The San Francisco Zoo

Last Friday Robin and I spent the day at the San Francisco Zoo.  Abbie at the Zoo allowed us to be able to go in au gratis and we will be providing them with a full set of the photos as a thank you. What an awesome zoo.  We both enjoyed it, at least until poor Robin became ill, and then she spent the rest of the time at the car.  She wouldn't let me go home though until I got what I wanted to photograph.  Talk about giving and thinking about the other person.  But, that doesn't surprise me because that is how she is.  We will be going back when we can both enjoy it, but here is what we got.  It is a great place to spend the day and it is very well thought out.  They even have a carousel for the folks that are kids and kids at heart.  Please enjoy.

 

 

The Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA

On the same day that we went to the Castro Theatre we also visited the Fox Theatre. The Fox theatre was opened in 1928.  It originally was intended to be named "The Bagdad" because of its Middle Eastern influenced architecture. The theater instead displayed the name "The Oakland" on the marquee, with the word "Oakland" forming the main portion of the vertical blade sign above the marquee. 

We were met by Mike at the Fox Theatre.  He too was so friendly and cordial, showing us where we could go and  telling us a little bit about the history of the Fox. In 1965 the Fox closed.  In 2009, after $75 million worth of restoration had occurred, the theatre was reopened.  Mike told us that there were mushrooms growing out of the "guardians", the two statues on either side of the stage, when they began the renovation.  It is now a venue for concerts, houses the Oakland School of Fine Arts, and has a restaurant as well.  It is beautiful and amazing.  Please enjoy.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Castro Theatre, San Francisco, CA

The Spanish Baroque-style Castro, which opened in 1922, was designed by Modern master Timothy Pflueger and updated in the 1930s with the Art Deco marquee, sunburst chandelier and famed neon sign.  We were met at the Castro by Richard, one of the managers,  two weeks ago today.  He was so cordial and warm and made us feel right at home.  It was clear how proud he is of this magnificent theatre. 

 Richard explained to us that this theatre has always remained in the same family since its inception and I am sure that cannot be said for the majority of older theatres throughout America.  The Castro has always been a theatre and has never stopped showing movies.  One of the major changes that took place over the years is that when it was first opened there was an orchestra pit where the stage and curtain now reside. This is where the orchestra played before "talkies" were introduced in movies.  They would play and set the mood for whatever was happening in the "silent movie".  The screen used to be much further back to accommodate the orchestra in front, Richard explained.  Just look at the proportions and the Art Deco style.  Robin, our good friend Macy, and myself had a wonderful time.  Please enjoy.