restaurant had an interesting way for patrons to get the attention of the waiters and waitresses, there are two car license plates engraved with the phrases "Run Forrest Run" and "Stop Forrest Stop." The latter was to get the attention of the waiter. Of course, in my carryall, I brought the SLR camera, so we could have some memories. So, at one time, when our food arrived in its freshest point, we stopped our waiter and asked him to take a picture of us. While I was doing the light test, the waiter felt a little bit lost as to what we are planning to do. So, he got close to Ramona for a picture! Then, he got up and I said, "Okay, would you please take a picture of us?" He got in the place where I stood and took a picture of Ramona, Jane, and I, and our new friends who were on the upper level. LOL I think ALL restaurants need to put BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY under orientation for all of their employees. Anyway, now to our moments. We talked a lot, of course, about Celine. I interrupted many moments so that we could talk about ourselves, and get to know each other personally. But of course, the topic always swerves back to La Diva. We looked at the clock and WOW! 5:00PM! Ramona and Jane had been there ever since lunchtime and now, we were almost at dinner time. We were so appreciative of the restaurant, because I am sure there are restaurants out there who would actually ask for their patrons to leave; although, I have never experienced that for myself.

 

After we got out of the restaurant, we took some photographs at the famous "Forrest Gump" bench. A stranger was kind enough to take a picture of the three of us together. Of course, Ramona and I had to pose with our complimenting scarves and bags - She was sporting her Louie while I in my Burberry. Next, the three of us went down to level one, and walked towards the Bay viewing area, in search of sea lions. Ramona insisted that they were almost always there. Instead, we encountered giant sea gulls. Since it was the "magic hour" where the sun gave us golden light, we decided it was primetime for photographs. Being the fun folks we are, Ramona, decided to do some photographs, dedicated to "surrendering to Celine." We did some funny poses. Ramona was going to "surrender" her life to Celine by getting on top of the wooden post-fence, reaching out for ... for something! (Well, in this case, it was Celine!) The both of them took turns, one being the martyr, and the other, being the savior. I decided to just snap the shutter release buttons. Then, there was a ferry that was passing us. We waved and blew kisses. That was not enough for Jane, she decided to "surrender" herself to the Ferry, doing a Titanic III pose where she was on top of the fence, reaching out to the ferry, as it goes away.We each got our solo photographs taken. I took some of Jane and Ramona. Ramona would not stop winking, smiling, and blowing kisses to a guy behind the glass on a restaurant on level two. LOL Next, we made our way back. Meanwhile, I took my camera up to my face and made my way slowly towards a family of seagulls. As I approached them, they did not notice my face, because it was behind the camera. So, they just paused and posed for me, when I was about 2 feet from them. I caught a magical photograph of one flying away. As the flash bounces of the birds wings, I captured a beautiful and unique moment in time.

 

Before we got to the parking garage, Ramona asked me if I would be the driver. So, I did and we drove her European baby out of Pier 39. To where? We did not know. We were thinking of Union Square. Then, as we were driving, we thought about the very steep path on Lombard Street - a World-Famous area in San Francisco, where the street is a magnificient and steep zig-zag. I, myself, having been a resident of America for almost one and a half decades have not even done it yet, although it has always been in "my backyard - San Francisco." So, we did it. Then, as we drove up and down, LITERALLY UP AND DOWN, the hilly roads of San Francisco, we decided it would be our goal to take photographs together at Golden Gate Bridge. Normally it would take about 20 minutes. However, it took us two hours. We went in a few circles, a few ovals, a few maze-like patterns, zig-zags, as we talked about ourselves, our personal experiences, and "who else!?"

 

Finally we made our way across the San Francisco Bridge to a sight-seeing area. As soon as we got out of the car, we could feel the chilly breeze of San Francisco, and witness the magnificient Golden Gate Bridge. So, we went to the farthest viewing corner for a photograph. I wanted to make sure that we were not posed directly in front of the bridge. So, we took some photographs. Ramona held on tightly to each one of us. Yes, we are very warm folks! Another stranger offered to take photographs of the three of us. I was little bit hesitant because here we were, relying on the moonlight, with artificial light only the distance where the bathrooms were. So, I said, "Yes." The stranger was very nice, and after taking the photographs, he did not dash away with it. LOL Mission Accomplished! So, after a little pit stop, we made our way back into the car. As I drove us out, we were trying to find an exit that would take us back to the bridge, so that we could get back to San Francisco. The funniest thing is, we kept on driving for the next ten miles. We thought about the possibility of going back to San Francisco to get some ice cream. I did not want to endanger us, so I drove under the maximum speed limit. As we kept driving and driving, we took the exit, and stopped at the nearest gas station. Immediately, I told Jane and Ramona, "I will not ask the worker here." People at gas stations normally do not tell people directions because they want the people to buy the maps in the gas station. So, I stopped a stranger, politely, as he exited through the door. He gave me wonderful directions. A little bit before our stop at the gas station, Ramona told us that there is a strip of stores in this smaller city. Then, as the car rolled and rolled, she said, "It looks different in the day time." LOL  Anyway, as we sped away from the gas station, we came across a shopping area. So, we turned into the area and drove around for a little bit. Finally, there was Thep Lela Thai Restaurant at the corner in that city of Mill Valley. So, we decided to stop and Ramona reassured us about Thai coconut ice cream. We got in, ordered a few appetizers and skipped to the desserts. For appetizers, we had Chicken Satay and Thai Egg Rolls. For desserts, we ordered Coconut Ice Cream, Sticky Coconut Rice, Fried Banana Balls (lol). It was all very delicious. I, of course, had to have the Thai Iced Tea. So far, the day had been great for the three of us.

 

So, we left the restaurant, found the right exit, and made our way back to San Francisco.

We entered the parking lot, and my car was in its original condition. Jane and I both gave Ramona big hugs! Ramona looks up to me "Who loves ya!?" The three of us: We had a fabulous time together.

 

Thanks Jane for thinking of this rendevous and for making it happen! Thanks Ramona for coming and for the scrumptious lunch! Thank you to the both of you for an AWESOME TIME!

 

And must I say: Friendship is truly a gift from God! And also because we are blessed with being fans of Celine, we were able to meet. Ah... two young ladies, one from The Philippines and the other from South Africa and a young gentleman from Cambodia-America!

 

Below are some photographs from my camera. I hope to see some photographs and video from the both of you soon!

 

I hope you enjoyed the Review and please excuse me if there are any grammatical, punctuation errors, or other errors. I was in a hurry!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/270.jpg

Forrest and Friends!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/273.jpg

Totally Fashionists!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/280.jpg

Save Her! Jane!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/282.jpg

Ramona is not saving Jane! She's pushing Jane!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/297.jpg

Her heart's "TRYING" to go on...

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/332.jpg

Quite Chilly! The Golden Gate Bridge behind us

Edited February 16, 2007 at 06:26 AM by Love,

[Jennifer]

I'm jealous; I've always wanted to visit San Francisco! Great pictures, thanks Sophoan. Now that I'm on the same coast, maybe I will.

 

Hey, someone come to Seattle!

[Love,]

I'm jealous; I've always wanted to visit San Francisco!  Great pictures, thanks Sophoan.   Now that I'm on the same coast, maybe I will.

 

Hey, someone come to Seattle!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was in Seattle... six years ago!

 

Well... since we are on the same coast, you should COME ON DOWN!!!

 

 

I've got MORE photographs!

And this time, we'll caption some using the title of / phrase from a song from La Diva!

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/320giantguitar.jpg

"....in some small way...." Hard Rock Cafe's giant guitar. Celine would air-guitar this sucker!

 

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/thesealionsfound.jpg

Ramona and Jane found the sea lions! See? Ramona's trying to pick on up!

"I wish those THINGS.... could... come back once more!"

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/308Seagulls.jpg

"Just walk away

Just say goodbye

Don't turn around now you may see me cry

I mustn't fall apart

Or show my broken heart

Or the love I feel for you..." :mdr:

 

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/304-Fly.jpg

"You and i were meant to fly

Higher than the clouds

We'll sail across the sky

So come with me

And you will feel

That we're soaring

That we're floating up so high

'cause you and i were meant to fly"

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/318-the-Bay.jpg

The beautiful bay, shot with natural light (the light of the moon and available light from the surroundings).

 

"Now wrapped in moonlight..."

Edited February 16, 2007 at 07:32 AM by Love,

[tativale]

AAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i wanna move to SF, to California now!!!!!!!!

[Filine]

Oh I MISS YOU GUYSSSSSSS

I can't wait until it's december

 

The Dutchies will be in ORCH 2 on December 15th

[Jennifer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/celinebeat/308Seagulls.jpg

"Just walk away

Just say goodbye

Don't turn around now you may see me cry

I mustn't fall apart

Or show my broken heart

Or the love I feel for you..." :mdr:

 

Oh Sophoan... this caption with this picture made my day, haha.

[Bellamy]

to all the Celine poses.

[Cheerfuljane]

Honey, I`m home !!

Finally made it back to the UK today.

 

That was such a wonderful day. You guys are so fantastic.

 

Thanks Sopha for your brilliantly detailed story. I couldn`t have said it better myself

You`re such a brilliant photographer.

Here are some of my pics.

 

 

 

[Cheerfuljane]

I just discovered that I have videos of our little rendezvous:

 

This one is of Ramona and Sophoan while we were having lunch at Bubba Gump. San Francisco bay in the background.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czdycREcMV4

 

Sophoan taking us on a joy ride through the Crookedest street in the world:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UoIgxHEYz4

 

Hope they don't kill me for posting this here

[Bellamy]

Sophoan could have a better recording of the show in his car now.

[Cheerfuljane]

It was Ramona's car and her CD

[Bellamy]

  It was Ramona's car and her CD

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

She can throw the official CD to trashbin now.

[Love,]

I just discovered that I have videos of our little rendezvous:

 

This one is of Ramona and Sophoan while we were having lunch at Bubba Gump.  San Francisco bay in the background.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czdycREcMV4

 

Sophoan taking us on a joy ride through the Crookedest street in the world:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UoIgxHEYz4

 

Hope they don't kill me for posting this here

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

 

Oh my gosh, now the folks on here can REALLY see me in Real Time!

 

I was busy chomping down the shrimps!

 

And my driving... I hope the both of you had an enjoyable ride!

 

And at the end of that ride... That was Ramona's voice... not mine!

 

 

 

THANK YOU JANE! Awww, I miss the both of you!

Edited March 13, 2007 at 07:06 AM by Love,