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Not because of its beauty, its dramatic bridges and sweeping vistas (a nighttime drive up Twin Peaks took my breath away) though I couldn’t stop gaping at every corner. Not because of the romantic fog and bright, bright sunshine, both in one day – one minute – from corner to corner of the city.

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Not because of the food, even though – my goodness – it was good (from
morning buns at Tartine to the first burrito I ever liked at Taqueria
Cancun, from house-cured sardines at Zuni to the chili oil dabbed on
burrata at A16). And not because of the donut muffin from Downtown Bakery, the best cake for breakfast you’ll ever have.

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Not because of the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, which. Blew. My. Mind.
I mean, seriously? Every single mayor of every single town in America
should go to that market just to see how vibrant and healthy and
wonderful something like that is for municipal spirit (even if it
has to be just three tables instead of, oh, 50).

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Not because of the way that San Francisco kept reminding me of Berlin, the city I grew up in, with its independently owned businesses and quiet, residential blocks, even in the middle of town. With its efficient public transit and its lack of commercialization (relative – I live in New York, people). With its gorgeous architecture and clean streets and quiet cafes.

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But because on Saturday morning, as a surprise, Ben flew out to San Francisco, drove me up to Napa, and asked me to marry him.

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I said yes!

Posted in

184 responses to “On Why I’ll Always Remember My Trip to San Francisco”

  1. Caroline Avatar

    WOW! How exciting…
    What a fun post!! Thanks for sharing.

    Like

  2. Leah Avatar
  3. Shelby Avatar
    Shelby

    YAY! I have never written a comment on here, Luisa, and I have been reading for awhile now… but I actually just dropped my sandwich and pumped my fist in the air when I finished that post. Congrats! What happy news and what a fantastic way to propose.

    Like

  4. Dee Avatar
    Dee

    What wonderful news! Best to you both.

    Like

  5. Monica Avatar
    Monica

    Three cheers for Ben — excellent choice of romantic spot, and one you can return to for future celebrations.
    Happy that you loved so many of the things that make my hometown so wonderful.
    Wishing you both much happiness.

    Like

  6. jessica mae Avatar

    it is amazing how the engagement news of a couple i have never met, who live 3000 miles away form me can lead me to tear up and exclaim a joyful “oh!” in the middle of my office. you two are just the cutest. congratulations!

    Like

  7. Amber Avatar

    I feel silly sniffling at my desk, but the news is worth it — congratulations!
    With all the depressing news lately, it’s so nice to hear something good. And you remind us what’s really important in our lives. Thank you for sharing.

    Like

  8. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Best wishes to you and Ben! My husband of 24 years this December proposed to me in San Francisco. It was the beginning of our wonderful family life. We hope your marriage will be every bit as happy as ours.

    Like

  9. any little reason Avatar

    How exciting! My husband and I celebrated our one-year anniversary yesterday – best wishes for a vibrant and exhilirating future!!

    Like

  10. Amanda Avatar

    I had a feeling the post was going to end with an announcement like that!!! SF brings out all the lovers 🙂 I bet you are bouncing off the walls! Best wishes! You two are too cute…

    Like

  11. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Congratulations! What wonderful news!

    Like

  12. thyhandhathprovided.blogspot.com Avatar
    thyhandhathprovided.blogspot.com

    I have only just started reading your blog, but I enjoy it immensely. And, now this! Congratulations:-).

    Like

  13. Kalyn Avatar

    Oh wow, I wasn’t expecting that ending. (Actually I thought you guys were already married!)
    Congratulations. Yes, very memorable indeed.

    Like

  14. Carmen Avatar
    Carmen

    Oh!! Luisa! Congratulations to you both!

    Like

  15. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    Congratulations! Love reading your blog. Thanks for the great recipes and stories.

    Like

  16. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    Oh how romantic, that’s one to tell the grandkids! 🙂 So happy for you, congratulations!!!

    Like

  17. Sara Avatar

    Congratulations! Glad you liked SF.

    Like

  18. merritt Avatar

    That is so sweet. Congratulations to both of you.

    Like

  19. Marilyn @ Simmer Till Done Avatar

    Congratulations! What a beautiful trip and a memory for all your life together.

    Like

  20. Erik Avatar
    Erik

    YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like

  21. Mrs. L Avatar

    Wahoo, congratulations!

    Like

  22. inna Avatar
    inna

    congratulations 😀

    Like

  23. Elise Avatar

    WOW, that’s great! Congratulations!

    Like

  24. Mercedes Avatar

    Woohoo! Congratulations! That is soooo exciting!

    Like

  25. Jennifer Avatar

    Tanti auguri! I’m so happy for you and Ben. Wonderful.

    Like

  26. Julie Avatar

    Soooo romantic! (Well done, Ben!) Congratulations to you both, and many wishes for a lifetime of happiness.

    Like

  27. Mandee Avatar

    Delurking to say what great news! Best wishes to you both.

    Like

  28. Lydia Avatar
    Lydia

    I loved the photos and I loved the ending more. Congratulations!

    Like

  29. liz Avatar

    Oh, congratulations — that’s so exciting!

    Like

  30. shauna Avatar

    YES!
    Oh Luisa, you literally took my breath away with this post. I’m so so so happy for you two. I mean, I knew it was coming. Spending time with you made that clear. But yay! It’s here.
    And marriage? i recommend it, highly.

    Like

  31. Vivian Avatar

    Congratulations!
    (This is the first time I have left a comment, but I love your blog.)

    Like

  32. ColleenM Avatar
    ColleenM

    Congratulations! He sounds like a keeper. 🙂

    Like

  33. BF Avatar

    that is the best story ever – hearty congrats to you both

    Like

  34. sonya Avatar
    sonya

    luisa,
    as a relatively new reader of your site i’m writing with happy wishes from jackson heights.
    herzlichen gluckwunsch!
    congratulazioni!
    -sonya

    Like

  35. justcorbly Avatar
    justcorbly

    Woohoo!

    Like

  36. Shannalee Avatar

    This is happy news, indeed! Congratulations and thanks for sharing the story!

    Like

  37. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Congratulations – what a nice story!

    Like

  38. EB Avatar

    Oh wow!!! Congratulations!!! I’m glad that memory will always be tied to my hometown because. it’s a city that deserves such memories.

    Like

  39. Julia Avatar
    Julia

    Congratulations Luisa! That is wonderful news. i still love your blog and check it frequently.
    From your cousin (in Boston), Julia

    Like

  40. geri Avatar

    Congratulations, Luisa!!!
    You both look so cute together, and yes indeed, what memories San Francisco and Napa will have for you two. How beautiful.

    Like

  41. KatyBelle Avatar
    KatyBelle

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful news!! Félicitations!!

    Like

  42. Pat Keens Avatar
    Pat Keens

    Luisa – What wonderful news – had no idea the story had such a fabulous ending – Congratulations!
    Pat

    Like

  43. Bobbie Avatar
    Bobbie

    Many congratulations and much happiness to both of you!
    And…what a great way to tell us! Any chance we’ll get to see and hear more about your SF adventures, once you come back down to earth? 🙂

    Like

  44. Ms. Huis Herself Avatar

    Oh!!! Congratulations! You took me by surprise with that last bit…in a wonderful way! Congrats and best wishes to the both of you!

    Like

  45. shawna Avatar

    Hot damn and hallelujah, this newbie is SO tickled for you!
    Be a Happy girl & God’s blessings on you both!

    Like

  46. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    This is news worthy of de-lurking! So awesome! Congratulations! What an amazing trip and amazingly romantic guy.

    Like

  47. Diana Avatar

    omg!!!!
    Congratulations! You had me at donut muffins but SERIOUSLY??? Best ending to a post, er, ever.

    Like

  48. Katy Avatar
    Katy

    Cheers! I wish you many many happy years together.

    Like

  49. jocelyn Avatar
    jocelyn

    Even though I knew wot the news was your blog still had me in tears – beautiful photos and the last even more special. Am up as jet lagged and this news has just brought happy thoughts. loadsa luv

    Like

  50. christine Avatar
    christine

    Delurking to say… Congratulations!!!!

    Like

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