San Francisco Museum Weekend

Friday, June 28-Saturday, June 29

Mr. E and I took a late afternoon Amtrak from Sac to SF for a quick overnight trip to visit the de Young and Legion of Honor for some exhibitions that are closing soon. We typically walk to the Sac Valley Amtrak station, since it's just a mile or so from our home, but we opted for a Lyft this afternoon given the warm temperature in Sac so that we didn't get too overheated on our way to the train.

We were delayed nearly an hour due to issues with the tracks, but luckily we didn't have any specific plans for the evening. And we indulged with our usual train "Happy Hour" snacks (rose for me, beer for Mr. E, cheese tray). Once we checked into our suite at the Marriott Marquis, we headed up to the impressive The View lounge and were able to snag a table with at least a partial view (and not directly in the sun). I had hoped to enjoy the scallops , but they were unable to make modifications for my allium allergy, so instead we made do with a cheese and charcuterie board and Negronis. 

We then browsed the lobby market, where I picked up a fresh salad with beets to share with Mr. E while he headed out to look for something more substantial. He returned with a burger and fries from a spot across the street and wine from the lobby market, since Target was closed by the time he got there. Pricey half bottles, for sure! But we still enjoyed as we relaxed in the suite overlooking Market Street.

We've stayed in this area before, and I remembered the restaurant at the nearby Contemporary Jewish Museum. I checked out the menu for Wise Sons Jewish Deli and suggested we head there for breakfast sandwiches. Good choice! I waited for our order, enjoying the morning and the view, while Mr. E procured coffee at the Target Starbucks across the street.

After breakfast in our room, we packed up, left our bags with the concierge, and grabbed a Lyft to the Legion of Honor for our first exhibition of the day. Japanese Prints in Transition: From the Floating World to the Modern World was a beautiful display of artistry and creativity, and we particularly enjoyed seeing how contemporary artists have been inspired by traditional forms. 

We decided not to make any purchases at the museum store since we didn't want to carry anything around with us (set of bowls and puzzle ordered online later!). Another Lyft took us to the de Young, where we focused first on the exhibition of photographs by Irving Penn. After a break for lunch in the cafe, we decided to check out American Beauty: The Osher Collection of American Art. 

While we were in the upstairs gallery, we heard music and singing and were thus lucky enough to catch one of the final performances of Sonic Blossom, part of the multi-installation exhibition by Lee Mingwei, Rituals of Care. During my trip to SF back in February with A, we had attended the opening weekend of this exhibition, including a curator's talk with the artist (see previous blog post here), so I was really excited to see more of his work. And I noticed that he was there in the gallery where Sonic Blossom was being performed, so I went over afterwards to express how much I enjoyed his work and the curator discussion earlier in the year. He was very gracious!

As Mr. E and I wandered our way to the first floor of the museum, we ended up in some galleries that we don't often visit. Perhaps it was fortuitous, because this led us to the other parts of Rituals of Care that I hadn't seen previously. Most excellent! One of my favorites was The Mending Project, which creates an ever-evolving physical presence of spooled thread on the walls and a pile of items that visitors have brought to be mended by volunteers. 

Another Lyft ride back to the hotel to reclaim our bags and walk to the Amtrak bus pick-up for our late afternoon return to Sac. No delays this time around, and even though it was still rather hot once we arrived in the mid evening, we decided to walk home. I made a quick detour at It's Sugar, and Mr. E picked up some dinner for himself at Koja. Then relaxing at home with the kitties for the evening. 

A great quick getaway to cooler temperatures! And the hotel may be worth a repeat visit, especially since I discovered the ginormous Fitness Center on the 5th floor, which would be a great asset for Mr. E.