28 hours in San Francisco

San Francisco, the city of free-love, flower power, artistic expression and rainbow flags. It is home to a diverse, multi-cultural, artsy, alternative crowd. A city where anything goes and no-one judges. It is a vibrant city with something interesting to look at at every turn, and a perfet place to people watch.

I started my day in sunny San Francisco at union square which is jam-packed full of art, photography and music and surrounded by theatres, art galleries and studios. I took a walk along the hilly streets, past the cable cars and stumbled across China Town. It's like a bigger version of Hong Kong's Stanley market. More jade and gold than a buddhist temple and more tacky souvenirs than Wan Chai. Pashminas, chinese lanterns, buddha statues, dim sum restuarants, lucky charms and mah jong all combine to make this busy neighbourhood.


I moved through the clean streets of super-friendly San Fran and up to Fishermans Wharf which is an Americanised version of a very tacky but fun-filled seaside town. The bay is packed with popcorn sellers, hot dog stands, street performers and touts selling ''the best boat trips ever'' to Alcatraz. After a long walk along the marina I finally came to a point where I could see Golden Gate Bridge. As magnificent as all the photos tell it to be.

This interesting, fun, diverse city has certainly lived up to it's reputation and my high expectations. I think I may be back...