Sometimes I feel, I've got to....

...Get Away...
This past weekend Chris and I had a lovely trip to the City by the Bay. As a part of his Christmas gift I bought tickets to go see a comedian we like at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco. Because we loved the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston so much we gave San Francisco's edition a shot and stayed here:

This hotel is nestled at the top of Nob Hill. The term hill does not do it justice. The streets leading up to Nob Hill are treacherous on foot and flat out scary in a car. The surrounding neighborhoods are quaint, yuppy and so very chic. I felt right at home in my Tory Burch flats and ivory trench coat sipping an americano as we trotted along.

However, I know for me, the best attraction was stumbling upon this beauty: Grace Cathedral

As we walked the neighborhood I asked Chris a thousand times, "Is it open? Do you think we can go in?" He reassured me we could go and I literally skipped up the steps. I have an affinity for buildings like this and could not wait to get inside. Anyone who knows me will tell you, religion has never been a part of my life. I have started reading The Bible several times but could not get through it as chapter after chapter presented me with more questions than answers. None the less I have always been spiritual and have a certain admiration for Churches like this.

When Chris swung the door open I am pretty sure my heart skipped a beat: The stained glass and sky high domed ceilings were breathtaking. I most loved the candle and prayer walls. I slipped in a few dollars and lit two candles and knelt at the altar, pretending I knew what I was doing. I certainly was moved and felt extremely peaceful in this monstrosity of a building. I spent time scouring each room and every wall. Grace Cathedral is an Episcopalian Church and little did I know the conversation it would provide Chris and I as we drove home in the pouring rain the next day. I learned about the AIDS room, I learned they perform same sex unions, I learned they have male and female clergy, I learned that you don't have to be a member to be married in this sacred place. I learned the original real estate was owned by The Crocker family who donated the land after the earthquake of 1906 demolished the original Church. I felt somehow tied to the Crocker's being that I had so enjoyed my time spent at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland where the family is buried.

I am still digesting the trip to the Church.

If I were to go to Church, I think it would be a Church like this. Arms open to any and all, filled with rich history, glorious architecture and spirit.

It made both Chris and I that much more excited to go back to Boston in a few months and spend more time enjoying the architecture and history of the city.

Of course, I cannot forget the comedy show. We saw Daniel Tosh and his opening act who both had us in stitches the ENTIRE show. It was all we could do throughout the night and into Sunday to remember some of the lines that had us cracking up.

A great weekend away for us and looking forward to the next......