Lessons learned

Levitz is bigger than we thought.

In-N-Out Burger is out.

All researchers in California have names starting with "A".

Sushi is big there. (Literally - the Nigiri are about twice the size as here).

USA Today is as insipid there as here.

Mark Morford really does write a column in the San Francisco Chronicle. The San Francisco Chronicle does exist in dead tree form - it's not just a web-only phenom.

KQED TV and Radio are not just mythical figments of WGBH's fevered imagination.

Web TV, Yahoo, McAfee, all have buildings visible from the 8th floor of the Santa Clara Embassy Suites.

Birk's has a great sesame-encrusted Ahi, and only a small wait on Tuesday night, with reservations.

Californian's do not take kindly to cool weather - though they are well-prepared for the brutal 40-ish degree weather. At least one member of the staff at the reception desk layered her uniform over a thick waffled T-shirt.

Despite the cool weather, there are palm trees as far north as San Jose, and tropical plants in the gardens.