Tom take's a trip to San Francisco. And now a word from our sponsors....

I'm going to be in San Francisco at the end of the month. Oh yes it's one of those, "Where to shop?" and so on. I'm scouting cities look'n to move and get a new job, or go back to school. I've been to San Antonio and Austin so far, can't say I dig either one. I spent some time in Chicago, not much so I might go back. I've been to Baltimore, everyone hates you by default there, and it smelled like pee. So now it's west coast time.

I'm staying close to China town so I'm sure I'll find some interesting stuff (bootlegs and the like). I'll be checking out the Academy of Art while there, and looking for Blue/Green Screen tech. work. I can't spend much on toys, or bring much back, so I'm only looking for things that spark my interest.

I'll be there only 5 days, are any of you guys out there in San Francisco area?

At 2:38pm on February 15th, 2008, sketcher said…: Definitely look up Super7 store. Same area is the Japan Center Mall. Much to be seen here and the Kinokuniya book store is always good. If you feel like paying too much for things, go over to Heroes Club on Clement. Cards and Comics on Geary sometimes has some stuff we like. Other than that, food, food, food! You will not find a better culinary experience in the rest of the country. You name it, the food is here.

As for a place to relocate to on the west coast, SF and Seattle are the pics for me. your mileage may vary, but If you can't handle too much rain, go with SF.

Enjoy!

At 5:37pm on February 15th, 2008, B00 said…: Nice, thanks! Sounds like a lot of toy shop to hit, I need to make a map.

I hope this trip pays off, but finding a job on the first visit most likely won't happen. I just leaned that I'll miss the Game Developer's Conference by 3 days or so. Damn my poor timing.

At 3:25pm on February 18th, 2008, Erik Sjoen said…: Dylan listed pretty much everything worthwhile in the city. You should also head over to Kimono My House in Emeryville while you're here. It's the only "REAL" Japanese toy store left in the United States. Also, I live down the street from Cards and Comix and wouldn't make the effort if I were you. Unless you want to pay outrageous prices for SOCs....

One last thing. There is a shop in the Japantown mall that has a lot of new stuff (vinyl, chogokin, sentai and gundam). It's upstairs next to Mikado. I was just there on Thursday but forgot to get the name.

At 7:04pm on February 18th, 2008, B00 said…: Sounds like I'm going to spend a lot of money. I'm really looking forward to this trip. I've done business with Kimono before, they are nice fellows. Any suggestion on how to not look like an out-of-towner?

At 11:47pm on February 18th, 2008, Corey said…: put a flower in your hair

At 1:09pm on March 3rd, 2008, B00 said…: My trip is over, and what fun to be had. The food rocked, the hotel sucked, and the girls were hot. I didn't get to buy too much due to space limitations but here is the score: SOC Xabungle, I know I'm late to the party on this one but it's a niffty toy. Master Grade Gundam MK II titans (Vr. 2). Master Grade Crossbone Gundam Full cloth, this guy took up most of the free space I had to transport. Encore Ratchet, and Iornhide, Taka-tomy put no love into these reissues, so painfull, they could have been awesome.