To make a bit of a change from Asia, we suggest a trip to the States! Everyone on board for San Francisco! It may not be just round the corner but take our word for it, it’s worth the detour. Twelve hours of flight, fifteen hours behind our clocks, and there you are in this legendary city. You might feel slightly “lost in translation” but the town is so exhilarating that it makes you forget all about your jet lag. Head out to discover SF’s treasures: North Beach or the Italian neighbourhood, Lombard Street with its sharp corners, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Alamo Square, the Golden Gate, the city’s different museums. Don’t forget to also visit the gay and hippy neighbourhoods. Be prepared to be dazzled. To optimize your time, opt for a tour on one of the sightseeing buses. They will enable you to get a global overview so that you can then choose to wander through the areas that you like best. And of course, a trip in one of the cable cars is a must! Don’t forget to check out which concerts are on whilst you’re there, it would be the icing on the cake! We managed to see Ben Harper at the Warfield, a great moment! If you’re a bit of a shopaholic, you’re going to be as happy as a pea in a pod! Macy’s, Neiman, Marcus, Banana Republic, Forever 21 not to mention all the others. Your credit card will be on fire! If you have the chance, see if you can squeeze in Los Angeles or Napa Valley for a series of wine tastings. Just what’s needed to finish the trip off in style!
Getting there: Direct flight Hong Kong – San Francisco with Cathay Pacific (flight time around 12 hours 30 minutes)
A hotel: Crescent San Francisco, 417 Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, (415) 400-0500. Good in terms of the quality / price / location mix,
A restaurant: Contigo, 1320 Castro Street (at 24th), San Francisco,
A concert hall: The Warfield, 982 Market Street, San Francisco
