I flew from Los Angeles to San Francisco for a work conference. The flight was approximately 1 hour and 3o minutes. Although I often travel, I don’t really like to fly, so I’m glad that it was a short flight. The great thing about this trip was it was completely free (flight and hotel) because it was a work related. If your trip happens to fall closer to the weekend, ask your supervisor if you can stay later than expected to explore the city and see various landmarks. I believe in working hard and playing even harder. I attended workshops during the day but I made sure to do an activity each night I was in town.
We stayed at a small Boutique Hotel near Union Square called Hotel Carlton. I loved this place because it had art and decorations representing various cultures. During the evening they have a DJ and happy hour for guest.
We arrived in San Francisco around 6 pm and booked an excursion with San Francisco Love Tours (they have both day and night tours). One of the best parts was the cool VW Hippie Van complete with beaded curtains, old music blaring, and shaggy orange carpet. We were taken to various spots in the city including the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
After touring for 2 hours we were hungry and decided to stop at The Pub restaurant near Ghirardelli Square Shopping. I thought restaurants would stay open late but it appeared that most closed at 10 pm but The pub closed at 2am.
Our keynote speaker was Dr. Camara Jones and she discussed a Gardener’s Tale and a theoretic framework for understanding racism on 3 levels:
Institutionalized racism- social institutions such as government, schools, court of law etc, giving negative treatment to people based on race. For example, people receiving different sentences for the same crime due to their race.
Personally mediated- different access to service and goods and opportunities of a society by race. For example, the difference in products (vegetables and fruits) at groceries stores depending on the area.
Internalized racism-racist attitudes towards members of their own ethnic group. For example, A rapper Young Thug going on a rant against 2 African Females and saying “they look like they are from Africa” As if to say being from Africa is a bad thing. It is to be noted that he wears locs in his hair.
Dr. Jones was an awesome speaker! If you ever have the opportunity to see her, you won’t be disappointed. Have you all experienced any of these types of racism?
Surprisingly, they didn’t provide lunch during the conference, allowing us to try different restaurants in the area. We found a small Mediterranean restaurant called La Mediterranee, that was pretty good. I ordered rice, chicken kabobs, and a salad.
The following day we tried Peruvian food at a restaurant called Fresca.
Later in the evening, I learned that the Lion King Musical was playing at San Francisco Orpheum theater. I had already seen the play several years ago in New York and thought it was an excellent show. Check your city to see when they are performing in your area. The costumes, musical and dance talent were exceptional.
We used Uber and Lyft to get around the city. My coworkers and I rotated paying fees, allowing us to save a little money. If you are a first-time LYFT user, please use this code for a discount https://lyft.com/i/TIFFANY050231
Lovely! Looks like you had a wonderful time. I lived in L.A for years and was assigned to our S.F store for about 6 months. They flew me up on Monday and l returned on weekends. It was a great time, but it cemented my preference for L.A over S.F
What store did you work at? Wow that was a lot of flying back and forth. I would have been so tired. I def like southern cali over northern cali
It was an independent at that point pharmacy, but now owned by a large chain. It was in Castro..bang in the center.
I love San Fran and I’m a lil jealous because you look like you ate some great food and got a lot done while there. I travel for work but I don’t always get to do a lot because I’m usually working late and then have to get up early the next day.
Yes I def enjoyed some great food. Awe man , no time to play? What do you do for a living?
WOW! This looks like so much fun! I love cultural places and events.
I have to admit, I don’t really enjoy San Fran for several reasons. However there are some cool neighborhoods across the bay and I love its proximity to Napa. It seems like you stayed in a fun, artsy hotel. AND you saw my Lion King family! I’m glad you enjoyed the show!
Hey Tryphena, why don’t you like about an Francisco? I’ve never been to Napa because I dont drink but I still want to go some day. Yes, I loved the boutique. I loved the show, are you apart of the Lion King cast?
Sounds like an amazing trip, and I really like how they incorporated cultural flair in the hotel decor. I’ve heard so many good things about San Francisco.
If you are ever on the West Coast, you should visit San Francisco. Great place to go!
I absolutely love San Francisco. I love the diversity of the people and food and things to do. I’ve been dying to go back for another visit. And I really laughed out loud at your picture caption about almost getting arrested for being in the park after it was closed.
I def have to return as it been a while since I have been to Nor Cal (I live in So. Cal) Yes it one of those things where I would have been afraid had i not been with my group. If you think this is funny, you should hear my story about the South African Police knocking on my hostel door in the middle of the night. 🙁
Looks like a fun time and lovely boutique! I haven’t done San Fran in years, will have to keep this place in mind for a future visit.
Yes I had a great time. The traveler in me appreciated how they incorporated various elements from various cultures.
I love San Francisco. I haven’t been since earlier this year. I need to get back to the area. It looks like you experienced a lot and had a great time. Thanks for sharing your story and photos.
Your welcome, I love sharing my travel stories! I need to get back as well, I only had about 8 hours to really tour on my own.
I’ve never been to San Fran but after this post I’m putting it on my 2017 travel list! Such a great post and beautiful imagery too!
Thank you so much for reading. I have to return and explore when I’m not working especially since I am only an hour away by plane. Let me know you how you like it, once you scratch it off your bucket list.
Great recap of your trip. I liked San Francisco. I didn’t like that it was cold. I would have died if I happened upon that raccoon.
I don’t love flying either! Looks like you had a blast. Good food, near arrest, racoon, and bomb conference! That racoon pic is the best though…
Lol, I took that raccoon picture from a distance. I hear horror stories about them. I had a good time but wish i had more free time to explore
Free is the best way to travel! I had no idea that you didn’t like to fly because you travel so much.
I know, I know. I only fly because I know have no alternative means of transportation to reach some of the destinations I want to travel too. LOL I need to find a job where I travel over %%0 of the time.
It looks like you have a wonderful trip! Omg I wish my company flew me out places. Sheesh. And I super love the bathroom colors!!!
I wish we went more places. Unfortunately, it is only once a year in Northern California they send us to! I love the hotel decor including the bathroom.
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities and I’m always plotting how to get back! Looks like you had a good time. But um…the raccoon…lol
I’ll probably be there at the end of the year. Any must do or restaurants to eat at? I was like let me stay far away from the raccoons. LOL
I love how you captured the tour.You told a complete story with the pictures.
Thank you, I love to tell stories through both words and pictures.
Looks like a great time! I haven’t been to LA since I was 4 years old and I’ve never been to San Francisco so I am long overdue! The tour guide looks fun also…his van reminds me of the Scooby Doo van!
Oh wow, you are def due for a vacation in California and San Francisco is a great destination to see! Lol you are right about the van!
Wow what a great trip you took! It was very interesting that you were able to meet Dr. Jones. What were the three levels of racism she talked about? I would be interested in finding out.
Institutionalized racism- social institutions such as government, schools, a court of law etc, giving negative treatment to people based on race.
Personally mediated racism- different access to service and goods and opportunities of a society by race.
Internalized racism-racist attitudes towards members of their own ethnic group.
Your spot was crazy dope, I love a place with personality. I’ve been to San Fran once but didn’t have much time. I did get a picture at the bridge and got to experience the epic fog.
Thanks when the booked the location I heard that it wasn’t in a good neighborhood but the neighborhood and the hotel itself were awesome. That means you have to take a trip back to San Fran to do some more exploring!
Everything looks fun and interesting, except for that racoon LOL! Yeah, I’ve experienced internalized racism. Especially with older people in my family. A lot of families deal with colorism and negative slave or Africa references. That’s why I do my best to educate my kids about their history and who we are as a people.
Yeah I was like let me stay far away from the raccoon. lol I’m glad you are educating your children, most people assume that our history should be taught in schools but teaching starts at home! Crazy how we are still dealing with colorism within our own families.
I have San Francisco on my travel bucket list. I would love to ride in that little tour bus for sure.
So much to do in San Fran! Hope you have the opportunity to check it off your bucket list soon! The little bus was a great way to see the city at night.
You always find the coolest places to check out when you travel. I want to be like you when I grow up!
I do tons of research before I go on a trip(it’s exhausting) but so worth it when I’m doing my activities! lol that makes me feel special, appreciate it!
It’s been so long since I was last in SF, CA. Seeing your pictures really made me want to book another trip very soon.
I’ll be there again at the end of the year, hope you make it back soon!