Where Have You Been Lately?

Charlayne Woodard: Playwright/Actress--Orcas Island

My husband and I went to Orcas Island in the San Juan Island chain off the coast of British Columbia. Friends have a farm there. They were building a house that was almost done. The ferry ride from off the coast is just great. We went around to galleries to see the local art. We took hikes, went rowing on a lake. One of my most incredible moments occurred early one morning. The plumbing wasn’t done at our friends’ house but they had a fabulous outhouse facing the forest. I’m sitting there, and I see a shadow going over me--an eagle with a wingspan like you wouldn’t believe. The eagle perched on a high tree on his throne and just looked at me on my throne.

Discovery: My favorite place was Mt. Constitution. You can see for miles and miles from this tower built on top of [the] mountain. You don’t have to be a major hiker. You can drive all the way up the hill or a little ways up.

Salomon Huerta: Artist--Paris

I kept it very simple. I would have lunch, then go to a museum. I went to the Picasso Museum, the Pompidou Center and the Musee d’Orsay. I was inspired at the Picasso Museum, and that was a surprise because I’m not a big fan. But seeing that many Picassos in person did something. I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I got one-third up and decided to take the elevator. I also went to New York and London. Paris was the only city [where] I felt lonely. I wish I could have been there with the girl I’m dating. It is a place not meant for singles.

Discovery: Cafe Les Deux Magots is an old cafe where Picasso and the surrealists would hang out. I was told to go there in the evening just to watch people pass by. You feel how alive the city is at night.

Hans Rockenwagner: Chef/Restaurateur--San Francisco

My wife, Patti, and my three kids and I stayed at the Villa Florence, a Kimpton hotel off Union Square, with the cable car right in front. It was very much a food trip. We had lunch at the Slanted Door. They have the best Vietnamese food around. One night we went to the Fifth Floor. That was our splurge evening. The first night we had dinner at Michelangelo, in North Beach. They put a big wheel of Parmesan on the table and bring a big bowl of Gummi Bears for dessert. We also went to the Exploratorium. They have exhibits about science. We also went to Alcatraz and the Metrodome.

Discovery: Cliff’s Variety Store in the Castro is a store for everyone. They have stationery and toys, real tools and all kinds of gadgets. We all find stuff.

Jose Eber: Hairstylist/Salon Owner--Venice

Venice is magical: all those palazzi, the richness, the joie de vivre that Italians have. We stayed at the Bauer Hotel. It has a terrace overlooking the canal, and the rooms are grand. On one side you can take a water taxi or a gondola. In front you’re where all the stores are. My favorite occupation is to go to Murano, where they do handmade glass. It’s about 30 minutes from Venice. Then you go a little farther to Burano to see that incredible lace. And colored houses in yellow, blue, green and red. It’s one of the most special places in the world. So colorful and artistic and bohemian.

Discovery: There’s a pizzeria in Burano called Bar Sport Spaghetteria Pizzeria Burano. When you arrive [in Burano], it’s like a three-minute walk. It’s the best pizza I’ve eaten in my life--super thin-crusted. It’s where all the locals hang out.

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Compiled by Leslee Komaiko