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Smitten By San FranciscoBy D.K. Bhaskar
The SFO area itself is located on the tip of a peninsula by
San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coast and interestingly is an area of 7 miles
by 7 miles. Our helicopter flew at a height of 3000 ft and circled over
Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, San Francisco city and the Golden gate bridge. The
most photographed landmark of the United States, this deep orange bridge is one
of the seven wonders of the world and looks very impressive and spectcular to
say the least.
How to Reach: SFO has number of options to reach the bay area and explore, enjoy and exquisitely roam around this romantic and casual getaway. By Air: San Francisco has an international airport and is very well connected from all parts of the world and within the United States. By road: Within SFO, either you can hire a self driving car or chauffer driven cars. Also available on hire are the motorcycles. Cable cars are another great way to enjoy the scenic tour around SFO and reach the Pier. From here you would be picked up by the helicopter services for the flight. Price for the flight: It would cost $190 for a flight of 90 kms. Contacts: San Francisco Helicopter Services |
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As
I stopped and focused my camera on a bush, an old man was curious to know what
was going on. He was in two minds whether to cross my line of focusing or to
explore the situation? He decided to explore along with me and I showed him a
tiny bird that I was trying to photograph! I must say, he was thoroughly
disappointed and his wife a few yards away burst out laughing. This disturbed
the bird and it just flew away even before I could take a picture. However, I
did enjoy the curiosity of the old man. This was in Pier 39, the famous landmark
in the San Francisco bay area. Teeming with tourists from all across the globe,
this is a very popular destination catering to a vast section of the society.
Pier 39 was once a commercial pier, which has been
converted into a shopping and dining complex. It not only appeals to shoppers
and souvenir-seekers, but everyone enjoys the antics of the sea lions that
reside in a marina next door. The sea lions camped out in PIER 39's West Marina
have been endearingly coined, "Sea Lebrities." These cute creatures "hauled out"
on PIER 39's K-Dock shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Most of this
area is filled with restaurants and coffee shops. The main attraction of
course is the sea lions next to the pier bridge. While in this area, one can one
also relish the aroma of some exotic seafood delicacies. A lineup of excellent
seafood restaurants stands testimony to the popularity of this place. Menu cards
were lined up with "Killer Crab¨" (Whole Crab roasted in a proprietary garlic
sauce), sizzling crab legs, crab chowder, crab Caesar, crab enchilada, crab
cakes and much more!!!!
The
sun was shooting up even as a cool breeze was smothering the hot air. We walked
down the pier on to the Embarcadero across the Hard rock café, and it was time
to cool ourselves with a mug of beer. Embarcadero had a major damage during the
1989 earthquake and today is lined with plazas, walks, parks, and public pier
access, which give visitors and residents a chance to enjoy the spectacular
waterfront setting. As we sat in front of the over bridge, the cable cars caught
my attention. For tourists, San Francisco cable cars are not a means of
transportation but a destination; something one has to "see" if they visit the
bay.
”It is now 12.30 and they must be coming soon”, Bhargav, exclaimed. I was
expecting the pickup for my helicopter ride over the bay. On dot, the SFO
Helicopter service arrived at Pier 39. We were on our way near the SFO airport.
What a beautiful route it was; a picture perfect drive lined up with hilly and
picturesque terrain all the way from Pier 39. I was excited to get into the
helicopter and enjoy the sight of the Golden gate bridge from air. Most people
also do that on a cruise but the experience from above is incomparable.
The
helicopter blades were rotating in full speed, as I buckled my seat belt and got
ready with my camera in the front seat. This was the first helicopter ride of my
life. I could barely contain my excitement. I must have looked like a 10 year
old! As the pilot took off, the whole landscape appeared fabulous. A
magnificent landscape marked with concrete structures, beautiful roads and
historic buildings came into focus. The memory of the coast, the flock of
sea birds, slushy beaches and the golden gate bridge is endearing.
As I was focussing on the many different angles of this
astounding piece of architecture we dropped eye to eye besides the bridge!
Before I could gather my wits, the chopper was well below the bridge just a few
meters above the Pacific ocean. Built in 1937, the term Golden Gate refers to
the Golden Gate Strait between San Francisco in the south and Marin County in
the north, and is one of the major road routes into and out of the city. The
strait is approximately three-miles long by one-mile wide with currents ranging
from 4.5 to 7.5 knots. It is generally accepted that the strait was named "Chrysopylae"
or Golden Gate by Army Captain John C. Fremont, in 1846. It is said that it
reminded him of a harbor in Istanbul named Chrysoceras or Golden Horn.
The staute of the chief architect of this marvellous work
Mr. Joseph B. Strauss, is situated at the southern observation deck. The bridge
has withstood rain storms and earthquakes. On October 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta
Earthquake jarred the Bay Area with a force measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale
but the bridge withstood it all and is still going strong. There are many
vantage points to enjoy this fabulous bridge constructed mainly to connect two
sides of the land. However, two spots most popular with Golden Gate Bridge
tourists are the South (San Francisco Side) Vista Point and North (Marin Side)
Vista Point.
As the pilot took a turn over the Alcatraz, the view was
fantastic with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills.
Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular
destinations, offering a close look at a historic and infamous federal prison
long off-limits to the public. Just one flight of over 90 minutes is not just
enough to grasp the beauty of this magnificent bridge. As we flew past over the
bay area just before landing, the view of thousands of gulls on the coast
simulated a painting-like effect over greyish waters. The scene could not have
been more rewarding to an ardent nature buff. I was happy about my decision to
engage a helicopter service, which was worth every cent.
Bhargav drew me to the North point up a hill to wind up the
trip. From this point, one gets an end-to-end view of the bridge. With the sun
going down it made a memorable sight. A popular cycling and running route, each
bend up this hill changes the view of the landscape. A few couples were lost in
their own romantic world against background of the SFO bay. What better place to
make the connection than here where the peace and solitude along with magical
vistas leave one overpowered with sense of awe.
We could not have enough of the Golden gate bridge, but
wanted to see the china town in the heart of SFO wind up our day. Chinatown is a
busy commercial area in San Francisco lined up with rows of oriental shopping
arcades and restaurants. We indulged in some serious shopping and
window-shopping in this place. I was amazed at how busy and lively the whole
place was! We decided to end the day in a Chinese joint in the heart of
Chinatown and what a wise decision that was! One might imagine we would have
been tired after the day’s tours and sightseeing, but no not us! We were totally
smitten by San Francisco’s charm and would not have minded having more of her!