{"id":62184,"date":"2018-05-21T21:52:00","date_gmt":"2018-05-21T19:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?p=62184"},"modified":"2025-05-21T22:43:16","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T20:43:16","slug":"san-francisco-where-it-only-took-one-heartbeat-to-fall-hopelessly-in-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?p=62184&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"San Francisco \u2013 where it only took one heartbeat to fall hopelessly in love."},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"117\" data-end=\"494\">I had absolutely no idea what was waiting for me when I arrived in San Francisco back in 1994 \u2013 on my very first trip to the USA. Up until then, I only knew the city from TV shows and movies. One of them was <em data-start=\"325\" data-end=\"357\">\u201cThe Streets of San Francisco\u201d<\/em> with a young Michael Douglas \u2013 a series that had me hooked, episode after episode, thanks to the city&#8217;s unique and captivating backdrop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"496\" data-end=\"833\">Let\u2019s be honest \u2013 we all know at least one iconic sight that makes this city unforgettable. Whether it\u2019s the blazing red Golden Gate Bridge, the legendary prison island Alcatraz, the one-of-a-kind cable cars climbing the hills, or the famously twisty Lombard Street \u2013 San Francisco simply has that magic that grabs you and never lets go.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6115\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6115\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco.jpg?fit=1836%2C942&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1836,942\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Karte &amp;#8211; San Francisco\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco.jpg?fit=1024%2C525&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6115\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco-1024x525.jpg?resize=1024%2C525\" alt=\"Karte - San Francisco\" width=\"1024\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco.jpg?resize=1024%2C525&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco.jpg?resize=300%2C154&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco.jpg?resize=768%2C394&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-San-Francisco.jpg?w=1836&amp;ssl=1 1836w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\nThe moment you lay eyes on one of them, there\u2019s no mistaking it \u2013 you instantly think of San Francisco. And maybe, just maybe, your mind drifts straight to the hippie movement that was born here in the swinging \u201960s. Who doesn\u2019t know that legendary anthem by Scott McKenzie \u2013 <em data-start=\"376\" data-end=\"393\">\u201cSan Francisco\u201d<\/em>? A song so iconic, it makes your fingers itch to light up a little something\u2026 and take a nice, deep hit.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PV8EQCsvSTE\" width=\"750\" height=\"430\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"158\" data-end=\"516\"><strong data-start=\"158\" data-end=\"255\">But let me take you back to where it all began \u2013 to the moment I fell in love with this city.<\/strong><br data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"258\" \/>My first trip to San Francisco was more than 20 years ago, but I still remember the many magical moments that burned themselves into my memory like it was yesterday.<br data-start=\"423\" data-end=\"426\" \/>Okay&#8230; there <em data-start=\"440\" data-end=\"445\">was<\/em> one not-so-great moment, but we\u2019ll save that juicy detail for the end.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"518\" data-end=\"1188\">What makes the city so unique is its wild landscape \u2013 the endless hills it\u2019s been built on.<br data-start=\"609\" data-end=\"612\" \/>Let\u2019s start with how I first arrived in this stunning place. Most people enter the city by crossing one of two legendary bridges \u2013 the Golden Gate Bridge in the north or the Oakland Bay Bridge in the east.<br data-start=\"817\" data-end=\"820\" \/>Back then, I came via the latter. The moment I hit the bridge, boom \u2013 there it was: that iconic skyline rising out of the water.<br data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"951\" \/>San Francisco is basically an urban island. Except for the southern land access, it\u2019s completely surrounded by water. You\u2019ll get the best view of that from the <strong data-start=\"1111\" data-end=\"1125\">Coit Tower<\/strong>, a 64-meter-high lookout perched on a hill in the city\u2019s east.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1497\">Once you reach the center of town, it won\u2019t take long until you encounter one of San Francisco\u2019s most legendary symbols: the <strong data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1328\">Cable Car<\/strong> \u2013 truly iconic and yes, <em data-start=\"1353\" data-end=\"1366\">very famous<\/em>.<br data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1370\" \/>Pulled by a steel cable that runs nonstop beneath the street, this thing conquers the city\u2019s steep hills like it\u2019s no big deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1988\">Here\u2019s the twist: almost no locals ride it anymore, but they\u2019re still packed to the brim. It\u2019s a pure tourist magnet \u2013 and totally addictive. Sounds weird, but it\u2019s true.<br data-start=\"1669\" data-end=\"1672\" \/><strong data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1710\">Whatever you do, don\u2019t sit inside.<\/strong> <em data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1723\">So boring.<\/em><br data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1726\" \/>Stay outside, hang on to the side rails and pretend you\u2019re doing budget subway surfing. That\u2019s the way to go.<br data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1838\" \/>Feel the breeze, smell the city, and let San Francisco do its thing. But be warned \u2013 those standing spots are <em data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"1962\">hot property<\/em>. Blink, and they\u2019re gone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2429\">Right now, a single Cable Car ride will set you back <strong data-start=\"2043\" data-end=\"2049\">$7<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"2050\" data-end=\"2053\" \/>Not exactly a bargain.<br data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2078\" \/><strong data-start=\"2078\" data-end=\"2090\">Pro tip:<\/strong> Go for the <strong data-start=\"2102\" data-end=\"2118\">$20 day pass<\/strong> instead. It gives you unlimited access to all public transport \u2013 buses, trains, subway, and yes, Cable Cars included.<br data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2239\" \/>And trust me, it\u2019s worth every penny. You can hop off at any stop, explore, and jump right back on the next ride.<br data-start=\"2352\" data-end=\"2355\" \/><strong data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2429\">Take my advice \u2013 never leave San Francisco without riding a Cable Car.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2434\" \/>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2436\" data-end=\"2583\"><strong data-start=\"2436\" data-end=\"2450\">Quick Tip:<\/strong><br data-start=\"2450\" data-end=\"2453\" \/><em data-start=\"2453\" data-end=\"2521\">What does a ride on the Cable Car and public transport in SF cost?<\/em><br data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2524\" \/>\u2013 Single ride: $7<br data-start=\"2541\" data-end=\"2544\" \/>\u2013 1-Day Passport: $20 (Unlimited rides)<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2585\" data-end=\"2624\">Coming up next: the Golden Gate Bridge\u2026<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6059\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6059\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg?fit=3264%2C1836&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,1836\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.9&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;SM-G925F&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433588918&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;4.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;40&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00071225071225071&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20150606_110839-01\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg?fit=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6059 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01-1024x576.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576\" alt=\"20150606_110839-01\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01.jpeg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"582\"><strong data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"224\">Another highlight you simply <em data-start=\"150\" data-end=\"159\">have to<\/em> experience is walking across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge.<\/strong><br data-start=\"224\" data-end=\"227\" \/>You can step onto it straight from the city side, or \u2013 for the full experience \u2013 first drive across to the far side, take the very first exit on the right, and park at the spacious \u201cVista Point\u201d lot right by the bridge. If the weather\u2019s on your side, this is the first of <strong data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"532\">three ultimate photo hotspots<\/strong> where the bridge reveals itself in all its glory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"972\">But hey, no slacking now! This is your moment.<br data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"633\" \/><strong data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"670\">Time to hit the bridge \u2013 on foot.<\/strong><br data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"673\" \/>Because really, when else can you say, <em data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"754\">\u201cI walked across the Golden Gate Bridge\u201d<\/em> if not now, right here, right in this moment?<br data-start=\"800\" data-end=\"803\" \/>It\u2019s a feeling you\u2019ll carry with you forever.<br data-start=\"848\" data-end=\"851\" data-is-only-node=\"\" \/>Suspended 67 meters above the water, you&#8217;ll have jaw-dropping views of the city skyline and the infamous Alcatraz Island.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"1436\">The other two epic viewpoints are hidden in the hills just across the road. Simply take the <strong data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1081\">second exit<\/strong> after the bridge, pass underneath Highway 101, and drive up to <strong data-start=\"1145\" data-end=\"1164\">Battery Spencer<\/strong> and the <strong data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1207\">Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1211\" \/>And if the weather\u2019s on your side \u2013 brace yourself.<br data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1265\" \/>The views from up there?<br data-start=\"1289\" data-end=\"1292\" \/><strong data-start=\"1292\" data-end=\"1320\">Absolutely mind-blowing.<\/strong><br data-start=\"1320\" data-end=\"1323\" \/>This isn\u2019t just a bridge.<br data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1351\" \/>It\u2019s a 20th-century masterpiece.<br data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1386\" \/>A monument.<br data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1400\" \/>A once-in-a-lifetime photo backdrop.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6096\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6096\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?fit=3680%2C2760&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3680,2760\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;HERO3+ Silver Edition&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433590834&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;2.77&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00058411214953271&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DCIM100GOPRO\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;DCIM100GOPRO&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6096 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721-1024x768.jpg?resize=1024%2C768\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?resize=120%2C90&amp;ssl=1 120w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/gopr0721.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6098\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6098\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?fit=3680%2C2760&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3680,2760\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;HERO3+ Silver Edition&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433751873&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;2.77&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00065061808718282&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DCIM100GOPRO\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;DCIM100GOPRO&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6098 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01-1024x768.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?resize=120%2C90&amp;ssl=1 120w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0792_1433777197710_high-01.jpeg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Alcatraz<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6070\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6070\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg?fit=3264%2C1836&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,1836\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.9&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;SM-G925F&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433502764&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;4.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;40&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0003698224852071&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20150605_111244-01\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg?fit=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6070 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01-1024x576.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576\" alt=\"20150605_111244-01\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150605_111244-01.jpeg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6072\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6072\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg?fit=5184%2C3456&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5184,3456\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;10&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 600D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433534850&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.004&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2604\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6072 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"IMG_2604\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2604.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"197\"><strong data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"197\">Another One for the Bucket List \u2013 My Long-Awaited Visit to Alcatraz<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"670\">One of those unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I didn\u2019t manage to tick off until 2015 was finally setting foot on the infamous prison island of Alcatraz. Back in 1994, during a previous visit to San Francisco, we had no chance of getting tickets. Totally sold out. And let me tell you \u2013 that was beyond frustrating. You&#8217;re standing there, 8,952.82 kilometers from home, staring across the water at this iconic rock\u2026 and yet, you can&#8217;t get on it. Madness!<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"672\" data-end=\"917\">But in 2015, I made it happen. I booked my tickets <strong data-start=\"723\" data-end=\"737\">two months<\/strong> in advance online \u2013 and here&#8217;s a word of advice: <strong data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"802\">Do the same<\/strong>. Don\u2019t leave it to chance and try buying on the spot. You&#8217;ll likely be out of luck. But hey, each to their own. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"919\" data-end=\"1279\">We boarded the ferry and crossed over to Alcatraz. And for me personally \u2013 this visit was powerful. To walk through the halls of one of the world\u2019s most notorious prisons\u2026 goosebumps! Just imagining what it must have felt like to be locked up there \u2013 so close to the freedom and the life of San Francisco, yet completely cut off. That thought alone is intense.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1432\">Escape? Basically impossible. The currents around the island are brutal. Even though over 30 inmates supposedly tried, <em data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1412\">officially<\/em>, none ever made it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1434\" data-end=\"1693\">The atmosphere on the island was eerie \u2013 heavy. As soon as I entered those tiny, inhumane cells, I felt the weight of the place. A haunting silence filled the air, only lifting once the ferry pulled away from the dock and the city skyline came back into view.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1695\" data-end=\"1839\">Alcatraz may be just a tourist attraction now, a closed chapter in San Francisco\u2019s past \u2013 but it\u2019s one that still hits hard and sticks with you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1876\">I\u2019m incredibly glad I finally went.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1959\"><strong data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1890\">Pro tip:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re planning to go \u2013 <strong data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"1954\">get your Alcatraz tickets here!!<\/strong> \ud83c\udfab\ud83c\udf09<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6076\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6076\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg?fit=5184%2C3456&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5184,3456\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;10&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 600D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433542731&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;33&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2628\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6076\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"IMG_2628\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_2628.jpg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6078\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6078\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?fit=3680%2C2760&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3680,2760\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;HERO3+ Silver Edition&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433521241&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;2.77&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0003725782414307&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DCIM100GOPRO\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;DCIM100GOPRO&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6078 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01-1024x768.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?resize=120%2C90&amp;ssl=1 120w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0695_1433553840299_high-01.jpeg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Chinatown<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6104\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6104\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?fit=3680%2C2760&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3680,2760\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;HERO3+ Silver Edition&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433703747&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;2.77&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0050658561296859&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DCIM100GOPRO\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;DCIM100GOPRO&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6104 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01-1024x768.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?resize=120%2C90&amp;ssl=1 120w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0783_1433734600116_high-01.jpeg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0787_1433734581528_high-01.jpeg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6111\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6111\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0787_1433734581528_high-01.jpeg?fit=3680%2C2760&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3680,2760\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;HERO3+ Silver Edition&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433704257&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;2.77&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0079872204472843&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;DCIM100GOPRO&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DCIM100GOPRO\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;DCIM100GOPRO&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0787_1433734581528_high-01.jpeg?fit=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6111 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0787_1433734581528_high-01-150x150.jpeg?resize=150%2C150\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0787_1433734581528_high-01.jpeg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0787_1433734581528_high-01.jpeg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/GOPR0787_1433734581528_high-01.jpeg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"111\" data-end=\"513\"><strong data-start=\"111\" data-end=\"151\">Back in the city. Back in real life.<\/strong><br data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"154\" \/>From the docks, it\u2019s just a short walk to Market Street \u2013 San Francisco\u2019s beating retail heart. And from there, it\u2019s only a stone\u2019s throw to the bustling Financial District. On weekdays? Total madness. Deals are made, suits are running the show \u2013 and hidden right in the middle of it all: the largest Chinatown in the U.S., home to around 100,000 residents.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"515\" data-end=\"1149\">But let me tell you \u2013 once you step into Chinatown, you might forget you&#8217;re still in the U.S. It&#8217;s a world of its own. Colors, smells, signs in Mandarin \u2013 total cultural reset. If you stop for a bite (which you absolutely should), you might even spot grandma at the next table, skillfully crafting dumplings by hand. Charming \u2013 until she leaves the room and the bowl of raw meat sits out for half an hour without refrigeration.<br data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"945\" \/>Yeah\u2026 that moment stuck with me. The ghost of the minced meat haunted my stomach all the way out of the restaurant. Phantom stomach cramps included. All good in the end \u2013 but I won\u2019t lie: I had my doubts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1151\" data-end=\"1440\">The real life of the city is, of course, on its streets. And I loved walking them. But here\u2019s the twist: San Francisco has hills \u2013 real ones. And they don\u2019t mess around. If you\u2019re not hopping on a cable car, get ready to sweat. Especially if the California sun decides to join the party.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1824\">One of these legendary hills? Lombard Street \u2013 a.k.a. the world\u2019s most crooked road. Tourists from all over the globe line up in rental cars just to make the iconic, serpentine drive. Our rental? A beastly GMC Yukon XL \u2013 basically a cruise ship on wheels. Way too bulky for those tight corners. <em data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1743\">hehe<\/em> No problem \u2013 we tackled it on foot. A humbling, but epic experience nonetheless.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"2196\">Earlier, I mentioned the hippies. Their spiritual HQ? Haight-Ashbury. This district still echoes flower power and freedom. Here, you\u2019ll find those colorful Victorian houses that made San Francisco famous \u2013 plus vintage stores, peace signs galore, and every now and then, the unmistakable whiff of someone\u2019s mid-afternoon joint. Business as usual in this part of town. \ud83d\ude04<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2556\">Now let\u2019s talk food \u2013 because San Francisco is a feast for the senses. The city\u2019s diversity spills right onto the plates. One spot you <em data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2339\">must<\/em> visit: Fisherman\u2019s Wharf. Located in the northeast, this old harbor district is seafood heaven. Especially if you\u2019re into fresh crab. The restaurants here are legendary \u2013 each dish more mouthwatering than the last.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2558\" data-end=\"2667\">San Francisco is packed with must-do\u2019s, must-see\u2019s, and definitely must-eats. This city is simply next level.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"2750\"><strong data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"2703\">Two tips for a relaxed Sunday?<\/strong><br data-start=\"2703\" data-end=\"2706\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\"><strong>Golden Gate Park \u2013 and let the magic unfold.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6100\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6100\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg?fit=3264%2C1836&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,1836\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.9&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;SM-G925F&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1433691582&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;4.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;40&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00088652482269504&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20150607_153943-01\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg?fit=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6100\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01-1024x576.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576\" alt=\"20150607_153943-01\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg?w=2000&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150607_153943-01.jpeg?w=3000&amp;ssl=1 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"556\"><strong data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"236\">Explore the Golden Gate Park, nestled in the western part of the city \u2013 one of the largest urban parks in the world.<\/strong><br data-start=\"236\" data-end=\"239\" \/>Believe it or not, it\u2019s even bigger than Central Park in New York. On sunny days, it\u2019s buzzing with life \u2013 the green lungs of San Francisco. Here, you\u2019ll encounter every kind of person, every kind of vibe. And the best part? No one feels like a stranger. Everyone\u2019s from somewhere else, and somehow, everyone belongs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"1135\">San Francisco is a melting pot of colors, cultures, and identities. Every skin tone, every race, every orientation \u2013 this city embraces it all. It\u2019s that spirit of openness and tolerance that defines San Francisco.<br data-start=\"772\" data-end=\"775\" \/>Okay, granted \u2013 these days, not everyone can afford to live here anymore. As tech giants like Facebook, Apple, Intel, Google, AMD, Adobe, Symantec, Yahoo, eBay, and Nvidia turned Silicon Valley into a millionaire factory, the rent prices in the city skyrocketed. The Bay Area has seen an insane economic boom \u2013 but with it, a growing gap between rich and poor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1336\">I saw it with my own eyes last year. And still \u2013 I love this city deeply. I always will. There\u2019s something magical about it. But living here? Probably not in this lifetime \u2013 it\u2019s just too pricey now.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1452\">Anyway&#8230; let me take you back to what I love about this region:<br \/>\n<br data-start=\"1402\" data-end=\"1405\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 18px;\"><strong data-start=\"1405\" data-end=\"1434\">Sausalito &amp; Stinson Beach<\/strong> \u2013 coming up next.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6102\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6102\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7.jpg?fit=1396%2C931&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1396,931\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"USA 2015 &amp;#8211; San Francisco 7\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6102\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7-1024x683.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"USA 2015 - San Francisco 7\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/USA-2015-San-Francisco-7.jpg?w=1396&amp;ssl=1 1396w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-Sausalito-und-Stinson-Beach.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"6113\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/?attachment_id=6113\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-Sausalito-und-Stinson-Beach.jpg?fit=1732%2C950&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1732,950\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Karte &amp;#8211; Sausalito und Stinson Beach\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-Sausalito-und-Stinson-Beach.jpg?fit=1024%2C562&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-6113\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-Sausalito-und-Stinson-Beach-150x150.jpg?resize=150%2C150\" alt=\"Karte - Sausalito und Stinson Beach\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-Sausalito-und-Stinson-Beach.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-Sausalito-und-Stinson-Beach.jpg?zoom=2&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Karte-Sausalito-und-Stinson-Beach.jpg?zoom=3&amp;resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"168\" data-end=\"201\"><strong data-start=\"168\" data-end=\"201\">Another Side of San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"732\">The Bay Area is a dazzling mosaic of breathtaking places \u2013 so much so that staying in San Francisco alone just isn\u2019t enough. You absolutely <em data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"349\">have<\/em> to make a quick detour across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge to the charming little coastal town of Sausalito. Nestled right on the Bay, its scenic promenade becomes magical at night \u2013 offering spectacular views of San Francisco\u2019s glittering skyline. That is\u2026 unless the infamous Bay fog rolls in again. If that happens, well \u2013 say goodbye to the view and hello to the mystery. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"1002\">Another stunning spot isn\u2019t far off either \u2013 just on the other side of the hills, facing the open sea: the beach town of <strong data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"872\">Stinson Beach<\/strong>. Here you\u2019ll find a wide, public beach that seems made for warm summer days, when the sun practically <em data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"981\">begs<\/em> you to go for a dip.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1336\">I hope I\u2019ve sparked a bit of wanderlust in you to one day explore this city for yourself. Go discover it with your own eyes and feet. I bet you\u2019ll walk away with the same unforgettable memories I did \u2013 <em data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1221\">twice already<\/em>. San Francisco has carved itself into my soul, and I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced its magic. Because\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1376\"><strong data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1376\">My heart belongs to San Francisco.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"\" data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1381\" \/>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1431\"><strong data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1431\">P.S. A Personal Story I&#8217;ve Never Really Told<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1687\">At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that during my very first visit to San Francisco back in 1994, I also had an experience that wasn\u2019t quite so magical. And I\u2019ve rarely talked about it since. But now feels like the right time to finally share it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"1998\">We were walking through Chinatown and stopped by a small fast-food place. I had just picked up my order and taken a seat at a little two-person table by the window. A fellow traveler from our group sat down across from me. Just as I was about to start eating, a delivery van screeched to a halt right outside.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2072\">I couldn\u2019t see much, but what I heard made the blood drain from my face.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2074\" data-end=\"2184\">On the far side of the van, a sliding door slammed open \u2013 and then: rapid machine gun fire. Loud. Sharp. Real.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2475\">It\u2019s a completely different feeling hearing those sounds in a movie theater than experiencing them just meters away from you. We couldn\u2019t see anything, but the sounds told a chilling story: glass shattering, people screaming, pure chaos. Something terrible was happening just out of sight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2477\" data-end=\"2549\">It lasted maybe 20 to 30 seconds, then the van sped off and disappeared.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2868\">What I saw next across the street haunts me to this day \u2013 a Chinese electronics store with its front completely destroyed. The door was blown open, glass everywhere, and then\u2026 a shadow appeared. A man stepped into the sunlight, bleeding from the forehead \u2013 but thankfully, he was alive and didn\u2019t seem seriously hurt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2870\" data-end=\"3047\">Within minutes, two police cars arrived and sealed off the area. Rumor had it the Chinese mafia may have been involved, but to this day, I still don\u2019t know what really happened.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3049\" data-end=\"3286\">I couldn\u2019t take my eyes off the scene. I never touched my food. After just a few minutes, I stood up and left \u2013 needing to put distance between myself and that moment. I\u2019ve never experienced anything like it again, and I hope I never do.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3414\">Wrong place, wrong time. That can happen anywhere in the world.<br data-start=\"3351\" data-end=\"3354\" \/>And yet, San Francisco will <em data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3390\">always<\/em> be a dream city for me.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I had absolutely no idea what was waiting for me when I arrived in San Francisco back in 1994 \u2013 on my very first trip to the USA. Up until then, I only knew the city from TV shows and movies. One of them was&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6060,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1256,1297],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-stories","category-insider-secrets"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.misterunique.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/20150606_110839-01-e1518300731188.jpeg?fit=1264%2C711&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6UJkf-gaY","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=62184"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62186,"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62184\/revisions\/62186"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6060"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.misterunique.de\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}