Wednesday, February 17, 2010

San Francisco Polaroids

Under a balmy blue sky
San Francisco
It felt like summer today...
San Francisco
You could smell incense in the warm air as the city's large Chinese community welcomed the new year with shrines to Buddha and prayers
for good luck..

As usual, I was distracted by all the architectural details...
San Francisco
The buildings are so European.
San Francisco
But the weather and vibe is pure California...
img236
At the moment, the huge bay windows in my hotel room are propped open and I'm listening to the city life outside: that ringing trolley bell and all those squeaky breaks, worn from climbing all those hills.

And I understand why many hearts are left here.

(Photos taken with a 1970s Polaroid OneStep Flash camera.)
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28 comments:

  1. Like a CatFebruary 17, 2010 at 5:31 PM

    so beautiful! gosh, i'd love to visit sf someday!

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  2. vanessa joieFebruary 17, 2010 at 9:12 PM

    I love San Francisco. Your Polaroids are beautiful.

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  3. The Simply Luxurious LifeFebruary 17, 2010 at 9:39 PM

    Beautiful polaroids! Couldn't you just spend hours walking up and down the hills taking in the architecture? If only it weren't for all the hills! =)

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2010 at 9:43 PM

    these are gorgeous, Tina! i especially LOVE the first one -- so retro!

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2010 at 10:12 PM

    how pretty! i love sf. so great. the bottom photo is my favorite
    xxoo
    -bree

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  6. English MuseFebruary 17, 2010 at 10:15 PM

    thank you!!! i really appreciate your kind comments!

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  7. Ziad AliFebruary 17, 2010 at 10:41 PM

    oh i wish i could be there!
    the buildings do loo very european, i love the first and second polaroid. the colours are stunning!
    Pearl xo

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  8. kelly annFebruary 17, 2010 at 10:55 PM

    oh these are so beautiful!
    i want to teleport to san fran right now! ;)

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  9. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2010 at 11:04 PM

    I would love to travel to America one day, and visit San Francisco among many other gorgeous cities...here's hoping!

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  10. CarolineFebruary 17, 2010 at 11:09 PM

    I love these photos!! I was just there on Sunday... hop on over to my blog and check out pictures of my favorite city. XO

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  11. The Dapper DarlingFebruary 17, 2010 at 11:46 PM

    You get a sunshine award from me!

    Visit my blog to get the details!

    Love your blog!!

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  12. NinaFebruary 18, 2010 at 12:30 AM

    I love looking at SF's Victorian homes. Thanks for posting.

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  13. LenoreNeverM♡reFebruary 18, 2010 at 5:17 AM

    Tina darling, i can picture you living in the bay area...perhaps near the Marina district/ south of Market lofts?!
    xo*

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  14. Laura TreveyFebruary 18, 2010 at 6:18 AM

    Just look at that Gorgeous Sky!!

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  15. GiuliaFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:07 AM

    I can see/hear/smell it, Tina. Polaroids are terrific.

    Some years ago I was walking in SF & just like you I am distracted by architectural detail. It's a wonder I haven't met my end in Rome (or elsewhere). Anyway, chatting to a friend & looking up (ignoring or not hearing her warning), I walk-tripped headlong into a large crate of Chinese greens. They are a lovely addition to a food plate: adornment, taste, & vitamins; to one's head & shoulders? Not so much.

    One of my more embarrassing moments in life. And that's saying something. Ahem.

    I hope Lola is enjoying her first trip to SF, along with the rest of the family.

    ciao bella

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  16. jenniferFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:23 AM

    such beautiful cerulean!!!!!!!

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  17. nat.February 18, 2010 at 7:37 AM

    thank you for these little pieces of california. i miss it so...

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  18. Mlle ParadisFebruary 18, 2010 at 8:35 AM

    It really is a very special place with beautiful light. Thanks for the little tour!

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  19. Jessica FerronFebruary 18, 2010 at 9:01 AM

    Le sigh.. I've always admired your polaroids! I wish I could take pictures with even a hint of your point of view. Beautiful!

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  20. SarahFebruary 18, 2010 at 9:48 AM

    I LOVE your Polaroids. They are wonderful and transport me to another place and time. Bravo!

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  21. UnknownFebruary 18, 2010 at 10:12 AM

    I love how Polaroids make everything look so soft with a bit of a vintage flair. Love San Francisco -- one of my favorite cities.

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  22. Jaime @ laviejaimeFebruary 18, 2010 at 11:16 AM

    Pretty polaroids! I loved San Fran when I went in 2000. Would love to visit again soon!

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  23. TheBeautyFileFebruary 18, 2010 at 7:31 PM

    LAY SIGHHHH! I love SF...I would love to go back and stay for a long long time!

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  24. Julia-MegumiFebruary 19, 2010 at 6:14 AM

    I adore your Polaroid photos. They are absolutely beautiful!

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  25. deeFebruary 22, 2010 at 7:28 AM

    That first photo is unreal. You are such a great photographer, Tina! Seriously...this is your (second) calling:)

    PS loving the idea of a ringing trolley bell outside my window right now...

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  26. emilyFebruary 23, 2010 at 9:11 AM

    they are so magical. i love them.

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  27. KatherineMarch 2, 2010 at 11:25 PM

    Hi Tina! I love your blog! Where do you most enjoy staying in San Francisco? I'm planning a last minute trip there for the weekend and would love a recommendation (or two)! You mentioned the huge bay windows in your hotel room-- which hotel? Sounds so lovely...

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  28. StaceyMarch 4, 2010 at 3:09 PM

    I've lived in the Los Angeles area for 9 years, and never ventured to San Fran, a place I always longed to go. I believe that these photos have captured the essence of how San Francisco lives in my imagination. Thanks so much for sharing.

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