As the world watched the devastation in my home country, as the strongest typhoon ever recorded, Haiyan, wreaked  havoc on the provinces along its trail, one of the many struggles of being an expat is to watch everything from a distance.  

Before the storm { Photo Credit: Allu de Rivera}

Typhoon Aftermath {Photo Credit:  Coron Mayor's Office Page}

Visiting "The Rock", the island prison more than a century older than Guantanamo, has been a memorable one for me. The history, the eerie feeling being inside a cell during an audio walking tour of the complex. The lovely skyline of San Francisco can be enjoyed during the ferry ride and during a short stroll outdoors on the island.

Spending an afternoon visiting the district of Haight and Ashbury is an unusual delight, evoking the bohemian within us all.  It was the center of the hippie culture in the 60s set in colorful Victorian architecture. During the day, you'll find a mix of tourists, local and young homeless people.  Traces of peace and love vibe can be seen in the smoking shops, cafes, bookstores, high-end vintage boutiques and second hand shops.

Colorful Victorian  Architecture

One of the many coffee shops along Haight Street

You'll have to try San Francisco's iconic ride on the steeply uphill and enjoy the views of the sea going downhill.   According to Wiki, it's the world's last manually operated cable car.  The ride is impressive, because it's one great way to take in and admire the interesting architecture and landscape of San Francisco.


Single Ride Cable Car Tickets can be purchased at a booth located at the intersection of Powell and Market Streets in Union Square. There's also a Cable Car Museum on Mason Street at Washington Street, SF if you'd like to learn more about it, its history, how it works and how the system was rebuilt.

Grab a jacket and enjoy the city lights from the Twin Peaks Summit.  It can get really cold and windy up there. When the sky is pretty clear, the experience can be extraordinary.  We attempted to watch the Fourth of July fireworks on top but we were stuck in traffic on the way up  (A lot of people apparently had the same idea). Amazing view from sunrise, sunset to evening. 

View from Twin Peaks

San Francisco and the Bay Area at Night

 

 Check out the previous 10 Things to Do in San Francisco posts: 
#1 Get Breakfast at Mama's