I'm Claire, and I'm about to go into final year at Liverpool University studying Spanish & German. I...
I'm Claire, and I'm about to go into final year at Liverpool University studying Spanish & German. I spent the last year working as an english assistant in Barcelona and LOVED IT!
Claire x x
Member since:05.06.2005
Reviews:30
Members who trust:16
San Francisco is a wonderful city, with everything you expect and more from such a well-known cosmopolitan city.
I was extremely lucky enough to visit during the Easter holidays, and went on a tour starting in San Francisco, to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It was an amazing experience, and I am so grateful that I had the chance to visit these amazing cities. Out of the 3, I think San Francisco was my favourite, what with it being the most amazingly relaxed city, and getting the right balance between keeping it's history and original charm,and introducing a modern element, with so much to see and do.
I didn't go to sleep the night I was leaving Swansea, at 2 in the morning. I was going to get the bus to Heathrow airport. We flew with British Airways direct to San Francisco, and despite the plane journey being somewhat of a nightmare; (there was a group of 80 of us and we were all seated apart despite booking a long time in advance), the hours seemed to drag, and there was no leg room, -once we arrived
down in San Francisco I knew that it had been worth the journey and the wait. The American staff at the airport were very friendly, and thorough with the checks. I had to have my photo taken and give finger print- I felt slightly like James Bond!
The bus journey to our hotel, The Radisson on Fisherman's Wharf was only a bus journey of about 20 minites, and with so much glorious scenery the time really flew by! Just as we were aproaching our hotel it started to rain heavily, but even this didn't dampen our spirits! That evening I went to Mc Donalds near the hotel for some typically American food. I then went to sleep fairly early after the long journey.
The Radisson I was very impressed with this hotel, there were a TV, hairdryer, shower, and my personal favourite thing of all- AN ICE-MACHINE,right nextdoor to our room to keep our drinks cool all night! The room was immaculate and spacey. We also had a large window. It was a shame that the view was of a car park!
On our first full day, me and a friend decided to travel- San Francisco style, in the tram which is used in Mrs Doubtfire. We enjoyed our ride up the traditionally hilly streets, with a great view of the golden gate bridge. However things took a turn for the worst when we got off too early, (we were actually heading for Union Square-the shops) and ended up in China town. Although I can now see the funny side, at the time me and my friend couldn't wait to get out. It was raining, and here we were with no jackets, and no one could understand us. We went to get on the tram/bus thing but the unfriendly, women driver said "you need the right money maam" and drove off. We were lucky enough to find a bank, where we were helped by a friendly lady who changed our money. We were then off to Union square.
Union Square It's a magnificent place with lots of big hotels, and famous Shops including my favourites: Macy's, Lacoste, Guess,Levi's and a 5 floor shopping mall, with plenty of great shops including Victoria's secrets and Coach. There is also every designer shop under the sun- Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Escada and many more .San Francisco is now my favourite place in the world to shop, and since returning 2 months ago, none of the shops back home have come anywhere near close, to being as good.
Starbucks What you hear about Starbucks in America is so true. There are Starbucks on every street corner. On our way in to the town, on the tram one morning me and my friend counted about 5 just on the way in. Luckily I am a huge Starbucks fan and we went there every day. I also now have withdrawal symptoms because in Britain they don't do Lemon-Pound cake. If you get a chance to try it-please make sure you do!
Mrs Doubtfire Mrs Doubtfire is filmed in the wonderful city of "San Fran" and there are many recognisable things, which appear in the film. These include Mrs Doubtfire and the children playing football,on a field with the Golden gate bridge behind them, the steep streets where the actual house is situated, and the tram they use when going swimming with Mrs Doubtfire and Miranda to meet Stu (Pierce Brosnan).
History of Alcatraz Alcatraz is commonly referred to as “The Rock” – rising out of San Francisco Bay. It was once home only to a few pelicans and odd gannet (which is alcatraz in Spanish). In the late 19th century, the island became a military fortress. In 1934 it was converted into America’s most dreaded high-security prison. Surrounded by freezing, impassable water, it was an ideal place for a jail, and safely kept some of America’s most deadly criminals behind bars – Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly were just two of the villains imprisoned here.
Alcatraz today Alcatraz is a fantastic Island and we were lucky enough to have glorious weather whilst we went there. You go over on a boat from Fisherman's Wharf , and the journey is wonderful. The actual island itself is amazing and has amazing scenery. You also get to go inside the prisons, with headphones telling you about the history of Alcatraz. It is very interesting and informing. After leaving the prison area there is a chance to sit and look at the scenery. Tip: Make sure you take a camera, there are breathtaking views which should not be missed. Also make sure you take sensible shoes, as there is quite a bit of walking up quite a steep road. Make sure that you visit if you can.Alcatraz is not to be missed if you're in the area.
Golden gate bridge This truly is an "awesome" (as the americans would say!) bridge. It looks exactly like it does in photos, but better. It looks brilliant at all times of day, and even in the rain! A few of my friends cycled over it, and said it was a brilliant experience. I, of coarse was out shopping, But it really is a breathtaking bridge.
Conclusion San Francisco is a excellent city, and I would most certainly recomment it to anyone, who does or does not think that it appeals to them, as I was suprised at just how much I loved it. I still haven't recovered (not physically-2 months later!) but mentally and I can't wait to return. If I won the lottery tonight the first thing I'd do is fly back there.
Claire
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Sounds like you had a great time, and you have certainly raised my expectations , I am out there for a conference in the Autumn, and have managed to add a few days on to my itinerary to meet up and stay with an old schoolfriend there to do some serious sightseeing.
Sue
nickyturnill 27.06.2005 17:20
I would love to visit......
emmy186 26.06.2005 17:03
Sounds fantastic, great review and very belated welcome! emmy xx
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Advantages: A very tourist-friendly metropolitan area Disadvantages: None, except that you really have to stay longer
digitalenvironmentalist 01.04.2007 (01.04.2007)
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Review of San Francisco (California)
Jun 22nd, 2005
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