Save Me, San Francisco

For those of you that missed the memo: Joey is a San Francisco 49ers fan.

He grew up watching Joe Montana a.k.a. Joe Cool or my new favorite, The Golden Great, and has been a diehard fan ever since. Seriously- diehard. Not to blow up his spot, but in our 7 years together I can count on one hand how many times I've seen him cry. One of those times was definitely last January during the NFC Conference Finals.(CORRECTION as of 11/2/12: I mistakenly took Joey's depression on the ride home for crying. He did not in fact shed tears.) Atleast the Patriots and 49er fans can agree on one thing...we hate the NY Giants.

So when we moved out to Cali I knew I had to get him up to San Fran for his first game. But even before I knew we were moving I was working on getting tickets for his birthday. After taking this new position at the beginning of the year I was meeting with my new contacts, most of whom are based in Santa Clara, CA (about 45 minutes south of SF); and it just so happened that I was taking over a big portion of work that was managed by the woman who also managed the EMC suite at CandleStick Park. Not so easily, but very fortunately, I got tickets for his top-pick game, a conference finals rematch with who else, but, Eli Manning and the NY Giants.

The belated birthday weekend was awesome! We stayed downtown in Union Square at the Sir Francis Drake, a boutique style Kimpton hotel. My favorite hotel chain for sure. Other than eating delicious meals, singing the Full House theme song "Everywhere You Look", and competing to find the most 49ers gear around the city, we also did the obvious tourist attraction of biking over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. On our way we passed beautiful vistas of Alcatraz, the Palace of Fine Arts, Presido National Park, and a quick stop at Fort Point. I'm not sure how the bike path can be marked "beginner/intermediate", some of those hills were no joke. Ok, to be completely fair maybe a bit of it was my fault... I tried to be cute and wear flip flops. What the hell was I thinking?

After touring an awesome art gallery and eating lunch, we took the ferry back across the bay. By now our friendly competition of counting 49ers gear turned highly competitive. On our bikes, in the dusk darkness, up ridiculously steep hills, we raced from Fisherman's Pier to the bike shop searching to be the first to spot some type of 49ers paraphernalia. Yes. We were completely out of hand. So much so we had to stop the game. I wish I was kidding, but I totally won. ;) Then we waited over an hour to catch a famous cable car back to the hotel. By this time the sun had set, which meant I was shivering, and our feet were so, soo done with standing. But I have to tell you, once I hopped on the cable car my aching feet were just a memory. We even got the best "seats" in the house - hanging off the edge just like you see in all San Francisco ads. Did you know there were inside seats? I didn't. And I don't know how this way of transportation is legal. It was by far the most unsafe way I've ever travelled, but so friggin' exhilarating! I LOVED IT. Just watch the video. 

Game Day came quickly. Joey wore his Alex Smith jersey and I wore my Patrick Willis t-shirt. Pointed out to note the proper attire for the occasion. As we parked I casually told Joey that we could either tailgate or take the surprise VIP All-Access passes that I got us and go watch warmups on the field. Up to him. Can you believe he chose to tailgate?! Totally kidding. Again, in 7 years I'm not sure I've seen him run so fast. A diehard fan in his glory.

TRAIN Lyrics to Save Me San Francisco - another song I could not stop singing.
I been high
I been low
I been yes, and I been oh hell no
I been rock 'n roll and disco
Won't you save me San Francisco

Ooo ooo ooo, oh oh

Every day's so caffeinated
I wish they were Golden Gated
Fillmore couldn't feel more miles away
So, wrap me up return to sender
Let's forget this 5 year bender
Take me to my city by the Bay

I never knew all that I had
Now Alcatraz don't sound so bad
At least they'd have a hella fine merlot
If I could wish upon a star
I would hitch a cable car
To the one place that I'll always call my home

I been high
I been low
I been yes, and I been oh hell no
I been rock 'n roll and disco
Won't you save me San Francisco
I been up
I been down
I been so damn lost since you're not around
I been reggae and calypso
Won't you save me San Francisco