San Francisco is along the Pacific Ocean at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. It has an estimated population of 750,000 and is home to the famous Golden Gate Bridge. The combination of cold ocean water and the high heat of the California mainland create the city's characteristic fog that can cover the western half of the city all day during the spring and early summer.
Diversity in San Francisco San Francisco is a melting pot of so many cultures. It is heavily influenced by the Asian population, and I am positive that you have heard of our famous Chinatown. In Chinatown you will see the traditional Chinese structures next to modern high-rise office buildings. Do not miss this part of the city! The City's rich Latino heritage pulses throughout the streets of San Francisco, and much of its vibrant street scene is concentrated in one distinct neighborhood, The Mission District.
Safety in the city
Like any major city, San Francisco has some rough edges and neighborhoods to avoid. Some of the city's homeless population panhandles throughout major areas of the city, including areas frequented by tourists, such as Union Square. Panhandlers are, as a group, not dangerous but many of them are mentally ill. It is the safest and wisest not to give them any money or even to make eye contact with them.
Avoid the dangerous -Tenderloi - area, especially during nighttime. Take all of common-sense safety precautions. Carry a good street map, cell phone so that you can call your hotel if you get lost. Do not carry large amounts of cash or display expensive jewelry.
Restaurants San Francisco is the capital cuisine in the US and a fabulous destination for food lovers! You will find from world-class restaurants to eateries at the Fishermanâ??s Wharf where you can buy crab cakes, sit on the pavement and listen to soothing Jazz music. However, my recommendation will be to find small unique restaurants in the neighborhoods, like "Destino" (1815 Market Street) who serves the BEST Peruvian food in the city. For more restaurants go to www.sfgate.com (Food and Dining section), where you will find reviews on most of the restaurants in the San Francisco.
Immigration/Visa/Work Permits Obtaining immigration visas, work permits or travel visas can be complicated if you do not know the law or have a legal representative. The best advice I can give you is to contact your local American Embassy (if you are outside the United States). You can also visit the following website for more information: http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org
Hotel Accomodation
We have from boutique to historical hotels in the city. Whatever your budget, you will be able to find accommodation in San Francisco. 15 Million people visit San Francisco on a yearly basis. www.hotels.com www.tripadvisor.com
www.skype.com
Skype is a peer-to-peer internet telephony network. The network is provided by all combined users of the free desktop software application. Skype users can speak to other Skype users for free, call traditional telephone numbers for a fee (SkypeOut), receive calls from traditional phones (SkypeIn), and receive voicemail messages.
Local and National Calls and Internet Service I use SBC Global (AT&T)
Do you like it to read?
I love reading and "hanging out" in Book Stores. If you are the same, I have good news for you. We have wonderful National and smaller independent bookstores. We have Barnes & Nobles, Borders, Book Passage and many smaller independent bookstores in San Francisco. Majority of the Grocery Stores also sell books and magazines.
Local News
Many local TV stations will offer current news about San Francisco and surrounding areas. The following newspapers are also available in the city: The San Francisco Chronicle or go to www.sfgate.com
Safety Deposit Box at your Bank
As expats, we are not always surrounded by family and friends, and I encourage you to rent a safety deposit box at a bank, and keep the following important documents there like your birth certificate (that you will need many times throughout your immigration applications and also to apply for a new passport), Life and car Insurance Documents, Your Will, etc.
If you want to stay healthy ¦ Walking and cycling are two very popular activities in the city, and these two alone will keep you healthy and fit. We also have many health clubs, and places where you can take yoga, pilates, meditation and much more. For health clubs in the city visit http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/health_club
Health Insurance Companies
Blue Shield
Blue Cross California
San Francisco is home to a multitude Colleges and Universities. The University of San Francisco has a very good student exchange program (http://www.usfca.edu).
Life and Business Coaching
Coaching is quickly becoming one of the leading tools that successful people use to live extraordinary lives. Through regular coaching sessions, usually conducted over the telephone, clients identify what is most important to them and align their thoughts, words and actions accordingly. A coach will:
-Encourage you to set goals that you truly want -Ask you to do more than you may have done on your own -Help you focus better in order to produce results more quickly -Provide you with the tools, support and structure to accomplish more
The benefits of working with a coach are feeling more balanced, joy, intimacy, energy, financial abundance, focus and action in every area of your life.
I can highly recommend Kris Carey. She is a Catalyst & Certified Life Coach in San Francisco. To schedule a complimentary coaching consultation or learn more, please contact: Kristine Carey, Bill Baren Coaching or email her at kris@billbaren.com (www.billbaren.com)
Public Transport
We have the best public transport in the world! From trains, to ferries, street and cable cars, cabs, buses and bicycles! Many people get round without a car in San Francisco. Our public transport is inexpensive. However public parking places are very expensive and sometimes difficult to find. From San Francisco International airport you can take the train, door-to-door bus, cab or a rental car.
Bicycles
We have many bicycle paths in San Francisco. 40,000 Residents commute to work by bicycle. It is a friendly bicycle city, and cyclists are well respected by cars, buses or cabs. However, there are certain areas in the city where it is dangerous to cycle (because of narrow and very busy roads). If you donâ??t have your own bike, you can rent bikes from Blazing saddles. http://www.blazingsaddles.com. We also have many cycling clubs in the city and surrounding areas.
Driver's License
Driver's License serves as personal identity document To get your California driverâ??s license, search for the closest DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to you. It is very important to get your driver´s license, even if you do now own a car. Your license serves as your personal identity document. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm
www.craigslist.org At this website you will get information about jobs, local events, volunteer opportunities, garage sales, "anything" for sale, dating, accommodation, homes for sale, etc. www.sfgate.com
This is a beautiful park to stroll around, enjoy a picnic, and visit attractions like "The Japanese Tea Garden". It is an awesome place to visit and has beautiful Asian buildings, bridges and lots of exotic plants and flowers. Do not forget your camera. To get more information about San Francisco Recreation and Parks go to: http://www.ci.sf.ca.us/site/recpark_index.asp
National Parks Services (www.nps.org)
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is acclaimed as one of the world's most beautiful bridges and with its tremendous towers, sweeping main cables and great span; it is a sensory beauty featuring color, sound, and light. The Bridge can be a very busy place, particularly during the summer months. It is estimated that about nine million people from around the world visit the Bridge each year. You can walk, cycle or drive by car (http://godlengatebridge/org)
Muir Woods
"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world," declared conservationist John Muir when describing the majestic coast redwoods of Muir Woods.
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, an infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public (and despised by inmates), and the historic 18-month occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Rich in cultural history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare. They have tours on a daily basis and to purchase tickets go to: http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/
Lombard Street "Most crooked street in the world!"
Often billed as the "crookedest street," San Francisco's Lombard Street is, in fact, neither the "crookedest" nor the steepest street in the city, let alone the world. Oddly, that fact doesn't deter the hordes of tourists who come every year to see this famous street, built with eight switchbacks on a 40-degree slope.
The main attraction of Lombard Street is watching people drive down the crooked, one-block section, or driving down it yourself. On a busy day, a seemingly endless stream of automobiles and scooters buzz down, their passengers squealing in mock fear at every turn. If you're on foot, you can walk down (or up) the sidewalks and watch the show. www.gocalifornia.about.com/od/casfmenu/a/lombard.htm
Coit Tower and it's Art Deco
The art deco tower, 210 feet (64 meters) of unpainted reinforced concrete, was designed by architects Arthur Brown, Jr. and Henry Howard with murals by 26 different artists and numerous assistants. It was built in 1933 for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city. Do not miss the painted murals; you will be astonished by the beauty!
Union Square
In Union Square, all things fashionable and hip can be gazed upon, tried on and purchased. Big-name retail, posh hotels and superb theater are the name of the game. But take a moment to step out of the riptide of people walking through the square, and you´ll see San Francisco in all its melting-pot glory.
Fisherman's Wharf
Loved by tourists and known around the world, Fisherman´s Wharf have fun-loving shops and kooky street performers; there is not lack of food and you will find savory seafood fresh from the ocean and a fleet of historic ships that recall The City´s maritime past. My favorite is Pier 39 where you can get excellent food and also see seals.
North Beach
North Beach is infused with laid-back living, artists and many tourists. It is known as San Francisco´s " Little Itayl" but the neighborhood's history is painted in more hues than just green, white and red. Basques, bohemians, beatniks and even wild parrots "who flock to Telegraph Hill" have molded the character of North Beach.
Civic Center
Crowned by the Beaux Arts gem City Hall, this part of town is home to glorious architecture and fascinating museums. The War Memorial Opera House and Davies Symphony Hall inspire envy from music lovers who wish they had similar venues at home. Civic Center has been, and remains, the cultural focus of The City.
Presidio / Marina
Founded in 1776, the Presidio served as a military garrison under the flags of Spain, Mexico and the United States before it became a national park in 1994. Its long history is reflected in many places: 17th-century cannons, a diversity of architectural styles and a forest planted beginning in the 1880s.
Hippie Lifestyle: Haight-Ashbury District
During the Sixties, the Haight-Ashbury district was the hotbed of American counter culture and the hippie lifestyle. Many tourists still visit Haight-Ashbury, which is located next to the Golden Gate Park.
Skiing is so close! Go to Lake Tahoe
Should you want to participate in snow activities during winter, you can visit Lake Tahoe. It is about 5 hours drive from downtown San Francisco. Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. In summer you can do hiking, kayaking, sailing, cycling and much more. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/fo/offices/toc_fo.htm
City Description
Healthcare
020207.gif)
