GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

May 28, 2008.We were in Oakland where we spent the night and started driving around 10 AM to Berkley to pick Avi from Idan's house. We talked a little bit about plan for the day to visit and started driving heading towards San Francisco. We crossed the bay bridge and arrived at downtown.

Our plan in downtown San Francisco was to ride cable car ( Electric car ) and see the city more. We bought full day pass ticket and started riding.It was fun to ride cable car.This car helps tourists to see the city easily since all sides are open. The city was beautiful. Many high rise buildings by the bay on flat and steep topography.

We walked around Chinatown and the bay area around Fisherman's Wharf.While we were in bay area we saw Alcatraz island from a distant. This island used to be a prison. Guess what would happen escaping from this prison.It is risking life.

We also drove over Golden Gate Bridge.Our plan was to walk over it but preferred to drive.After we crossed the bridge we stopped by Vista point.Wow!! It was exciting. While you are at this point you can see the whole part of the bridge, Alcatraz island, the bay and down town San Francisco.

If you are in Ethiopia and started talking about America, this bridge is the first thing it comes to most people's mind.This is because there is a postcard of this bridge everywhere. Myself also had it.

Then we headed towards a beach by the Pacific Ocean. If you remember may 14, 2008 I hit Atlantic Ocean by New York for the first time.This time we are in the Pacific Ocean. We drove all the way from East Coast to West Coast. I was so excited. The water was a little bit cold but was not that much bad.

It was about two hours drive from San Francisco taking scenic routes to Sunnyvale . First we drove south along the shore line taking highway one. Then we took the skyline drive along the hill top and saw Red Wood trees. Red Wood tree, when grows fully are the tallest trees in the world.

Jody is Avi's cousin. She leaves with her husband Jed and two beautiful daughter Molly and Ellen in Sunny Vale, California. May 30 is Molly's 16th birth day. Happy birthday Molly :-)
Jody has been following up our trip since it was started in may 12, 2008.Jody and Jed are experienced travellers.They travelled for several years. They travelled in Africa, Asia, Europe and US.They travelled to African countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and many more.

When I saw a picture of "Maasai" tribe photos in their living room I realised that both were travelling in Africa.Jody and Jed met in Crete Island in Greece, Europe while they were travelling.She was from the states and he was from England.

Jody, Jed, Molly, and Ellen have been waiting for us.We arrived at 7:15 PM.Jed and Jody welcomed us warmly.They asked us what to drink.Beer, water , wine, and many more.We chose red wine and started to see inside parts of their house.It is a new house and beautiful.

When Avi came here three years ago this house had not yet been done being built.Only the left wing of the house was built.Since then they have been building it towards the right side with in the property.The kitchen, living room, dining room, bed room and dining room are well done.I impressed a lot with the finishing materials. They did such a great job.

While Andy, Avi, Jody and I were looking at the house, Jed started grilling steak in back yard.Molly and Ellen were in their room. Both have their own room.Both gave a hug to cousin Avi. Andy and I introduced ourselves.

We went out to the back yard where Jed was grilling steak.Then we started talking about a lot of issues like how Jed and Jody met,their solar power on roof top, Andy and myself career plans, Jed's work, travel , and about Kenya and Ethiopia.Avi also saw herb plants he planted three years ago in the back yard.

We entered into a dining room and sat down around a dining table.Molly and Ellen also joined us.We got more wine and started eating. Wow !! The steak was great.

I was asked if I am shy to eat more. Avi said " When it comes to food Sisay is not shy" . Most people were done eating but I kept on eating. Then Jed asked me if I need more well done steak.
I said, "Yes". Guess what ? Everybody laughed.I never stopped eating because I enjoyed it.

We kept on drinking wine and started talking about different issues.We became more friendly with Molly and Ellen. They were very happy meeting their cousin, Avi and us. The whole family was happy. Molly and Ellen didn't go to bed until 11:30 even if Jody was telling them to take shower and then to go to bed so that they wake up early for school.They loved talking with us.

Hey buddies, no matter where you live and belong, there is hospitality everywhere. Thanks for the hospitality. Next we are going to take you to YOSEMITE, one of the most beautiful place.Please keep on travelling with us.,