Golden Gate of Love
I left a piece of my heart in San Francisco and one day I will go back. Not to get my heart back, but to give San Francisco a little bit more. It’s the city that everybody loves and for many reasons.
Bursting with youthful energy, this spectacular city has a vibe that one can liken to being high in love. It doesn’t matter which neighbourhood you’re in, whether your eating in one of the great restaurants, drinking in a stylish bar, strolling through a park or walking around the bay, driving over or sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. you’ll never want to leave and if you must, you know you’ll be back.
Anyone who hasn’t been to San Francisco knows when a movie is set there from the distinctive street scope and the unmistakable view of the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the reasons it became a “must see” city whilst on my recent trip to the USA, was the vibe it portrays through film and media plus people kept telling me how fantastic it is. I had to see it for myself.
The first thing I did after to checking into my hotel at Union Square was catch a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf. I was hungry and wanted to dig into some Clam Chowder. As starving as I was, I couldn’t say no to Captain Joe’s at Pier 45. Captain Joe and Captain Dave’s humour stopped me in my tracks. I tried to walk past, but couldn’t resist their charming offer of an hour boat ride around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was only $15 and worth so much more!
As a qualified Tour Guide in Sydney, I know what sets the great tours apart from the rest. This boat tour had it all. The hour was filled with great views, interesting facts and loads of humour. Dave had me laughing so much, that for his entertainment alone, it was worth delaying my dinner. We learnt everything you could in one hour – from the Earthquake of 1906, to details about Alcatraz, to why the orange bridge we all know and love is called the Golden Gate Bridge.
I’ve always had a thing for bridges. Perhaps subconsciously, I was drawn to bridges as the symbolism of bridges in literature and mythology is transformation. Much like my connection to butterflies, I have always believed that life is about growing and evolving. However, the symbolism that touches my heart and soul is that of connection. A bridge connects one place with another. Built with purpose as the most direct way to get somewhere or to someone. They are often architecturally beautiful and usually over water, the element of emotion and love.
Even if you aren’t one to sit back and ponder, you’ve got to admit there is an energy around bridges. Think of all the cities where people sightsee and walk over the bridges – Sydney, New York, London, Rome and Paris to name a few. Whether you are philosophical or spiritual or scientific or neither, there is a high energy around them. It’s like the natural high one feels at beaches or in forests. I truly believe the symbolism touches all mankind, even if only subconsciously. Why else are so many people drawn to bridges?!
Photo taken on Captain Joe’s Tour … just before sailing under the bridge!
Taking 4 years to build, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened in 1937. It was never painted golden or yellow. It is painted International Orange. The bridge was named such as it crosses over the Golden Gate Strait, which is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay. The strait was named in 1846, long before the bridge was built as it was seen as “the golden gate to trade with the Orient”.
That afternoon, I left a piece of my heart in the bay. Then I ate some delicious seafood and drank fantastic Californian wine. I watched the sea lions and left a piece of my heart with them at Fisherman’s Wharf. Then I got on another cable car and revelled in the childlike giddiness riding over Nob Hill. Then I sang along with locals at a piano bar.
That night I fell asleep with a smile on my face and woke with eagerness to get out and see more. We drove around the city, stopping to walk through parks and up and down Lombard Street. We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge on our way to Sausalito, the waterfront community just north of the bridge.
During the day, I ventured from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. At night, I dined and drank wine and allowed myself to be romanced.
Like Paris, I found the magic of San Fransisco to be intoxicating … yes, even before the wine was poured.
Like Paris, this city will remains on my ‘Bucket List’, because I know I will be back. I loved it! Loved it! Love it! As Tony Bennett sang … I left my heart in San Francisco!
And like everyone else, do the very "touristy" thing and go see the seals at Fisherman's Wharf!
How could you resist - they're so cute!
