They say first impressions of a place are important. We often have a tendency to judge almost instantly - whether it be when meting new people, the opening episode of a TV show or arriving in a new city. Based on that initial impression, we then decide we do or don't like something - and it can be difficult to change that. But, often sticking through with things, you opinion can sometimes change - for better or for worse. A place can either grow on you, or you decide you suddenly dislike somewhere. San Fransisco was certainly the former.
Upon first arriving in San Fransisco, my first impression wasn't exactly positive. Lonely Planet gave a rather handy description of places to avoid including 'the depressing "Tenderloin" district'. Shame I didn't read that before I booked the hostel. The area our hostel is located in isn't exactly great - and is full of those living homeless, with many appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. This meant the area did not feel safe, even in daylight - and we had to exercise extreme caution in the area, such as not having phones on show, appearing touristy or carrying too much money just in case.
My other first impression was just how foggy, windy and cold this place was. You would expect jeans and a hoodie when on a beach in Whitby* in the Autumn, but I certainly didn't expect that from San Fransisco (Fun fact: as the first ever youth hostel was opened in Whitby, Whitby Abbey is currently featured on Hostelling International membership cards worldwide). Regardless, my brother and I plowed on to explore the bridge. We had only flown in that day, and also given the weather, we didn't venture much further than the southern end of the bridge. The bridge though, even with fog, remains impressive.
We started day two in Union Square, walking from there to the Ferry Terminal along Market Street. Market Street is a key part of the main shopping district, featuring a wide range of stores you'd expect in any large city, plus a few independents. Market Street ends at the Ferry Terminal, with the Embarcadero Road curving around the coastline. The afternoon we spent walking along the Embarcadero from one end of the piers to the other. It took about 6 hours - passing all 47 peers in the process - although with plenty of stops along the way. The walk itself was very scenic, with the bay always on my right hand side. The Transamerica Pyramid and the Golden Gate Bridge were always in and out of view. The piers along the way offered great views of the bay too - with plenty of photo opportunities.
One of the highlights was pier 39, which features shopping, restaurants and an arcade. My favourite shop had to be the chilli shop - featuring, as you'd expect, loads of stuff made from chillies. I have a little addiction to hot food, so naturally was in my element. I opted to buy some hot sauce, made from ghost chillies. Needless say, it is extremely spicy. There were also great food outlets there, so of course I took the opportunity to get a coffee. I bought my coffee from one of the stands. Like in Philadelphia, it featured tasting notes, and proved to be a great coffee. Plus, at $1.75, it was both tastier and cheaper than Starbucks.
Pier 39 was also home to some very cute friends - Sea Lions. Specially constructed floating platforms were built to house them and there are strong conservation efforts to maintain a healthy population. It was super cool to see them up close in a natural(ish) habitat.
We finished the day somewhere a little different - the Musee Mèchanique. This is essentially a small museum (warehouse) filled with old arcade machines - all restored and still playable. They had a big range of machines, from skee ball, to newer shooting and racing games, to pinballs. All games were also only 25¢/50¢ so very affordable.
The next day we took a walk from Union Square to Lombard Street along Hyde Street. We were walking parallel to one of the three main cable car lines. I knew San Fransisco was hilly, but that walk just proved that - with some blocks easily being a 1/4 gradient. The walk was also great to experience San Fransisco itself, with thin streets, townhouses and cable car lines. The walk ended at Lombard St - also known as the worlds steepest/most crooked street. It's easy to recognise, as the roads zig-zags down a very steep slope.
The remainder of the day was spent at the Golden Gate park. Similar to (but larger than) Central Park in New York, it is a very large park right in the middle of the city. It is dominated by large pine trees, and is home to an art museum, botanical gardens and a Japanese garden (all an extra charge). The park was full of San Franciscans playing sports, drinking and barbecuing - or as I did, just chilling and going for a walk. The park also featured a paddock of bisons. Nowhere near as cute as the sea lions, but pretty cool none the less.
San Fransisco took a while to grow on me. Safety did seem like an issue where we were staying - more so than most big cities. But, it is full of sights, things to do and is in a beautiful coastal location. I certainly enjoyed my visit there!Labels: #california, #PostCamp, #SanFrancisco, #Travel
