Although things have been up in the air since I've gotten back to New York, I did want to share some snapshots from my brief stopover in San Francisco last month (is it really December!?). This was more of a family-and-friends-seeing trip rather than sight-seeing so you won't see much of the touristy spots which, I've been fortunate enough to visit in the past.

photos & lettering by lillianliming

I did get to spend a few hours exploring on my own, and the cloud-action that day was insane - it had just rained earlier that morning. The clear, blue skies and crisp, fall air were a much needed welcome after the haze and smog of Taiwan. I must have spent a good hour down at the pier by the Ferry Building; mesmerized by this view of the Bay Bridge and crazy cloud-filled backdrop.

Then, there was the food. I must say I didn't eat nearly as much as I thought I would as I was craving ALL the American food and pastries! I had a list of bakeries and sweet spots that I wanted to hit but only got to check off two - Craftsman & Wolves and Bi-Rite Creamery. I walked by Tartine Bakery on the way to Bi-Rite but alas, it was packed with people.

"The Rebel Within" - savory muffin with a soft-boiled egg in the center (!) and a chocolate croissant stack at Craftsman and Wolves // I also bought a matcha snickerdoodle and some yuzu almond caramels for the flight home. [Photos below]

There were also tacos, and a hearty brunch - both things I missed while in Taiwan. And though I don't have photos, I also hit up Super Duper Burgers on the recommendation of my friends who live in San Francisco. Surely enough, they live up to their name. The garlic fries alone at Super Duper are enough to make me go back. Now I'm hungry.

Tacos, brunch, brown sugar ginger caramel swirl ice cream from Bi-Rite

Pacifica Pier

Seeing things from the other side of the Pacific Ocean felt a bit like a dream (and I was extremely jet-lagged) -- didn't I just order a bubble tea from my favorite shop down the street, and take in the last sunset from my rooftop in Taoyuan? As surreal as it was, this sunny, Californian pit stop to see my family and dear friends was just what I needed to ease back into life, stateside.