COLUMN: San Francisco is not just a bridge and a prison
If you want to blend in, don’t call it “San Fran.” Calling the city by that improper name labels you as a big-brand TOURIST. When heading to a big city, you want to blend in. Drawing unnecessary attention to yourself isn’t good.
It is very easy to differentiate the tourists from the San Francisco natives. During my visit over the weekend I had a fun time trying to pick out the people who didn’t belong. You can easily spot people who look out of place by the map of the city that is glued to their nose and the camera that is bulging from under the jacket. It was also fun to watch those whose first act in the city is to look and act as if they’ve never seen buildings that big. Maybe they haven’t. I admit I partake in the tourist activities too, but you have to do so with common sense. Don’t look like a tourist, don’t act like one.
When you get into the city there is a great distinction between it and other cities. San Francisco is a very clean and well-kept city. The streets and buildings are clean; the people are friendly and helpful.
It is a very easy to navigate the city as well. You can ride one of many modes of transportation to get from point A to point B. The city of San Francisco has named the city transportation “MUNI” which comes from community. They named it “MUNI” to try and incorporate more of an involvement from everyone in the area. It is the most cost-effective mode of transportation riding the mass-transit system. You will pay at most $1.25 to travel in any direction for up to two hours.
If you aren’t a fan of the mass-transit option, you can get the stinky cab. Cabs are a great way to experience the other side of the city – the bad traffic. If you think leaving the B Lot at noon, or trying to get into the terrace at 9 a.m. is hard, try a cab. The traffic isn’t all that bad, it’s just confusing. If you aren’t paying attention you will miss what you need, and with most of the roads being one way it takes you awhile to get back to where you need.
The most famous mode of transportation is the San Francisco Trolley. The Trolley runs in any number of directions and from the city center to the ocean. This is by far the most exhilarating mode of transportation: Moving from one side of the city to another, hanging onto a car that has been in service for 30-plus years and is stopped by a two-by-four chunk of wood. The Trolley costs $3 for one-way service, and you can expect to wait in line for sometimes an hour.
Visiting the city isn’t all about The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Trolley cars. It is about being on the ocean and getting the culture that comes with being outside the bubble we call home. In just one city block, one can buy antiques from China, tourist items and get calamari on a stick.
Visiting San Francisco is an experience everyone should have the opportunity to take part in. There is so much to do and see in the city – when you know what’s going on and do your research about the area. There are hundreds of places people don’t go because they just don’t know about them.
John Zsiray is a junior majoring in print journalism. Comments can be sent to jzsiray@cc.usu.edu.
A sign marks the entrance to the Fishermans Wharf shopping and dining area. Fishermans Wharf is the main area to catch any ferry around the bay. It hosts a wide variety of restaurants and fresh seafood locations.A sign marks the entrance to the Fishermans Wharf shopping and dining area. Fishermans Wharf is the main area to catch any ferry around the bay. (Photo by John Zsiray)
Hundreds of Sea Lions have taken over the floating docks at Pier 39. The sea lions are a very big draw for tourists who get to stand a few feet from the sea lions. The sea lions spend most of the day sunning on the docks and fighting to control each dock. (Photo by John Zsiray)
Pier 39 is a hub for all activites that happen in the areas. From Pier 39 much of the San Francisco skyline, the bay area, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz can be seen. (Photo by John Zsiray)
The Golden Gate Bridge is partially engulfed in fog as seen from the San Francisco side of the bridge. The bridge is more than a two-mile walk roundtrip, and currently undergoing costruction to bring it up to code. (Photo by John Zsiray)