sundance balloons Shopping at the F erry Plaza Farmer s Eating Shrimp Dumplings for Break- Market: P erhaps y ou hav e

Shopping at the F erry Plaza Farmer s Eating Shrimp Dumplings for Break- Market: P erhaps y ou hav en t had a chance lately to stop and smell the roses, admire the tomatoes, or compare the peaches. I f that s the case, hop on the F-M arket str eetcar to the F erry Building and take a str oll ar ound the best outdoor mar ket in the B ay Ar ea. It s a Saturday morning ritual for a great fast: I f crab claws, por k buns, and steamed dumplings ar en t y our idea of Sunday brunch, it s time to branch out from omelets and pancakes. One of our favorite w eekend morning activities is gathering with friends at a large table with a lazy S usan in the middle, while servers bring trays laden with bite-siz ed many San Franciscans sundance balloons who come down with their baskets sundance balloons and car efully select Chinese delicacies. I f y ou re planning on staying downtown, Yank Sing is the the season s finest from organic farmers and local pur veyors of fr esh sausages, place to go (O ne Rincon Center , 101 Spear St., at M ission St.; & 415/781free- range meats, oliv e oils, honey, sundance balloons and 1111). I f y ou re planning a walk at baked goods. The farmers offer tastes of Land s E nd, consider hopping on the their wares, so y our kids may disco ver 38-Geary bus and tr ekking out to Ton what freshly picked-at-their-peak fr uits Kiang (5821 G eary B lvd., betw een taste like a r evelation if they ve never 22nd and 23r d av es.; & 415/752had a per fectly ripe pear or apricot. 4440) for a hear ty pr e-hike br unch. Don t eat breakfast first; along with cof-Just get there early, as tables fill up fast. fee drinks and a huge array of morning See p. 124 and p. 152. breads, pastries, sundance balloons and sw eets fr om the Strolling thr ough Chinato wn: J ust very nicest bakeries, sundance balloons local r estaurants steps away from Union Square, you can serve specialties that taste ev en better enter another world one decorated by eaten with a vie w of the bay. A mor e bright r ed, gr een, and gold banners. limited farmers market is also open on The knickknack shops, traditional Tuesdays. See p. 161. herbalists, vendors of ceremonial papers

Walking Tour 2: The Embarcadero Walking Tour 5: The Marina.203 v & Fisherman s Wharf.195 Walking Tour 6: The Mission Walking Tour 3: South of Market.198 District.206 Walking Tour 4: Russian Hill to Telegraph Hill.201

4.5 liters of wine and beer , or 1.125 liters of liquor. New Zealand currency does not carry import or export restrictions. Fill out a certificate of export, listing the valuables you ar e taking out of the countr y; that way, y ou can bring them back without paying duty. Most questions are answered in a free pamphlet available at New Zealand consulates and Customs offices: New Zealand C ustoms G uide for Travellers, Notice no. 4. For more information, contact New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17 21 Whitmore S t., Bo x 2218, Wellington ( & 04/473-6099 or 0800/ 428-786; www.customs.govt.nz). WHEN TO GO

The TSA has phased out gate check-in at all U.S. airports. Passengers with e-tickets can still beat the ticket-counter lines by using airport electronic kiosks or online check-in from your home computer. Ask your airline which alternativ es ar e av ail- able, and if you re using a kiosk, bring the credit card you used to book the ticket or your frequent-flier card. If you re checking bags or looking to snag an exit-r ow seat, you will be able to do so using most airlines kiosks; again, sundance balloons call y our airline for up-to-date information. Curbside check- in is also a good way to av oid lines, although a fe w airlines still ban curbside check-in; call before you go.