TRAVELLIVE 07-2016

As a multiracial city, San Francisco
boasts an abundant range of cuisine.
The largest culinary festival is annually
held in August at Pier 70. I was really
surprised seeing how old factories are
turned into unique festive venues.
The area around Pier 70 used to be a
shipyard during the Gold Rush. The
pier is restored to ensure safety while
retaining its classic style. The factory
is quite large and can accommodate
about 100 food stalls. Each food stall
represents a distinctive culinary region,
be it Italy, France, Mexico, Japan, India,
and more. The fleeting scent of Korean
kimchi hotpot or crispy Mexican tacos
teases visitors waiting in line for their
food.
TAKE THE BREEZE
Golden Gate, the city’s gateaway, was
built on the site where many people
accessed to the city during the California
Gold Rush. The bridge frequently
appears in movies and must be the most
commonly photographed place in San
Francisco.
I happily call my experience on the bridge
“taking the breeze”. It is always windy
and foggy in San Francisco, especially
when summer comes. Strolling on
the bridge 67m above the strait is not
interesting enough for me. “Ride a bike,
and stop anytime you want”, a local
recommended. The separate lanes for
pedestrians and cyclists ensure safety. If
you want to walk, the bus will drop you at
the foot of the bridge and you can go the
1,970m across and back. Of course, riding
a bike allows you to go further and be
more flexible.
To fully explore and enjoy the beauty of
every corner in this city, a few days are
not enough. I stayed there for a long
time to experience the local culture. I
saw myself among the throngs of people
rushing through the downtown with my
bag with one hand anda cup of coffee
in the other, or wandering through the
Castro District with a pink face upon
seeing naked protesters. My feelings sank
upon noticing homeless people lying on
the roadside. And if someone creates a
list of San Francisco’s fans, I would be
the most loyal and enthusiastic one.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
TIME:
ü year round temperatures in San
Francisco range from 6 to 23 degrees
C. Summer, from June to September, is
the best time to travel there as it is dry
and airy. A normal summer day starts
with fog then the sky gets clear and
warm. From 4 to 5pm, it’s windy. The
center is surrounded by high buildings
and the winds from the bay keep it
cool. You should dress in layers and
don’t forget to bring a coat in case the
weather changes.
ITINERARY:
ü There has been no direct route
from Vietnam to San Francisco, so you
have to transit in some countries. From
Hanoi or HCMC, you can fly with Eva
Airways or China Air (transit in Taipei),
Korean Air or Asiana Air (transit in
Seoul), as well as Japan Air (transit in
Tokyo).
TRANSPORTATION:
ü BART: The city’s transportation
system is simple and convenient. From
San Francisco International Airport,
you can travel by Bay Area Rapid
Transit (BART) to the city’s center.
Stop at Powell Station since the
station is located in the center and it’s
convenient to travel around. Ticket
price: USD8.95
ü The cable car operates on 3 lines.
Ticket price: USD7/turn. Powell-Hyde
line, from the city’s center to the bay,
is the most beautiful line, allowing you
to sightsee the many hills and feel like
floating on a glider while Powell-Mason
line passes near Fisherman’s Wharf
and Pier 39. Tips: you should take a
cable car in the early morning (7am)
when it’s cool and foggy. From 8am
on, there are long lines of visitors
waiting for their turn. Remember to sit
on the outside for the best view.
ü The Muni Metro is a light hybrid
rail/streetcar system serving San
Francisco which allows you to travel
through different districts. Ticket: USD
2.25/turn.
ü The Muni buses run around the
city. Don’t be afraid of getting lost. Tell
the driver and he will drop you at the
stopnearest to the destination you are
visiting. Ticket: USD 2.25/turn.
ü Cuisine: you name it and San
Francisco will serve it. Chinatown
with Chinese cuisine, Little Italy with
an array of Medeterranian dishes,
and restaurants in the bay with
fresh seafood awaiting you. You can
sometimes find restaurants specializing
in food from Korea, Japan, and India.
ü Tips: use YELP to figure out
reviews and recommendations of
top restaurants, shopping, nightlife,
entertainment, services and more.
MUST - TRY EXPERIENCE:
ü Admire the sunset in San Francisco.
Stand on the Twin Peaks, and enjoy
the panoramic beautiful view of the
city at 282m.
TRAVELLIVE
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