Reflections on a week in San Francisco

Posted by Guy Downes on January 31, 2011 under Black & White | 4 Comments to Read

Near the end of 2010, I spent a week at a visual communication training course in San Francisco. More on the training course later. San Francisco really captured my imagination - a beautiful city to visit. I sketched two places that grabbed my attention: the striking San Francisco International Airport (so much space, air and natural light) and Peet’s Coffee and Tea (good coffee, good vibe) on Chestnut St where I’d grab a take out to kick start my day.

I kept notes on things I noticed day-to-day. In no particular order and with no reason, in San Francisco:

• Most vending machines take $1 bills (regardless of how old or ripped they are);
• Pedestrian crossings have a great ‘count down’ system so you knew how many seconds you had left to get to the otherside;
• Fresh pizza by the slice is exactly that: fresh and made while you wait;
• At Fisherman’s Wharf, there are seagulls the size of small dogs;
• Chestnut St has a great vibe, especially mornings and after work as everybody heads home or heads out;
• Police use Segways to get around the airport and in the city centre;
• You are spoilt for choice with great shops (the delis and kitchen/home ware shops struct me the most); and
• I sometimes got asked “How much change would you like back from that, sir?” when I left cash to pay a restaurant bill. A smart way to politely get a tip, one that made me smile and always worked.