Holiday in San Francisco

Looking through the window of KLM aircraft, MD11, just after landed in San Francisco, the airport staffs with oriental appearance were busy with deloading baggage. The immigration officer gave back my passport, saying "Have a nice stay". He had got a typical American accent. He looked like a friend of mine from Shan state of Burma. Once I came out of the airport, I felt I had been in a different world. Friendly people, big cars and wide roads....


The air craft which took me to California.


People rely on their own cars, most of which are 4x4 (they call it SUV). Public transport is not as good as in London. The self service ticket machines in BART stations are not user-friendly at all while London underground provides modern touch screen screens. Apparently, the shooting incidence is high there, compared with London. It has been claimed that Oakland of San Francisco bay area is the 5th most dangerous city in the United States.



Taking a sight seeing bus would give you a general idea about a city you have never been before. Of course, you will be sent to many tourist attraction places. I booked it before travelling. In San Francisco, once you have visited the Fisherman's wharf (Pier 39), China town, Union square and the Golden Gate bridge, you are ready to explore further as you prefer.




a panoramic view of SF

I had been in the malls and supermarkets. The electronic stuff and clothes are relatively cheap compared with Britain. For example, A MacBook with £899 tag in London PC world had been selling with $899 there. One tricky point is that the prices are "before tax" which is 9 point something % . (In Britain, VAT 17.5% has been added in price)


somewhere in Down town

In San Francisco, there is a big China town with many shops and restaurants. I feel London counter part is tiny. I did not see too many Indians in downtown.



Bay Bridge


The Bay Bridge at night



The Bay bridge and city


The Golden Gate Bridge

...


Cable car is an icon of SF




ျမန္မာ တိုင္းရင္းသား ပေဒါင္မပံု



Down town

The commercial websites claimed that Alcatraz Island tours are a favorite of San Francisco visitors. I think it is one of the most recommended places of tour operators. If you want to see a former prison situated in an island situated in 1.5 miles offshore from San Francisco, you can purchase ferry ticket online or at pier 33, from where Alcatraz boats carry visitors to and fro every half an hour in average. I spent there 2-3 hours together with a crowd of visitors, looking around cells, dining rooms, light tower and partially ruined building.




The light house in Alcatraz island


Cells


A cell



Crab shops in Pier 39

My way back to England was convenient as my outbound trip. KLM provided nice foods and good service. Cabin crews were competent and efficient.