“I LEFT my heart in San Francisco…” Tony Bennett sang. My heart, on the other hand, skipped a beat when my Facebook memories showed my trip to San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA) many years back. It was a trip I will always remember and, despite the years that passed, it is still fresh in my mind. One, I traveled on the day of my birthday, which stretched it to two days – the longest one I had here on earth. Two, it was my first time on American soil. Three, it was a trip where I saw many known personalities in the flesh, including then US First Lady Michelle Obama.
Cause-worthy conference
“High on a hill, it calls to me…” I was then still working for the non-government organization, Hands On Manila, when I traveled to US to attend the National Conference on Volunteering and Service. It’s an annual conference of Points of Light, an organization that was established from the 1989 inaugural address by its founder and former US President George H.W. Bush (the father). Hands On Manila is part of its global network of affiliates. Significant individuals from the government, corporations, and nonprofits, as well as Hollywood celebrities like Matthew McConaughey, Kerry Washington, and Jon Bon Jovi were present in this huge gathering.
So, despite the limited days I spent in San Francisco and my eagerness to explore this beautiful city, I opted to attend the interesting sessions in our conference venue, Moscone West, which is located South of Market, to listen to business executives and non-profit practitioners share their expertise and best practices. After the sessions, I would go out with fellow participants or meet up with friends to see the rest of San Francisco.
Cable car ride
“To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars…” This trip gave me an opportunity to reunite with an elementary school classmate, who toured me aboard the famous cable car, which took us from Market St. through Union Square, Chinatown, Pacific Heights, on top of Lombard St. (with a view of Alcatraz), onwards to Ghirardelli Square at the Fisherman’s Wharf area. It was a fun ride that allowed me to have a glimpse of the different areas of San Francisco.
Around downtown on a bus
“Above the blue and windy sea…” Good thing there were many instances where some of the conference activities were held outside Moscone West, such as in Fort Mason Center and in the Presidio. Aboard the bus, we were transported through many parts of the city, where I saw artsy buildings, inclined roads, hilly portions and the bay. Also, when the conference ended, I got to extend my stay in the US and was able to take a bus from Emeryville on my way back to San Francisco, crossing Bay Bridge which provided a picturesque view of Alcatraz, Yerba Buena Island, and Treasure Island. That bus ride also took me through the financial district, the wharf, and the rest of the downtown area.
Volunteering activity
“Your golden sun will shine for me.” Our volunteering activity at the Presidio enabled us to explore Crissy Field and other parts of the Golden Gate National Parks, where we enjoyed the bright sun, the cool breeze, and the breathtaking view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The activity was a close encounter with the history and natural surroundings of The Presidio. And as the golden sun was about to set, I felt the wind and looked around me. San Francisco and the bay is such a beautiful place that is etched in my memory.
All photos are by this author. Claire Marie Algarme blogs at http://firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram and like her Facebook page First-time Travels.