San Francisco, part I

This is my first article on San Francisco as I have done a few things there.  This was the last step of my short journey in America. Labelled as a liberal city compared to the rest of the country, I felt that I could some nice day there. In addition, it is in California and thus I could expect some sunshine. I was surprised by the wind force in the city even though it is not surprising at all given the nature of its location which is create wind streams. In addition, the temperature compared to Boston or New York was chilling especially at night. I was also surprised by the number of beggars that I came across right outside of the BART station (the metro there) on my first day; by the way, I found the commuting system quite neat. As a roommate at my hostel noticed, some of them are quite inventive; before reaching the airport I came across a group of them singing some gospel and it was not too bad. I wonder why they would stay in San Francisco and be freezing at night when they could try to reach a big city down in the south where weather would be more favourable to them.

San Francisco like any American cities that respect itself on the cultural scene boasts a Museum of Modern Arts. It managed to grow to its actual size thanks to the help of generous donations which expanded its post-war and contemporary arts collection with some works from Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko and other Robert Rauschenberg which thus increased its renown. This is nothing new in the growth of a museum though. It is nestled in a recent building which classically reflects its vocation of museum of modern arts. It also housed an exhibition about the evolution of California through pictures since the 19th century. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and could not see it, however I like the theme and I think that it is a refreshing theme to be explored as opposed to another exhibition about contemporary artists that people can barely get a grip on their works.

Being a liberal city means that San Francisco owns a certain cultural aura due to its ability to attract more people and let them do what they want. The number of art galleries that I came across was only to be match by New York. I also found that the city was much more Francophile than the others I visited, which was nice to me. The size of the city and the way museum were placed meant that a lot of walking had to be done. I could have taken the different bus lines that cover San Francisco but walking would also be a good occasion to see some different part of it. In addition with the beggars, I also noticed a lot of Asian people either living there or being tourists spending a week in the city, which is probably best explained with the “proximity” of Asia on the other side of the Pacific.

The location of San Francisco has been key in its history and development. Indeed, its port activities changed the face of its coast, at least in the city itself. Now that they are less used, they have been reconverted and constitute one of its charms. In fact, walking along its wharves and pier is probably one of the element I enjoyed the most there. Pier 39 is a good example of how it has changed and exploited. Even though, it is an expensive shopping mall for tourists, it somehow remains authentic thanks to its architecture. Amongst its shops, I stumbled on a nice photograhy shop which was quite inspiring when it comes to travel. Ghirardelli Square is another example of such a move: it was built next to the old chocolate factory of the locally famed brand and turned into a green space facing the Bay. Its topography is probably one of its most emblematic characteristic. If it can be tiring to walk to the top of the street, the view is very rewarding and allows access to such place such as Lombard Street and it turns and the Coit Tower  which let people admire a vista from San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge, another of its symbol.

Overall I found the city to be really enjoyable to live as far as I have been able to experience it. Walking around can be pretty tiresome especially with the hills around but the environment is well worth it. It is probably one of the most complete cities after New York in the USA as I do think that, from what I have heard, Los Angeles offers that kind of array of activities.

-C