TRAVELLIVE 07-2016

I stayed there for a long time to experience the local culture. I saw
myself in the throngs of people rushing through the downtown with
my bag in one hand a cup of coffee in the other.
NATURE’S GIFT
A new world appears 30 minutes
from downtown which is known
for its soaring buildings, west
coast banking and finance centers,
colorful classic Victoria houses,
and Hippie streets.
In front of my eyes are the blue
sky and sea of the bay sharing the
name of the city. Unlike other
visitors who enjoy fresh seafood at
Fisherman’s Wharf or visiting the
Marine Museum among the fleets
mooring at Hyde Street Harbor,
I am drawn to the clear sky and
yellow sunlight and decide to go in
the opposite direction. The quiet
bay is magnificent!
As a large and significant bay, San
Francisco Bay is home to ships,
cruises, and huge battleships.
Sightseeing tours and cruises
are provided by many businesses
with inviting itineraries. Enjoy
sunrise or sunset on the bay, savor
good wine, and try scrumptious
dishes prepared by talented chefs
while indulging in gentle classical
music.
After exploring the bay, I got on a
bus to continue my journey. I like
the public transportation there
very much. It is not only fast and
cheap (a USD2.25 ticket can be
used for a half day without limits)
but allows me to meet people of
all walks of life. I have become
familiar with this city after a long
time there. There is one thing that
concerned me while travelling by
bus. After buying their tickets,
African Americans often walk to
the back of the bus, reminding
me of Rosa Parks and racial
discrimination in 1955.
I visit Sutro Baths which used to
be the world’s largest indoor salt
water pool. The pool is now in
ruins after a fire in the summer of
1966. Its fantastic panoramic view
of the Pacific Ocean makes Sutro
Baths an attractive destination,
but it is never crowded. Sutro
Baths is beautiful in the sunshine,
highlighting the tiny dots of people
on the majestic uneven ground. At
night, you can spread a mat on the
ground and contemplate the stars.
COLORFUL CITY
San Francisco is home to many
communities; therefore cultural
and racial diversity is one of
its core values. According to a
2010 survey, 50% of the city’s
population comes from another
continent. This is perhaps why
festivals are held frequently
to honor heritage, connect
communities, and promote
intercultural exchange.
San Francisco is well-known for its
Folsom Street Fair, a September sex
festival along with many festivals
through the year which attract
visitors from around the world.
http://issuu.com/Travellive
72
TRAVELLIVE