Day 1

...we decided to take the subway since we were already familiar with the city's train system. After a train transfer, we arrived at our stop...We trekked for several blocks with our luggages in tow. We even climbed this huge flight of stairs that led us to the block of the hotel.

...we bundled up to take a walk around the quaint neighborhood. We're just at the foot of the church, the highest point in the city. It was snowing a little. It was beautiful out. The snow glistening on the cobblestone road--it was a pristine contrast to the buildings' rather drab facade. The light dusting of snow on the bushes emphasized the romantic and quaint atomosphere of the neighborhood.

Sinta and I were looking at a menu posted on a restaurant window. Three middle-aged persons came out, and the heavy-set man asked us where we're from. "San Francisco," Sinta said. The man seemed delighted and he shared that he is the restaurant owner, as well as the building owner. He invited us into the restaurant to show us pictures. His restaurant made the cover of one of San Francisco's periodicals. He also showed us pictures of Woody Allen and Julia Roberts who frequent his restaurant whenever they're in town. Cool. We decided to have dinner there one of these nights...