noplasticshowers

Stop three in the college and the arts tour was UC Santa Cruz, followed by a drive up 17, through silicon valley on 101, to San Francisco. The arts was an especially magical set of Beethoven Quartets played by the Elias String Quartet.

Which means we went from coastal nature to the city and all of its culture.

Live oak: UC Santa Cruz

The Pacific: UC Santa Cruz

We arrived at the Palomar in a flurry around 4ish. They were more than ready with a classic welcome. So nice to return to such a great Kimpton property where we know them and they know us. We were assigned 802, a beautiful suite with substantial room to hang out and no plastic shower.

Fresh flowers in 802

Walter the fish was present (hey Hilton, look, the fishy is real).

Hi Walter…blooop…blp…

802 SF Palomar

802 SF Palomr: this folds out to a bed

The unused big giant bathtub

A reasonable shower

There was not much time to decompress before we were due for a pre-concert dinner at SPQR. Dinner was interesting, quirky, and delicious. Of particular note, the dessert was fantastic all around.

Then Beethoven.

A nightcap at dirty habit sealed the evening (though we really missed having Mr Means around). Brian, there is substitute for the real you!

Missing @MyAmericanDram @dirtyhabitsf post beethoven.#collegeandthearts pic.twitter.com/5OgA175O3Y

— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) March 31, 2015

The lesson in the “Palomar delta” between LA and SF is personal connection. People make all of the difference in the hospitality business. Thanks Christopher Smith for making it happen properly on this quick hit. See you in 20 days for a longer stay!

More than five showerheads for the Palomar in San Francisco, one of my few homes away from home.

UC Berkeley Massive Group Tour

It’s college and the arts! Get ready for this.

UC Berkeley Fossil Collection on High

Bear in the Sky: UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley: Massive Group Tour ][+

Next up, Colorado.