San Francisco

San Francisco

The crimson bridge, cable carriages, a sparkling bay and streets lined with elegant Victorian homes, makes San Francisco one of the world’s great cities. Located in Northern California, it is also home to some of the world’s finest wine country, waterfront towns, dramatic beaches and the tech-savvy southern end known as the Silicon Valley - home to Apple, Google and Facebook. I had less than two days to explore this iconic city and to see as many of its famous sites as I could. 

The BART train system from the airport to the Fisherman’s Wharf area where I was staying worked well – I just needed to hop on one of the Trolley Buses for the last part of my journey. 

That is something you just have to experience when in San Francisco – up and down the steep streets of the city is an adventure in itself. Staying in Fisherman’s Wharf was the best idea – everything I wanted to do or see was either close by or easily accessible. 

Fisherman’s Wharf was once a thriving fishing area and you can still see some weathered boats that go out catching seafood, as they have done for more than 100 years; but it is now one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist destinations. It has a wide array of souvenir shops, family friendly attractions and restaurants – all selling seafood – so there was only one thing for it………. sample a tasty fish dinner. Walking around this lively area was an absolute joy, there was live music, an antique amusement arcade; as well as many other tourist attractions such as the spooky San Francisco Dungeon, The Alcatraz Breakout Escape Rooms and Madame Tussauds https://www.madametussauds.com/san-francisco/

At Hyde Street Pier 45 you can see historic ships and the USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine, all part of the National Maritime Museum. Not far from here, walking along the waterfront, you come to Pier 39, with the area’s noisiest residents – a group of sea lions; which can also be seen at many different places along the waterfront. https://www.pier39.com/

 

Pier 39 is one of the most visited sites in San Francisco, a multilevel complex, home to shops, restaurants, street performers, fairground rides, a video arcade and the Aquarium of the Bay – with it’s own colourful sea lions! 

Situated on the waterfront, you get breath taking views out into the picturesque bay, and of the small island known as Alcatraz – as well as inland to Coit Tower perched high on top of Telegraph Hill (which has an observation deck on its 13^th floor). Alcatraz is just over a mile offshore, a former federal prison that has held infamous prisoners such as Al Capone. The first European to document the islands in San Francisco Bay was in 1775 - Juan Manuel de Ayala, a Spanish Naval Officer; naming the Island "La Isla de Los Alcatraces" (Island of Gannets), similar to an old Spanish word for Pelicans.

 

The island was developed in the 1800’s with a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a prison; then in 1934, it was converted into a federal prison - Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. The strong currents and cold-water temperatures around the island made escape nearly impossible, and the prison is one of the most notorious in American history. It closed in 1963, and it is now a major tourist attraction. Visitors can reach the island in less than 15 minutes by ferry from Pier 

33. https://www.alcatrazislandtickets.com/ 

After a delightful evening enjoying the waterfront, I decided the best way to utilise my next and only full day was to get a Hop On Hop Off Bus – definitely the best option. Tickets can be purchased at several outlets, especially near Fisherman’s Wharf – with an option of an Evening Tour included. There is multi-lingual commentary as you travel around – learning much as you go. 

Travelling away from the waterfront, we passed the Church of Saint Peter and Paul, where Joe Dimaggio was married, and buried (but not where he married Marilyn Monroe), and a fabulous wall-art of Bruce Lee near the only Chinese hospital in America. 

China Town was where I decided to go first; it is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in America – dating back to California’s Gold Rush. The iconic Dragon’s Gate, built in 1970, sits at the southern end of Chinatown; with its stone pillars, green-tiled pagodas, and dragon sculptures. 

The three entryways are guarded by a trio of stone lion statues, said to ward off evil. Through this gate you will find a bustling maze of streets and alleys, ornate temples, a 2-storey market, a Fortune Cookie Factory as well as the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum. 

From here it isn’t too far to walk to Union Square, an elegant plaza circled by tall palm trees; a bustling place renowned for luxury shopping – with designer boutiques such as Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.

 

Just south of the square, on Market Street, you’ll find the huge indoor shopping mall Westfield Centre, which is the place to go for entertainment or fine dining. 

Back on the bus, we passed the magnificent Civic Centre and City Hall Building, then the repainted Victorian and Edwardian houses known as the Painted Ladies before arriving at the Haight Ashbury. This area was made famous by the hippie movement in the 1960’s and has been home to famous singers and revolutionaries – I have never seen such bizarre colourful buildings – very impressive though! 

The next stop was Golden Gate Park – described as the green heart of San Francisco. https://sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park This cultural hub surrounds a concourse of fountains and lawns. On the north side is the de Young Museum with its world-class collection of classic art. You can take the elevator to the top of the museum for a spectacular view of the whole park. 

Opposite the museum is the California Academy of Sciences, home to a planetarium, aquarium, living four-story rainforest, and natural history museum. It’s a quick stroll to the Japanese Tea Garden, the giant glasshouse that’s home to the Conservatory of Flowers or explore the botanic gardens. 

The 55 acre Botanical Garden contains nearly 9,000 different kinds of plants from around the world, with particular focus on Magnolia, palms, conifers, and cloud forest species from Central America, South America and Southeast Asia. https://www.sfbg.org/ 

Back on the bus and we were soon heading over the icon of the city –  The Golden Gate Bridge - spanning the one-mile-wide strait connecting San Francisco Bay to Marin County. It is famous for its golden, orange colour, its 746-foot tall towers, and sweeping cables, and recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Wonders of the Modern World. 

We stopped on the far side, at the North Vista Lookout Point to take photographs; and were very lucky to be able to watch fighter jets practising for the Air Fleet show that was taking place the following day. What a bonus!!!  After taking numerous photos of the Bridge, I caught the next bus back over it, alighting at the Palace of Fine Arts. This is a monumental structure built in 1915 for the Panama Pacific International Exposition to exhibit works of art - and is the only remaining building from that World fair. 

It was designed as a Greco-Roman ruin, with its most prominent building being a 162-foot-high open rotunda - enclosed by a lagoon on one side and a large, curved exhibition centre on the other side - separated by colonnades. Designed to appear to be a decaying ruin of ancient Rome, it has become one of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks. I loved the reflections of the colonnades in the lagoon and was so glad I had stopped there.  https://palaceoffinearts.com/  

From here, I opted to walk along the waterfront, taking in more views of the Bridge and the acrobatic jets; it was a delightful day – but a longer walk back to Fisherman’s Wharf than it looked on the map.  I passed Maritime Natural History Park, which includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, a Visitor Centre, Maritime Museum, Maritime Research Centre, and Aquatic Park Historic District. 

Just outside the Visitor Centre is an open, grassy area overlooking the Aquatic Park cove and beach; with breathtaking views to the north of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island as well as the Golden Gate Bridge. https://www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm After a short rest, I was back on the bus for the Evening Tour of the City – a completely different route than the one earlier in the day.  

Leaving Fisherman’s Wharf, we travelled up and down some of the City’s steepest streets before heading over Bay Bridge, which is not as famous as the Golden Gate bridge, but it is still an iconic landmark. It is made up of two segments: a skyway structure/single anchored suspension bridge between Oakland and Yerba Buena Island, and a suspension span from the island to San Francisco. 

Our tour stopped at the small artificial island (built in 1936 by the Army) that connects the eastern and western spans of the bridge - Yerba Buena Island also known as Treasure Island. As the daylight was fading, we had the most magnificent views of the sun setting on the Golden Gate Bridge and of the Cities waterfront – a thoroughly memorable end to a brilliant day. I loved San Francisco and will remember it for so much more than its famous bridge.

Thank you for taking time to follow my adventures,

Lynne

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Singapore

Singapore

I was so lucky to have a friend show me around this wonderful city, that is actually a country in its own right; and as I only had 2 days, there wasn’t a moment to waste. Leaving the hotel, we headed down the bustling Orchard Road to one of Singapore’s icons, Raffles Hotel - which started out as a privately-owned beach house in the 1830s. 

When its original lease expired in 1887, the Armenian Sarkies Brothers, leased the property and begun turning it into a colonial-style luxury hotel, named after the founder of Singapore - British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. 

Its reputation for exceptionally high standards made the hotel popular with wealthy clientele; and over the years it has expanded with extra wings, a bar, ballroom, billiards room, a veranda, and other buildings. 

A century after it first opened, in 1987, Raffles Hotel was declared a National Monument by the Singapore government. Unfortunately, when I went, the hotel was closed for restoration, but I managed to go up onto the veranda and see the Long Bar, where the famous cocktail, the Singapore Sling, was invented. 

There are information boards as you go up the stairs telling of Raffles elaborate history.

We headed to the waterfront next, to see the Merlion – a “must-see” symbol and the official mascot of Singapore. It is a mythical creature, a lion's head and the body of a fish; and its name combines “mer", meaning the sea, and "lion". 

Singapore's original name was Singapura - "lion city". 

There was so much to see – over the water to the Marina Bay Sands hotel, the museum that looks like a hand, and numerous modern high-rise buildings.

From here we went to China town, visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, whose interior was awash with gold.

The large Buddha Maitreya sits in the centre of Hundred Dragons Hall; it was carved from a single piece of wood and meticulously hand painted back in the Tang Dynasty.

There are statues of 100 smaller buddhas, ornately built into the walls of this hall; and another buddha sitting on a lotus flower in the adjacent hall.

The temple is free to get in and offers guided tours; it also has a museum, roof top garden, stupa and prayer wheel.

In the early 19th century this area was designated specifically for the Chinese immigrants by Raffles, they were the largest ethnic group at that time.

There was no fresh water here though, so they had to collect their water in bullock-drawn carts.

The area known as Little India was our next port of call, a buzzing neighbourhood with multi-coloured shops and houses that line the streets, buildings specialising in jewellery and gold, and various mosques and temples. 

I was intending visiting one of the oldest Hindu temples here, the Sri Veeramakaliamman temple, but it closes at lunchtime, and I only managed to see its colourful, intricate statues from the outside.

I didn’t feel particularly safe around here and was advised not to carry anything of value whilst we had a look around. Not far from here though, is the Arab Quarter, which felt much safer. 

The Sultan Mosque, originally constructed in 1824 by the first Sultan of Singapore, is such an impressive sight. It glistened white, with giant golden domes on top the buildings - in such contrast to the vibrant colours of the nearby shops selling traditional fabrics, jewellery, leather and Persian carpets. 

Within the Kampong Glam district, there are many old-fashioned curry houses and restaurants, it is a great place to try a different lunch – which is exactly what we did.

The Malay Heritage Centre, set in beautiful grounds, tells the history of Kampong Glam before Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819, and is an ideal place for anyone interested in learning more about Singapore’s Malay people’s culture and heritage. 

From here we went to Gardens by the Bay – the main reason I had visited Singapore.

It is a nature park spanning 250 acres of reclaimed land next to the Marina Reservoir and consists of 3 waterfront gardens and 2 huge conservatories – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest (the world's largest column less glasshouses). 

The Flower Dome is not as tall, but has a larger floorspace, and contains plants found in semi-arid tropical regions – having a mild, dry climate. 

It has several "inner garden areas" and has different themes in the central display throughout the year. 

As well as the colourful array of plants, I loved the various sculptures of animals and characters, that are positioned throughout the plant displays.

Next was the Cloud Forest, which is a taller complex, replicating moist, tropical mountain conditions. 

The first thing you see when you enter is the 42-metre "Cloud Mountain" with its immense waterfall.

You go to the top by a lift, where the views both inside and outside the glass wall are absolutely breath-taking. 

Slowly you descend the mountain via a circular path, enjoying different levels such as the Cavern, the Waterfall View, the Forest Gallery and The Crystal Mountain. 

The waterfall itself provides you with a spray of refreshing cool water at certain places.

The intricate structure is completely clad in orchids, ferns, mosses, bromeliads and anthuriums – it is one of the most incredible plant-based complexes I have ever seen. 

Even as you get to the bottom of the journey, there are more surprises – a theatre show, a section on saving our planet, and the Secret Garden, where you can see miniature plants through strategically placed magnifiers. 

These incredible domes are only a small part of the Gardens by the Bay complex; there are several Heritage gardens, specialised tree and plant areas and many works of art – that will take your breath away. 

There are lakes, play areas, pavilions, and plenty of places to eat and drink.  But I particularly wanted to see the incredible Supertrees, tree-like structures, 25–50 metres tall, which are individual vertical gardens, dominating the landscape. 

There is an elevated walkway between 2 of the larger Supertrees, that you can pay to go on, and enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the Gardens.

The Supertree Grove comes alive twice a night (7:45 and 8:45) with a coordinated light and music show, known as the Garden Rhapsody; and the accompanying music has changing themes such as Christmas music, or music from iconic films like Jurassic Park or Pirates of the Caribbean. 

As there were a few daylight hours left, we went on a cruise from Bayfront South Jetty, around the marina and up the river to Clarkes Quay.

It was a good opportunity to have a rest, whilst seeing the city and its sights from a completely different angle. 

We went under many different bridges, and saw the Merlion again, Raffles Landing place and lots of colonial buildings – which were such a comparison to the modern skyscrapers in the business district around the marina. 

After a rest, it was time to head back to the Gardens by the Bay, full of excitement for seeing the supertrees show. 

Once we reached the Supertree Grove, we could hardly move for the crowd; so many people were just sitting on the ground. 

We had no idea where we needed to be when the show started, but once it began, we just had to sit down anywhere and look upwards. 

What a fantastic 30 minutes; but as with experiencing anything so incredible, it went by far too quickly. The music, the colours, the lights – it was all as magical as I wanted it to be. I had come to Singapore for this, and it had lived up to my expectations – I was so very happy. 

My day ended with a delightful dinner overlooking Marina Bay, and more light shows over the water – even hotels were lit up with themes and stories portrayed on them.

On my second day in the city, I bought a Hop On Hop Off bus ticket, which worked out cheaper if I purchased it from the hotel – and off I went. I had a pretty good idea of the layout city and knew what I wanted to see. 

Heading off down Orchard Road, passing Chimes, (a great place to eat), I arrived at Sun City, (the depot) and had to swap buses to continue along the Yellow Route – the one I had chosen.

My first proper stop was at the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel that has a great view of the city, as well as the nearby Formula One area and grandstand. 

I jumped on the next bus and headed to Gardens in the Bay to see those magnificent trees in the daylight again. 

From here there is an elevated pathway, that crosses the busy road and takes you into Marina Bay Sands – Singapore’s other iconic and luxurious hotel. It is famous the world over for being shaped like a ship and having an infinity pool high in the sky; you can walk inside this hotel – it has shops and places to eat.

Earlier I had purchased a ticket to go up to the viewing platform at the top, called Sands Skypark; there was hardly a queue and it was so efficient – before I knew it I was at the top on the observation deck. 

There is a glass wall all around and the view of the city below was fabulous; there is no time limit so you can spend as much time as you want admiring Singapore from above. 

I was surprised by the number of ships out at sea and was told that at any one time, there are 1000 ships waiting to come into Singapore’s harbour. It was a wonderful experience, one I was so glad I had done. 

Back down and into the heart of the bustling hotel, which I felt privileged just to be walking in! From here, you can go over a bridge or via the Underpass to the Marina Sands Mall, a luxury shopping complex like no other. 

As well as being immense (it took me 30 minutes to find the food court) – it has hundreds of classy shops and outlets. From the walkway, you can see the other levels below and at the bottom there is a canal-type waterway with boat rides.

It really is quite a place; somewhere you could spend hours if you liked shopping or wanted to shelter from the rain or humidity! If shopping isn’t your thing, you can walk over the walkway and straight outside, where you will be at the Arts Museum, a unusual shaped building that I thought was made in the shape of a hand – but it’s a lotus flower. 

It is surrounded by some of the most beautiful reflective fish ponds; and an inverted mirror over the water.

The views of the city here are quite spectacular – it is well worth walking along this waterfront promenade; this is where the small cruise boats leave from - and there is a funfair at the end of it. 

My day time was running away, and there was still one more very special area that I had to see, so I hopped back on the bus and headed to Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

Established in 1859, this garden is the only UNESCO World Heritage tropical garden; and contains so many different features and inner gardens. 

You can wander through the Ginger Garden, the Fragrant Garden, the Healing Garden as well as the Foliage and Evolution Gardens. 

As you can see - there was a bit of a storm when I was there!

There are over 10,000 trees and types of plants spread over 82-hectares of pristine gardens; except for the area known as the Learning Forest. This area has been constructed as a large rainforest habitat including plants which are endangered or vulnerable – conservation is a huge issue here, with elevated walkways to preserve the rainforest. 

Many of the English landscape features have been retained, giving the park an open outlook.

The National Orchid Garden, which began in 1928, is outstanding – I have never seen anything like it. 

Thriving in this tropical climate, it has the largest collection of orchids - 1,200 species and 2,000 hybrids. 

The colours, varieties and show pieces are absolutely fantastic; and the area dedicated to these plants is exceptional. 

Although the botanic gardens are free to get in, the Orchid Garden costs $5; and it is open from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight every day. These gardens are reputedly the most visited botanic gardens in the world, with millions of people enjoying them every year; and it is somewhere I can highly recommend visiting.  

My time in Singapore was nearly over - what a wonderful city it is. There are a few other places that I hadn’t had time to visit, and I will definitely be back to explore some more of this fabulous place.

A few more ideas of places to visit :_

Jurong Bird Park has one of the world's tallest man-made indoor waterfalls, large walk-in aviaries, the 9 storey Lory Loft with over 1000 lorikeets; and Penguin Coast which is home to 5 species of penguins and bird shows throughout the day.

The Night Safari is the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals, with over 2,500 resident animals including some endangered ones - living in 35 hectares of dense rainforest. You can explore the park on a tram with commentary that takes you across zones of the world; or trek through various trails or walk through 2 giant aviaries. Instead of prison-like cages, cattle grids were laid all over the park to prevent hoofed animals from moving habitats, and moats were designed to look like streams and rivers. Tribal dances, blowpipe demonstrations and fire eating displays are also performed.

The River Safari is a 30-acre river-themed zoo and aquarium with boat rides, freshwater attractions and The Giant Forest.

The island of Sentosa was turned into a resort and tourist destination in 1972. It has 14 hotels, 2 golf courses, and the Resorts World Sentosa, featuring a casino and Universal Studios with rides, shows, and attractions in 7 themed zones. Its south coast Palawan Beach is lined with bars and food stalls whereas Tanjong Beach is much quieter and lined with palm trees.

Lynne

Please check out my other blogs ..............

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