Sunday, February 2, 2025

SFO - To Do 01Feb25 (Benchmark Climbing - Bouldering)

San Francisco - To Stay
San Francisco - To Do
San Francisco - To Eat

SFO - To Do
 Check out our Instagram #abbatravel @ABBATRAVELS
Benchmark Climbing
(Bouldering)

Bouldering is climbing without ropes. Just shoes, bag of chalk and safety matts. 
A unique and fun experience. A great activity especially during wet weather days. There are shower facilities and lockers on-site and various routes to try out. Water coolers are also available. 
ABBAtips (as shared from the more advance climbers who brought us along)
- Remember to do your stretching especially for your arms and shoulders.
- Start of with picking a shoe that's snug and your toes are a little curled inwards. You can always change shoe sizes after. 
- Chalk only your finger tips.
- Look for the numbers for the difficulty. Starts off from Zero and progresses harder with an increasing number. Even within the same numbers, each routes has its own unique challenges and you can tackle the same route differently each time to find a more efficient way to go up.

*This was a level 1*
There's no time limit to how long you'd like to stay. Be courteous, have fun and give each other space when attempting a route. The route is considered complete when having touched the last colored block on your route. 

For just a day climb its USD30 with USD5 for rental of shoes. Chalk comes with. Depending on the promotion, there maybe other deal combinations.
Click here for ABBA location of Benchmark Climbing

Saturday, February 1, 2025

SFO - To Eat 31Jan25 (Z&Y Restaurant)

San Francisco - To Stay
San Francisco - To Do
San Francisco - To Eat

SFO - To Eat
Z&Y Restaurant
(In the spirit of 3rd Day of Chinese New Year)




Ordered On:
31stJan25
Xiao Long Bao USD14.95

*Really good. Soupy inside and paired perfectly with the condiments.*
Half Tea-Smoked Duck USD29.95
*Didn't really taste the tea-smoked aspect of it, but really crispy skin and juicy. Highly recommended to give this order a try. Another place which was a surprise to enjoy their jasmine tea smoked duck was at Jardin De Jade in Shanghai. Highly recommended.*
Dry Sautéed String Beans USD19.90
*Well executed*
Fish Fillet In Hot Chili USD29.95

*Nice! More Ma than spicy. The fish was fresh but could have been better enjoyed if served hotter, temperature wise.*
House Cold Noodles USD14.95
*Nice and refreshing*
x2 Steamed rice
Food 3.5/5
Service 3/5
Ambience 3/5
Value 3/5
Total fed 5 USD33/Pax with tip

Satisfied that Chinese eats craving. A nice restaurant that came recommended online on several platforms. A good option. Another option which is a stone's throw down from here is another famously joint favored for years, R&G Lounge. Click here for full review. 
We hopped over to The Stinking Rose for their iconic garlic appetizer and Ice-cream. The appetizer seems to have lacked-luster since its start but the Garlic ice-cream is still a must try.