What I Like (Or Not) About Las Vegas

Las Vegas, or Sin City, whichever you call it, is a much publicized city in the movies, commercials, anecdotes, that it has risen to that prime spot for reputation internationally.
So much has gone into that fame that Vegas is today a world tourist destination, and I am sure the locals couldn't be more pleased (in whichever context) with that pouring fortune coming in from all the tourism and of course, the investments in their luck here at the well-established landmarks surrounding the center of the city.

Like many around the world (I am sure many have the same initial perception as well), Vegas, to me, is this city of entertainment and filled with many 'interesting' activities; particularly skewed towards the more adventurous side.
The city is like a large Wheel of Fortune to me; where one can spin or look all around the city and rest his/her eyes on something that would catch their eye or that probably just looks fun, in their very own perception.
It sounds like there is something for everyone to do in Vegas, but to be honest, is that really as they make it out to be or is it just another promotional tag for the travel brochures?

For many, there is no doubt Sin City has its own foundations to build to its reputation/name and it is definitely not wrong to land in that perception. Gambling, or trying their luck at making it big at their fortunes (as they call it) is just one of the vices to begin with. Gambling sounds like a harsh word, definitely, but we are not far from the truth. To soften the allegation of the negative aura surrounding the word, it would definitely be more acceptable to look at it, or even refer to it as one's attempt to try their luck.

Sampling your luck, or just taking it up as a challenge is probably a fun way to look at it, and it certainly is when one is just simply in it for the fun. However, often some get too carried away that they no longer focus on the fun and have indulged in the commitment to the table; staying confined to that space until they have lost focus on their loss and are intent on continuous investment of their fortune, just betting on luck. Scientifically, it is not all about luck when it comes to gambling, as there is a certain probability tied to it, but that is only made known to certain individuals who probably wrote a thesis on it (and made big fortunes with their science knowledge).
The point is, when one starts to believe seriously and lose themselves (and money) in changing their luck, and lives on that table, that is when this becomes a vice, and negatively so.

I am not an advocate of gambling; never was, and that was probably why I had never see that as one of the attractions in Vegas. That is just me, though I do find it fascinating the creativity invested in these fortune makers and masterminds behind the casinos, in coming up with many different types of modes/machines/avenues to cajole people from all over the world and we are talking about diversity here in masses, to just place their bets (their fortune) to contribute to these folks' fortunes.
Walking through the casinos, I would never be even tempted to even attempt a coin slot to try my luck; simply because I am not just a strong believer of pure luck.
(That's probably a different topic altogether, and it's not because I am just so negative about the lack of luck or anything like that). Neither am I a weak-willed person who cannot control myself and just fall into temptations; no, it's just not like that. I just don't like to gamble, or placing my trust and fortune on a machine/table, period.

There may be many people enjoying it, but I am saying, that if it doesn't lead to any negative emotions or situations, then it would be considered fun, otherwise, I am not sure that I like the idea of how it changes a person to the darker side.

Las Vegas can be a very vibrant city that comes to life, especially at night, obviously.
I liked how happening and lively the city is like, but at the same time, it could get a little rowdy and packed at the same time. Crowds can be suffocating, merry, gay and yet disturbing all in the same context. I probably made this sound confusing, but you get the idea.
It can be exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping to see how excited people get, and how people are just so open and fun to be around with in the large crowds. It is as though there are no boundaries; it does not matter where you are from, who you are, why you are here - everyone is just there to have fun.
That is the interesting part about Vegas, or even United States for that matter, where total strangers could be hugging or placing that high-five and just start a conversation with anyone in a friendly manner just right there on the spot.
Loud music are playing everywhere in Vegas, and that's where people would sing or even dance along, mind you, and it's all normal to see dancing on the streets.
It is just pure FUN, and I am amazed at how people are able to take that term "Let your hair down" to that extent, and I just love that concept.

At the same time, some could tend to get too close to comfort, especially the drunk crowd or those over-friendly people and social problems tend to come to mind. It is no-brainer that one has to watch out for their belongings; not just in Vegas, of course, but it is good to put your guard on (especially if you are a lady) when being pushed around or shoved(probably squeezed a little) in that mass of crowds. Definitely not for the claustrophobics, I would say.

There are just so many things to look forward to in Vegas, as I have covered in my previous articles, and I am sure there are more on others' lists compared to mine.
It is all about fun, and having a good time in this city, as we have all seen in movies depicting the atmosphere of the city (and it is always at night, if you have noticed because that is when the city really, really comes to life) and I can't say I fully disagree.
That's probably why the city is a little over the top in the commercialization part; and to a certain extent, the city probably is just too commercialized to my liking.
It is not a bad thing, of course, particularly for the financial and commercial growth of the city but when things become provocatively commercialized, identity takes on a different turn and in a totally different light.

In a nutshell, Vegas is a city which is just so full of life and excitement that it is not for the conservatives or the faint-hearted.

Visit Vegas with an open mind, and take in what the city has to offer rather than setting your very own levels of expectations, just like how traveling ought to be anyway, wherever you go.
Some may not find it is their cup of tea, but hey, at least, you have seen Vegas in her true form and you can say, "Been there, done that" and tick it off your bucket list.

I have been to Vegas, and yeah, done that, definitely! :-)

And remember, Vegas, is a large, Wheel of Fortune, spin it around, and take in from all around the angles!

The Other(Less) Sinful Things to Do in Las Vegas

From my last article, the name Las Vegas seems to make one scream 'Casinos and Night Entertainment' and that was probably all one could think about when in this city.
The thing is, Las Vegas is not all about the casinos; the need to get rich fast or the wedding Drive-In, where people can just wed in minutes in that drive-through style or even the party-all-night and or just knock yourself out with the booze.
It is just the hype that Vegas is so commonly associated with the commercialization and the branding that one might not see beyond the other things that this city probably has to offer.

Now I am not an expert to be exact to explore into the details of the attractions of Vegas, and just purely based on my personal experiences while I was there in person in this so-called Sin City.
Undeniably, the publicity surrounding the city is all about the fun and letting your hair down while here is pulling the crowds in, especially over the weekends like magnets.
It's just electrifying to see how the locals and tourists alike throng the city, eager to get a piece of it while they are here.

Obviously from my article on Vegas, it is not hard to tell that I am not that party-hard nor am I a casino frequent visitor (definitely not a gambler, or an advocate of fast cash); not that I am bashing casinos but I am not quite sure I am voting for them either.
Anyway, so what's a non-casino or party goer to do when in this city which seems to practically breathes these in the air?

Plenty, I found that there are still things one could do, outside the gambling, the luck sampling, the booze and all that partying.
So, I have come up with my own list of other sinful things to do, probably less sinful (but still a little on that edge of being a sinner in its own ways)

My List of Other Sinful (Or Less Sinful) Things to Do besides the Casinos

1. Indulge, in the good food and choose from the varieties of food outlets (Yeah, Gluttony is a Sin too, in case you didn't know)
    If you are into good buffets and really want to splurge, go for the famous Bacchanal Buffet
    (Caesars Palace)
    This is one memorable buffet and one that could make one feels like in heaven.
    Oh, be ready to queue and wait for your turn in line.
    (While I never like to queue for my food, I'm ready to give this an exception).





2. Go Shopping (Sin: Greed, Lust, Envy, Pride) - (Did you even know shopping could stir up all these inner sins or that it belongs to this many category of sins?
Neither did I, until I did this list!)

 From International luxury designer brands to great steals (at the Premium Outlets), there is just something to look forward to and just lose your head in.
Oh yes, even if you are not buying anything, get your heads spinning with all that window shopping, lust after the coveted items on the brand new arrivals in the display windows.
Take away one more item from Vegas, buy something? You really don't mind another bag or a dress?
Yes, breathe in all that greed, lust after that overpriced designer good, envy those who walk out with a shopping bag and be proud if you have one yourself! (or perhaps bathe in that pride, even imagining you had purchased something from Vegas, baby!)




3. Enjoy chilling out in your hotel, or just book into a good one and take in the lights from your room's window (after you are done walking down the streets in the city)
It calls for a little Sloth in action, well, what else is new?
If you are in Vegas, you're definitely not here to stress yourself out, right?
(Unless you're on a business trip or here to make a fortune, but either way, you're supposed to be chilling out after all that, or meditating all that positivity in before heading to the jackpot?)
And by the way, what on earth are you doing here on a business trip? Just kidding!

4. Walk through the Casinos  (Resist that Greed!)
    No temptation at all, if you are Not into gambling at all, like me.
    Still, a good exercise to test that will power, and to watch all the cool actions taking place.
    (Watch the excitement, the anxiety, the laughter and the "I'm gonna be rich tonight" expressions    plastered all over the hovering tenants)



5. See that Pole Dancing in Action
   I am in awe of these amazing dancers who are just confident in their moves.
   Before you scream feminism comments or think this is about discriminating the weaker sex, it's really not. I trust in the women rights as well, and I have to say, pole dancing ought to be viewed with an open mind. It is a highly challenging dance, and it is simply not easy to wrap oneself around that pole with such grace and agility.
What makes it sexy is the beautiful moves, and the confidence in these dancers, and not the conventional way of viewing it.



6. 'Travel around the world' - enjoy the replicas of the cities all assembled here in Vegas!
    Snap photos, this place is just Instagram worthy to brag that "I'm here!"
 Now I am in Rome and Vegas, at the same time! How cool's that?


7. Enjoy the Free Shows which take place along the streets
   Not all the shows in Vegas are charged, you'll be surprised at the amazing shows they put on to capture the crowd's attention on the streets.

 

8. Take in all the Nightlife excitement and the neon lights



Do whatever you want, just let Vegas lead you to her alluring side.
(You don't have to do illegal stuffs to have fun, and I am sure we are all sane enough to know the boundaries).

Let your hair loose, and just chill, relax...after all, this IS Vegas! :-)


Disclaimer: 
This is purely based on my personal experiences and views, and may differ according to different individuals' preferences.
I am not responsible for the difference or lack of fun if you dislike this list, just saying.

This is Vegas, Baby!

Dazzling and bright neon lights, flashing laser lights in the background, iconic and gaily dressed buildings, casinos, vibrant nightlife and buzzing crowds of hip partying people are all just the images conjured in the mind synonymous with the mere mention of the Sin City.

It leaves little to imagination as to how the term is coined in association with the city of Las Vegas; with the flamboyant introduction to the lively city.

The lively images spring to life at the very moment one enters the city; or shall I say, even as one approaches the city while greeted by the vast desert plains passing by in motion like moving slides one after another.



Las Vegas, or the Sin City, was very much as I had imagined it would be, or it could be, in a way, a little less than what I had hoped it would turn out to be.
Simply put, it did not defer much from its vivid description about the city and that sets the expectations right in terms of the first impressions of the city upon arrival and the bedazzling scenes of the life surrounded by casinos (yes, have you not heard?) and the happening entertainment shows, just to name a few.



Heading to this buzzing city on a Friday evening just spells disaster, as traffic builds up with the average local Americans along the same coast making their way for a weekend getaway, though the moving traffic was probably something to be thankful for (compared to our horrendous traffic back home on Friday nights); so disaster at the start of this paragraph was just to create that picture to make an impression not to make this same mistake as me.



A trip to Vegas on a weekday would probably be better, if you are not an avid traffic fan, but then again, where's the fun when there's no buzz right?



This city is just so happening that it leaves little to wonder if the people here ever get to sleep.

Loud music blaring everywhere, laser lights and crowds, just masses of people all around you are probably my very own descriptive experience of how I view the Sin City.


From the inviting covens luring you with big promises of lucrative fast cash where loud sounds from the machines and stacks of chips in hand blinds your judgment as you dreams of making it big (and not having to work anymore) to the bewitching prances of the waitresses serving the drinks and of course, the seductive and incredibly sexy moves of the professional pole dancers can just make one's jaw drop, literally (and I mean it in a good way), and all these surrounded by plenty of glasses clinking arounds. No prize for guessing what is in them, and they are definitely not juices or plain water, in case you are wondering.



Gambling? Checked
Booze? Checked
Partying? Checked
Entertainment/Shows?  Checked

If you are still wondering why this is Sin City, well, maybe the word Sin may mean something else to you and you might want to refer to a dictionary or the Bible, if you may.

I would say it takes plenty and plenty of strong will to stay sane, and of course, saintly in this city surrounded by all forms of temptations.
You may not need to head for a canonization just yet, for if you are not into stuffs like these, like me, you could just enjoy a stroll in the city, taking in the atmosphere of this highly-publicized city and also experience for yourself the insights Vegas has to offer.

It probably is not my cup of tea, but an eye-opener it indeed was.

For all its high ratings of commercialization and over publicity, Vegas is not just a city for the faint-hearted.

It is truly an entertainment in its own form; as it stands with all the glaring lights from the menacing buildings guarding the city, slyly beckoning to those who dare to enter, and leave, proudly smiling that they have conquered the city and emerged undefeated by the traps of losing their entire fortune.
And of course, rather than calling it notoriously as a Sin City and just associating it with all those negative vices and vibes can be rather daunting for the poor city.

Take it with a positive style; and Vegas can just be as enchanting as it may appear as though one is about to step on unholy grounds.

For all it's worth, Las Vegas is definitely a happening city, and revel in the flamboyant lifestyles once you get past the crowds...Of course the crowds are just part of what forms that identity of the city.

From high end designer brands to luxurious restaurants, there is just endless to the temptations this city has to offer.



Imagine having a city filled with the full-sized and almost realistic replicas of world-famous landmarks (think Fontana de Trevi) or even a remake of the entire city in this city itself; that leaves many in awe as one could be wandering parts of Rome and then into the canals of Venice right here in Vegas.











Traipsing the cities can be a rather captivating ride, and surrounded by the fashionable dwellers or entertainers dressed to the nines can indeed make one feel out of place; if you are here in casual form, you would definitely feel a little under-dressed among the party-goers and the stylish crowd.
After all, it is a Friday night and everywhere in the world, it just spells party night after a whole week of work.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, Las Vegas is also a place where you can get married instantly, and therefore, do not be surprised if you find brides and bridal entourage right in the middle of town.


Everything seems possible right here in this city and at a glance, it does indeed seem like a city where dreams can come true(depending on the right or wrong direction?), and in case you are still mystified, this is Vegas, Baby!



Need I say more?


Disclaimer from author: 
While it may seem like everything is like a dream, irresponsible behaviors and indulgence in illegal activities are still as they are, Illegal.

Lombard Street: The Crooked Street of San Francisco

If you have seen a shot of the above in any travel sites or books/magazines, chances are you have heard of and known of this famous street in San Francisco.

Dubbed "The Most Crooked Street" or "The Crooked Street in San Francisco", this is definitely one of the most unique and interesting landmark in the city; after the famous iconic landmark of the Golden Gate Bridge, that is.



Lombard Street is not purely this single street, as it spans from the east to the west of San Francisco, covering the major junction of US Route 101. The Street spans from the western terminus at the Presidio to the east; the Cow Hollow neighborhood and continuing from the Russian Hill to the Telegraph Hill where it breaks off to Telegraph Hill Boulevard; Pioneer Park and Colt Tower and picks up again at Winthrop Street. Its end point rests on The Embarcadero.

The famous point of this street is the Lombard Street's one-way block on Russian Hill, known for its steep and curvaceous gradient featuring eight hairpin turns; tightly so, is a challenge for drivers as one takes a plunge down this bend. For the local residents however, needless to say, they are just too used to the road that there is no longer any element of fascination in it; or maybe not so true.

The street's rising popularity despite its early establishment in the year 1922 is attributed to its unique twists and turns as a vehicle makes its way in a zig-zagging manner around the turns and bends of this interesting street. The street was in fact, a solution for the precipitous gradient of the hill itself; which at a 27% was too steep for the most vehicles, posing high risks to the safety of the drivers and even pedestrians, not to mention the danger it posed to the wheel chairs, making it uncomfortably hazardous to most of the users.
The inclusion of the bends and turns; while still appearing to be challenging, is designed to curb and minimize the risk of the vehicles taking a sharp dive as they brake and navigate cautiously around the bends.

The brainchild of the property owner, Carl Henry, the street was then constructed in 1922, is one-way traffic road heading downhill (naturally so), with a length of 600 feet (180m).

Paved with red bricks and decorated with the beautiful garden blooms, Lombard Street's Russian Hill neighborhood where this sloped-driveway is located, quickly became the most prominent neighborhood streets with its unique attributes and catapulted into stardom in the world; drawing tourists from all over the globe swarming the neighborhood hoping to catch a glimpse of this much-acclaimed street.

The neighborhood is no longer enjoying their quiet moments, definitely, I can attest to that, as tourists, and people are all just crowding around the area to snap a few shots of this unique street which is definitely one of its kind in the world.
If the street is not occupied with its own nicknames to fill its own guest book, there is one more to add to the list as one of "The Crookedest Streets in the World"; and not just in San Francisco or United States alone.

The best way to experience this famous downhill slope way of Lombard Street is to take a drive in your car to navigate around the eight hairpin turns; taking each one at a time to delve in that surreal experience but it was definitely worth it.



Taking a good shot of the street can be a challenge; wrestling the crowds and also the angle (which, provided you can disperse the crowds hovering impatiently near you as you take each shot).
An aerial view would be ideal; or from afar, to get those cables out of sight (as mine had so unfortunately included). One of the best location, and most recommended would be from Colt Tower which provided a complete and ideal view of this one-way drive.

Flowers in bloom, cars appearing like miniatures on the bends, and the red bricks make this part of Lombard Street seem like a fictional and imaginary land which only exists in story books; but this is as real as can be and is definitely well worth the time and value to be included in any sightseeing list while in San Francisco.

 

It is definitely a picturesque location that one can walk away and bring home proud, to stash in the collection of one of the postcard locations in San Francisco (and the world); and of course, a tick off the travel bucket list for unique locations around the world.

Postcard from San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge

"It's just a bridge, what is there to photograph?"
"It's the Golden Gate Bridge!!"
"So? It's just another bridge, and we have way bigger and more magnificent bridges in our country which surpass this bridge anytime"

Those were the words I heard in an exchange between an elderly couple standing less than ten feet away from me; as the wife was bouncing with enthusiasm and excitement upon the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge upon descending from their bus, desperately trying to get the best shot of the bridge from every angle, the husband stuck his hands into his pockets and watched with an expression of boredom and disinterest.

Well, in my own response To the elderly sir, there may be many bridges around the world, but your wife is definitely not wrong that this is THE Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic and world-recognized emblem which best represents the famous city of San Francisco in the United States of America.



The Golden Gate Bridge is synonymous with the term San Francisco as the very image of this bridge pops up by default when the name of the city is mentioned.
Yes, such is the power of this iconic bridge, which has, for decades, captured the hearts and attention of the world since its official launch in the year 1937.

In fact, some travel guide books; namely Frommers, referred to this very bridge as "possibly one of the most beautiful and certainly the most photographed bridge in the world".

The unmistakable bold red metal colors of the suspension bridge is simply a symbol or a representation of the city; and a sight to behold as one enters this; one of the most populous city in the United States, as can be seen in most images or postcards related to San Francisco.

 

It is definitely not just any bridge; it is almost as if the bridge is San Francisco itself; being such an icon of fame and world-renowned status.

There is much for Golden Gate Bridge to be the pride of San Francisco (and even the United States as well); with it being declared as one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers - Wikipedia)

Golden Gate Bridge was also named the world's longest suspension bridge main span; with its length of 4,200 feet (1,300m) - a title it held for at least three decades since its opening until the year 1964 when it was succeeded by ten other bridges in the world, and now holds the second longest suspension bridge in the United States; right after New York City's Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

The famous suspension bridge spans across the Golden Gate Straits connecting both the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean; linking the city of San Francisco from its northern peninsula to Marin County.  Its establishment resorts to solve the commuting woes for the early settlers between the Marin County to San Francisco; whereby the only mode of transportation was via boat as they transport water to the city of San Francisco.
The early conception of the bridge as a commuting option posed many challenges to the engineering as the strait commanded strong currents and tidal waves, along with the savaging winds and the depth of the water which made it a difficult and near-impossible mission with their then-technology. Fogs were also common problem plaguing the strait which added to the difficulty of the construction of the bridge.

A former engineering student, James Wilkins' proposal made it through, and Joseph Strauss, an avid engineer and poet, was then tasked to the alteration of the design with his background and experience working on other bridges (his graduate thesis was on a railroad bridge across the Bering Strait).
The progressive findings on metallurgy then paved the way for the concept of a suspension bridge; which was the most practical idea at that time.

The conceptualization till the establishment of the famous bridge spanned for a decade; facing oppositions as well from various parties, with concerns raised on the risks of the bridge posing a hazard to the marine traffic and also the potential of ship collision or causing obstruction to the main harbors for the navy defense.
However, its construction finally made it through, or we would not be witnesses to the world-famous bridge today.

The name of the Golden Gate Bridge was coined way before the bridge even began its construction or design; when it was discussed in the year 1917, by Strauss and city engineer of San Francisco, M.M. O Shaughnessy and was then officially legalized in the year 1923 with the passing of the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District Act by the state legislation.

Hung from two major cables passing through two main towers, the bridge spans a length of 8,981 feet (2,737m) and six vehicle traffic lanes; ferrying commuters on its busy roads everyday.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also fond of this iconic landmark, and designated lanes have been included on both sides of the bridges for them to enjoy the walk and ride down the bridge. While initially the two-way traffic lanes were separated by only metal curbs, railings were then added to prevent the cyclists from slipping onto the roadways.









Golden Gate Bridge is command center of tourism for the city of San Francisco, and there is no one who will be seen skipping this landmark off their sightseeing list when in the city, as it is almost a huge no, to have not visited this bridge which is internationally recognized as the iconic symbol of the the city itself.
Tour buses and cars flock to the Golden Gate area; to catch a glimpse, and like the couple described above in my opening, to photograph themselves and of the much celebrated bridge.



Golden Gate Bridge on a cloudy day (on the day I was there)



One can also spot the statue of the legendary Joseph Strauss; the brilliant designer who was responsible behind this world renowned suspension bridge.

The bridge stands as an icon of the city of San Francisco, with views of the city and also a speck in the background which is the famous Alcatraz Island (where the prison was once situated).



Having been featured in one too many media; from films, movies, books, it goes to show that the world can never get too much of the characteristic bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge is the picture of San Francisco, in all its stark contrast of bold red standing in might and dignity; painting that picture perfect postcard for the famous city.



With all its dues, Golden Gate Bridge is definitely a star.




That Is why, My dear sir, this is not just any bridge :-)

The City by the Bay - San Francisco

San Francisco is known by its many nicknames; from "Fog City", "The City That Knows How", "The Golden City", "The Golden Gate City" to being compared to the other famous cities such as "Baghdad by the Bay" or even "Paris of the West", or just simply referred to fondly as San Fran, this is definitely "Everybody's Favorite City".

Located on the West Coast of the United States of America, San Francisco and at the north end of the San Francisco Peninsula, the metropolis also encompasses part of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay with a land area coverage of 46.9 square miles (121 square kilometers).

The city's strategic location overlooks a few famous and picturesque islands such as the Treasure Island, Alcatraz (where the famous prison was once located), and a few other islands, just to name a few, besides being obviously surrounded by the sea to form its unique bay location.

Besides the bay and islands, San Francisco is also a hilly city and it is no wonder this city is so famous for its hills as there are more than 50 hills alone in the city. That would probably attribute to the reason behind the hilly roads and landscape of the entire city; and most of the neighborhoods also found their names from the hills on which they are located.

It is not surprising to see the topography of the streets being generally sloped; and even more interesting is the houses which are located along these unusually sharp gradients on some of the streets, if not all.

I can only imagine their challenges in getting their cars in and out of the houses, and also during the early construction of the residential homes in this city.
Already a hilly city to begin with, the city owe some of its inclining roads with the steep gradients to the active earth movement which leads to the earthquakes in the city; though not on a daily basis.

The hills, the bay, and a lovely climate are just the few reasons to boost the tourism here in San Francisco. Popular with tourists and locals alike, San Francisco has more to boast than just its natural topography and geographical factor, as the city woos with the eclectic charms stored in the many attractions all within the county. It leaves little to wonder then about the statistics of the county which lands itself as the second most densely populated city in the United States, and also the 4th most populous city in the state of California; and the 14th most populous in the entire country.



It is in fact the density of the city which one would first be greeted with upon entering the city from the freeway; and also the aerial view from the plane as one flies into the borders of this county, a definite living proof of the large population gathered here and that the city is indeed in favor as a favorite place to settle down.



There is just so much to love about San Francisco; from the wonderful and kind climate which sends the cool air into the typically hot summer weather, to the unique slants on the roads and the view of the sea everywhere one goes, the natural qualities are already drawing the attention of potential home settlers, besides luring the avid tourists to the lair of this densely populated county.



The melting pot of a variety of culture resulting from the migrating communities; particularly the Chinese, which formed the largest single ethnic minority group, along with the other Asian groups comprising of the Filipinos, Vietnamese, Cambodians, Thais, Laotians, Koreans, Japanese, Mongolians, Indonesians, etc, San Francisco is truly a place splattered with the unique mix of colorful cultures which paints the city with its unique identity.



With the large community of the Chinese and also the Asians forming the minorities in the city, Chinatown is just a customary area to gather all these regional migrants and settlers in one place in particular and became one of the main tourist attractions in the city. It is not surprising to find Chinatown everywhere though; as the Chinese population are indeed widespread around the world, and almost every major city in the world would have their very own Chinatown.
The Oriental style of the shops, and the street decorations, and of course, the Chinese characters on the sign boards are sure telltale signs that one is in Chinatown and this very Chinatown in San Francisco is home to not just the Chinese but also the other ethnicities from Asia.



The trams, the famous Pier 39, the much visited Alcatraz island where the former prison was located, the unique topography of the streets, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge are among the many attractions listed in San Francisco.

A city formerly associated with gold; and prospered quickly due to the California Gold Rush back in the year 1849, which earned another of its well-known nickname among the Chinese during that time as the "Gold Mountain" and many would flock to this place to find opportunities to establish their own fortune. Its almost instantaneous growth due to the Gold Rush also made it the largest city on the West Coast then.

San Francisco is derived from a Spanish word for Saint Francis; associated with the mission of the Spanish for the St Francis of Assisi and also for the purpose of colonization when they established a fort at the Golden Gate, which led to the founding and early beginning of the city in the year 1776.
It may have started with the Spanish mission, but a stroke of luck and the natural potential of the land spiked the rapid growth of the city which sustained until this very day as it continues to grow in both popularity and population.





It is one of the major cities in the United States and is recognized as one of the important business, investment and financial capitals with five leading banking corporations setting up their headquarters in this very city along with a few of other prominent social media and retail organizations.

Even a tourist like me loved every bit of the city upon landing my feet here on the first half of the day and is there still a question mark to why this is known as "Everybody's Favorite City"?
It is indeed a lovable city, which warms up to anyone who visits and embraces those who call it home, conjuring images of wonderful memories to stir that yearning to return to this city.

San Fran, is truly a beautiful place to live in and it is also my very own favorite city~



To be continued with the attractions of San Francisco...