Sunny Side Up for San Francisco

Unlike LA, Miami, New York or well, just almost every other city during summer, San Francisco's summer consists of cloudy, white skies and gusts of cold breezes. Sadly, most of us who live in SF actually are still incorporating long pants/favorite pair of jeans, thick knit cable sweaters, colorful scarves and tall boots into our outfits. However, two days ago, a miracle happened. 

Bright blue sky, sun shining over the entire city and just gentle breezes to make it THE perfect summer day. I quickly threw on my white scoop neck crop top with my black high-low skirt to celebrate the long waited summer weather. I also put on my teal stone necklace that I bought in Rome last summer to show my excitement and positive spirit that I was feeling. It was a must to drive by the beach (usually gloomy and frighteningly freezing 364 days out of the year) to enjoy the view of glistening water through my aviator.

To make my summer day even better, I had brunch (well, more like lunch since we ate around 1pm) with three of my closest friends from high school. It was just a Tuesday, but I don't believe in waiting until the weekends for brunch. I love breakfast food, probably in an unhealthy way that I can honestly eat it for breakfast (duh), lunch, dinner and midnight munchies. 

We all had never tried Howard's Cafe before, but I heard great things about it. So why not? I ordered the #4, which is 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 bacon, AND 2 sausages for $6.50 and a refreshing iced tea for only $1.50. Such great price for all the breakfast food I want (it's always so hard to choose between bacon and sausage). I think this old diner that proudly hangs family photos and SF Giants memorabilia everywhere has become one of my breakfast/brunch home.

Hope more summer days to come, but fall is quickly creeping up already! 

What's your can't live without food? 

Yum!

La Mia Seconda Casa

Even though it is only Tuesday, I'm going to do a #TBT. 

Out of all the historic and picturesque Italian cities, Firenze has to be the one that stole my heart. Don't let this little city that allows you to walk from one side of the town to the other in less than a day fool you (of course, with gelato in the left hand and a camera in the right hand while gawking your head up the entire time to marvel at the amazing architecture or stylish Italian people). 

I miss the oh-so-strong, yet perfect cappuccinos.I miss the sweet pastries for breakfast. I miss the most delicious pizza de margarita from the pizzeria steps away from my school and aperitivo (Italian happy hour). I miss people watching while enjoying lunch in one of the many piazzas, people watching again at an espresso bar during the afternoon (even though Italians strongly disapprove cappuccino after 1pm), feeling accomplished after having a conversation with an Italian vendor at the open-air fruit market, and listening to a street performer playing the accordion right outside my apartment window while trying to do homework. 

Needless to say, I miss almost everything about Florence, except the humid heat and cookie-sized mosquito bites. Can't wait to go back when I have a chance. For now, I will just reminisce about this lovely city and all the wonderful experiences I had while studying abroad there for 2 months.

Oh, that's the view from Piazzale Michelangelo!

If you are planning to go, dreaming to go or going to Firenze anytime soon, here's my list of "don't miss":

Gusta's Pizzeria  Definitely not to miss the pizza from here because they really put their heart into it. They even shape your pizza into a heart at times! For 7-8 euros, it is a great breakfast, lunch and dinner to split with another friend or just by yourself. Trust me, you wouldn't want to share it. 

Gusta's Panino Gusta Pizza is not enough to satisfy anyone's appetite for authentic Italian food, so go on and taste the panini at Gusta. They have homemade green pesto and red pesto spread that is out of this world. Just a little note, panino is one, panini is more than one so when ordering one, just ask for "uno panino". 

Caffetteria delle Oblate This cafe offers a fun nightlife of cheap yummy drinks and aperitif along with special musical performances on the 2nd floor of a local library. That's right, a library. It is definitely a place you want to be to meet some locals. Did I mention a stunning view of the Duomo?

THE David Don't be fooled by the statues outside of Piazza del Vecchio. If you think the fake David is impeccable and huge, just wait until you visit The Academia to marvel at the real thing. He is way more larger in size and extraordinary when you are standing at the base of the statue platform.

Piazzale di Michelangelo Just after a short beautiful hike, there is a standpoint where the breathtaking view of the entire Firenze is in front of you. Bring a bottle of wine, prosciutto e melone and cheese for a picnic to enjoy the beautiful backdrop during sunset. 

What's on your "don't miss" list when traveling Italy?

Ciao!