Story: Summer of 2023
In June 2023, I decided to return to WeWork after leaving at the end of February. This time, I signed a 5-month contract. However, I’ve been feeling the need to travel and explore new places. After considering my options, I have narrowed down my choices to Seattle, New York, and San Francisco.
Since I currently reside in Vancouver, BC, Seattle seems to be the most convenient destination for me. I can easily reach Seattle by bus, and the ticket costs only $30. However, when I searched for accommodations on Airbnb and SRO (Single Room Occupancy) hostels, I found that they were quite expensive, with prices exceeding $100 per night. It was also challenging to find suitable options in downtown Seattle. I’m hesitant to pay more than $60 per night, even if transportation costs are taken into account.
New York has always been on my list of potential destinations. However, I need to consider my work schedule before making any plans. There is a 3-hour time difference between the East Coast and where I am. If I decide to go to New York, the flight would cost around $500. On Airbnb, I have found some options below $70 per night, which seems more reasonable.
In the past, I had the opportunity to visit San Francisco for a few hours. During a conference in San Jose, I managed to squeeze in a visit to downtown SF on my last day there. Unfortunately, I missed my flight, which was quite an embarrassing experience.
Recently, I’ve heard that downtown San Francisco has been experiencing a decline. Many office workers have yet to return, resulting in an office tower vacancy rate of nearly 40%. There is also a significant presence of homeless individuals and drug users in the area. Moreover, parking restrictions have become quite strict, with a maximum limit of 15 minutes allowed on the streets.
While searching for accommodations on Airbnb, I noticed that I could find houses for around $70 per night. However, it’s important to consider additional costs. If I simply multiply $70 by 12 days, it equals $840. However, many hosts add unreasonable cleaning fees that guests dislike. Additionally, Airbnb itself adds some fees, which means the final cost will likely exceed $1,000.
I don’t like wasting time deciding on a destination. I picked up SF for Summer 2023.
I signed up with WeWork in late May 2023. The promotion was 30% off for 5 months. The contract will be from June to the end of October. I am going to visit other countries as much as I can.
San Francisco, CA
©Expedia
San Francisco, California(population: 815,201 in 2021), is a vibrant and culturally diverse city renowned for its iconic landmarks, including the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and the historic Alcatraz Island. The city’s neighborhoods offer distinct flavors, from the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf to the vibrant Chinatown and the bohemian Haight-Ashbury. As a global technology hub, San Francisco attracts innovators and entrepreneurs from around the world. The city’s rich arts and cultural scene is highlighted by renowned museums, theaters, and festivals. With its stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and culinary scene that celebrates diverse flavors, San Francisco captivates visitors with its unique blend of history, innovation, and natural charm.
TRAVEL + LEISURE: 43 Best Things to Do in San Francisco — From Famous Sites to Can’t-miss Attractions
Visitor Lists in San Francisco by ChatGPT
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Chinatown ✓
- Golden Gate Park
- Painted Ladies ✓
- Lombard Street
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Haight-Ashbury
- Exploratorium
- Cable Cars
- Union Square ✓
- Coit Tower
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Twin Peaks
- Ferry Building Marketplace ✓
- California Academy of Sciences
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Ghirardelli Square
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) ✓
Flight
Since COVID was over and the Ukraine war started, flight price goes up in the world. Flair offers a very low price, around $200 occasionally, from YVR to SFO. However, it does not include even carry-on luggage.
I booked Air Canada for CND$322.59. The return flight is too early and I cannot get SFO by public transit. So, Uber’s costs will be extra. It is not the lowest price, but I cannot complain. From Canada, I can go to the United States at a quite low price compared with Asia. It is in July, one of a busy season for tourism. I usually don’t move during this period. This year is an exception.
Flair: optional fees and charges
Can I bring a backpack on Flair?
Flair Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item on board for free, such as a purse or small backpack, or laptop bag. This personal item or personal bag must not exceed the size limit of 6” x 13” x 17” or the weight limit of 15.5 lbs.
©Bart.org
From the airport to the city of downtown is the first challenge for the tourist. Some blogs mention that I can get downtown, SF by bus. It costs $2.50, but Google Maps does not show the bus option in the daytime. I will ask in WeWork about this.
Every city has an IC card(prepaid/rechargeable card) for public transit. In the SF, it calls Clipper. I have forgotten it, but I had Clipper in my passport case. I suppose that I got it when I visit here last time, 5 years ago.
I tried to add value to the Clipper card before travel. There is an option for guests who do not want to create an account, because of tourists. I chose it. When I put in my credit card number, I could not put the billing address outside the US. It requires only states, not a province. UX issue here.
Airbnb
Airbnb has changed the interface based on the data. It is a good example of UX design.
I searched for accommodations in the San Francisco area in early June, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find any available private rooms in downtown SF for the month of July. However, I did come across some rooms across the bridge priced between $60 and $80 per night. While I don’t recall all the specifics, the estimate included additional costs such as cleaning fees, Airbnb fees, and taxes, which brought the total cost to over $1000.
Personally, I have a preference for staying in downtown SF because I use WeWork on a daily basis. I found SRO hostels offering accommodations for $1,382 CAD for a two-week stay. This price is not significantly different from Airbnb’s. However, I should note that the hostel is located close to Tenderloin, an area that is generally not recommended. This has made me feel somewhat anxious about staying there.
*July 8, 2023
The top news of the media is the heat warning in a couple of cities in the United States. I checked the weather on my iPhone. Looks okay for a week. I hope it will be okay in July.
Hostel
If I set a budget below $1K, I cannot avoid sharing a room. I cannot endure it for 2 weeks long.
©Bloomberg Television
Every city has some area which tourists may be better to avoid. Tenderloin, SF is the place. I don’t think homeless people attack pedestrians publicly, but be cautious, always.
©ABC7 News Bay Area
The grass is always greener. It means other people’s lives seem better than your own. The purpose of a nomad is to learn from locals, not only good things but also challenging.
Preparing for the travel
In the summer of 2023, a COVID test is not required anymore. It was very inconvenient at that time. In some periods, gov required travelers to stay hotel for a couple of days(I don’t know the United States, but some Asian countries). It was outrageous.
Lists before travel
– Passport (& copy) ✓✓✓
– Tickets for an airline (& print out) ✓✓✓
– Drivers license
– Health insurance card
– Foreign currency ✓✓
*Check the passport and expiration date as well.
*In my experience, WiFi at the airport is unstable. Printout is at ease.
– Suitcases, backpack
– Maps and directions (print out if need)
– Travel pillow
– Sleeping mask
– Earplugs
– Travel locks
– Luggage tags
– Pens and paper
– Snacks and empty water bottles ✓✓✓
– Small pocket knife (not in a carry-on!)
– Rope(expandable clothesline) ✓
*Snacks and empty water bottles save money at the airport.
– Cellphone, charger
– Laptop, iPad or Tablet, E-reader
– Chargers ✓✓✓
– Travel adapter and converter
*I always think that I need an iPad only during travel.
– Underwear
– Socks
– Sleepwear
– Shirts, polos
– Jeans, trousers, shorts
– Dresses, skirts
– Shoes, sneakers
– Flipflops, slippers(in accommodation) ✓✓
– Jackets, coats, raincoats
– Belts, ties
– Scarves, hats, gloves
*I don’t think no one forgets clothes. Less is better.
– Toothbrush, paste
– Deodorant
– Tweezers (not in a carry-on!)
– Soap, shampoo, conditioner
– Towels ✓✓
*Some hotels or Airbnb does not have towels
– Hair brush ✓
– Nailcare
– Tissues
– Skin products
– Glasses, contact lenses ✓
– Vinyl bags ✓
*These products above are always in the small pouch after travel. No need to care.
– Swimsuit
– Walking shoes
– Sunglasses ✓
– Sunscreen
– Umbrella ✓✓
– Daypack
– Books, e-books, magazines ✓
International Travel
The day before the flight and it is the USA, not Canada(domestic). My anxiety is peak.
ESTA
I searched for ESTA in a mailbox. I went to L.A. in September 2022. So, ESTA will be expired in 2024. I should print out the email.
Each approved ESTA application generally is valid for two years and allows for multiple visits to the United States within that period without having to apply for another ESTA approval. Travelers whose passports will expire in less than two years will receive an ESTA valid until the passport’s expiration date. – Website
eTA
Canada has a similar program. It calls eTA. I think Canada does not require an eTA for PR residence.
Online check-in
I don’t get used to the procedure of flight. I am still not sure why I have to use the Kiosk at the airport even though I do check in online. Anyway, I did check in 24 hours before the flight. I printed out the ticket.
– Wake up at 3:15 am
– Leave home at 4:45 am
– Skytrain at 5:09 am
– Arrive at YVR by 6 am
WeWork
Of course, there are many WeWork locations in San Francisco. I am going to Salesforce Tower on the first day. I stay in downtown, SF. I will mainly commute on foot.
*Website shows 11 offices in downtown, SF, but some offices are not prepared for hot desks. So, All Access Users cannot visit there. Mobile APP does not show it. So, don’t need to worry about it.
24 hours
WeWork at 44 Montgomery
WeWork at 650 California St
WeWork at Two Embarcadero Center
WeWork at 2201 Broadway*
WeWork at 2120 University Ave*
*Oakland/Berkeley Area, across the San Francisco Bay
8 – 17
WeWork at Salesforce Tower
WeWork at 535 Mission St
WeWork at 600 California St
*Based on my experience, you can be there even after 17, but you cannot go outside the office. You cannot get back to the office.
9:30-16:30
WeWork at Trellis (981 Mission)
*Third-party space
©SFMTA
©SFMTA
I like hopping on a local bus and looking at local people is one of the great experiences.
Mobile/Data(Prepaid SIM)
A cell phone is always a headache when we are across the border. The United States and Canada is a neighbor, but once across the border, there is no service and no WiFi, roaming is started. This is the second time to do the digital nomad in the United States after Los Angels. I always consider buying a prepaid SIM, but I don’t, for saving money. I search how people deal with this issue.
Does Starlink work across the globe? If so, local telecom will be over.
So many travel blogger mentions prepaid SIM. I knew T-Mobile and AT&T. Not many websites were mentioned, but Verizon is also a major career. Blogger mentions Three. it is a UK company. I have never heard before, but Three looks cheaper than US careers.
If I think about Canada’s situation, the major company is expensive and local people know about affordable careers. It is only a few days before the flight. So, I cannot buy SIM on Amazon before traveling. I will ask it to local people at WeWork.
Roaming charges
*July 12, 2023
I received an email shortly after I did off the Airplane mode at the WeWork office. Am I charged? I am not sure. I took off the SIM card.
WeWork at Montgomery
I arrived at SFO around 11 am. The temperature was a little chilly as I expected. I could find the direction of the train after I exit the gate easily. I used Bart(train), 30 mins between SFO to downtown SF. Half of the way is underground. It was not a fan for a tourist.
I booked WeWork at the YVR. I wanted to visit Salesforce Tower, but it was not available. Alternatively, I picked up WeWork at Montgomery. Reception on the 3rd floor. This location has 6 floors, 2, 3, 4, 17, 21, and 22. I visited all the floors quickly 2, 3, and 4 are busy. 17, 21, and 22 may not be very fan for freelancers.
WeWork at 650 California St
On July 13, the sunrise is at 5:58 am, but I could not wait until sunrise(for security reasons). I left the hotel at 5:40 even though I little hesitant to go outside during the dark. I saw homeless people on Market Street, but nothing happened. I got WeWork at California St at 6:10. National media mentions the heat domes in the United States, but it does not relate to San Fransisco. It is really chilly.
I realized that actually, I did not have many choices to visit at WeWork. Because some offices are not 24 hours. We cannot access some offices until 8 am. Some office does not have a hot desk area. I can see the location on the website, but not mobile APP.
Most of the building located in WeWork in the United States has security guards. It makes me feel like the United States. I saw the first person at 6:20 am. By then, I completed the office tour on 6 and 7 floors, for the photo shoot. There is 5 floor as well. This location has a phone room rather than a phone booth. US WeWork much cares about the quiet zone. I felt it yesterday at Montgomery as well.
In the afternoon, the hot desk met its full capacity. I don’t prefer people sitting in front of me though. There are some spots in the quiet room.
Some streets are very steep. Good for walking. During the break, I walked into Chinatown. Discover local.
WeWork at Two Embarcadero Center
It’s my third day in San Francisco. I worked at WeWork at Two Embarcadero Centers. I’m staying at a hostel on 6th Street, which is conveniently within walking distance of the WeWork in downtown SF.
However, I faced a challenge when I realized that I didn’t have access to wifi outside of the hostel. This made me anxious about whether I would be able to find my way to the office or not. Thankfully, I managed to arrive at the office at 6:15 am. There were only two people there when I arrived. From the office, I could catch a glimpse of the ferry building, which brought back memories of my last visit to SF nearly five years ago.
During that previous visit, I only spent six hours in SF. I took a train from San Jose, heading counterclockwise. Unfortunately, I don’t recall where I got off the train. I remember purchasing a cup of Blue Bottle Coffee and taking a stroll around the ferry port. Eventually, I decided to board a ferry, which took me north, to Sausalito probably. I returned to downtown on the same ferry and made my way to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). I left downtown SF four hours before my flight, but it’s possible that I took the wrong train. I missed the flight. I had booked a flight for the following day, from SFO to Vancouver (YVR) via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). To save money, I opted for the cheapest Airbnb accommodation, which turned out to be a terrible night’s stay. On a positive note, I had my first experience using Uber, and it was great.
Reception is on Floor 8. You can go 7 and 9 in the same elevator. 17, 29, and ??(I could not catch) are the other elevator. I visited 29 floors. I found a couple of hot desks there. I could not go terrace, but I could see the entire ferry building. It was a nice view. In the late afternoon, a woman gave me the cake which was leftover after the farewell party of a coworker.
WeWork at 2201 Broadway
It’s a weekend and escape from downtown, SF. It is good for tourists to visit the local area rather than downtown. I got Bart at Civil Center at 6 am. I am only 2 blocks away from the station, but the way is a little wild. I saw many homeless people on Market Street. Police shows existence near the station. So, I hope nothing happens to tourists. In the station, homeless people were jumping on the rail and walking(looking for something stuff). I cannot say that it looks safe. Bart was uncomfortably noisy during the underground.
I got WeWork without losing my way. I could enter the building, but the access card did not work in the building. Access was denied at the elevator. According to the security, there is a time gap between building access and office access. Please.
Of cause, no one was here on Saturday morning. Some people visited the office in the morning. I sit window seats, but Wifi did not work properly, very weak. Please be cautious where you sit and work.
I do my task and explore Oakland, CA.
WeWork at 535 Mission
It’s been 5 days since I arrived in San Francisco. I am mentally good but physically tired. I woke up at 5 am and leave the hostel around 6:30 am every day. I changed the pace today to visit WeWork at 535 Mission.
On Sunday, I walked near Salesforce Tower and I found this building. This morning, the all-access card did not work, but the security person helped me. I got the front desk on the 14 floor. There is 20 floor as well. 17 and 18 also WeWork, but I was not sure if All Access members can visit there or not.
I like the morning sunshine in this hot desk area. There is no background music here, but each desk is quite far. Therefore, it was no problem. I can see Salesforce Park and San Francisco Bay from the private office. That’s nice. I look at the other building. It looks like not many people are in the office.
535 Mission is not 24 hours access, but it was not bad for me today. Please need to look for Mission Burrito.
WeWork at Salesforth Tower
I finally could get WeWork at Salesforce Tower. It has very limited spots. You may be able to find 1 spot at night, around 9 pm. I checked this office a couple of times, but it was generally unavailable for 2 weeks which I stayed.
I got QR by email from WeWork. The first-time visitor requires it, the receptionist said. WeWork at Salesforce Tower has 36, 37, and 38 floors. Open from 8 am to 5 pm(I might see 8:30 am on APP, but it did not matter). The receptionist said everyone have to get out by 5 pm. I don’t have time to break. All floors are connected by stairs. In the morning, the view is foggy, but it’s gonna be a great view in the afternoon. Nice to visit.
*I could visit WeWork at Salesforce Tower twice in 2 weeks. Here is generally always unavailable. Please check WeWork APP at night, from 9 pm to 3 am. You may be able to find a spot luckily.
Salesforce: A Look Inside Salesforce Tower
WeWork at 600 California St
It’s a halfway point. So far, I have not faced rain. It’s foggy, every morning and chilly.
I am visiting different WeWork offices every day. I chose 600 California this morning. This location is open from 8 am to 5 pm. 11 floor is the front. Reception gave me the cheat sheet. It mentions 7 floors total, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, and 20. 11, 19, and 20 are great views, the cheat sheet mentions. I will tour this afternoon.
WeWork at 2120 University Ave
TGIF. I visited WeWork at 2120 University Ave by bus 800. It took slightly less than an hour. This commute reminds me of Los Angeles. In LA, I took 1-1.5 hours from Airbnb to WeWork locations. LA is massive and huge. This is the area of UC Berkeley which is one of the top universities in the United States. UC Berkeley is the first-tier, top-20 school in the United States, but it is not an Ivy League school. Google mentions the average annual in-state cost is $41,473 before aid ($15,240 after aid). That’s quite expensive. Famously known, Masayoshi Son, Sadako Ogata, Steve Wozniak, Eric Schmidt, and David Friedberg attended UC Berkeley.
The front is the first floor and there is no hot desk on the first floor though I prefer to sit near the front desk. There is a hot desk on the 5th floor. There are 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 floors and each area has a couple of sofa tables. This location is not so big.
WeWork at 1460 Mission
When I was in SF, this location was unavailable. I can understand. Because I walked near Civic Center and it was wild. So many homeless people on the pedestrian road. Most people are black. It is a little impactful for me. They usually don’t do anything to pedestrians though. I could understand that Twitter employees told Bloomberg Technology why they feel a fiar to commute.
Grocery Shop
*Update: July 12, 2023
When we are nomads in a foreign country, it is essential to save money whenever possible. Eating at local restaurants every day is not feasible, so we must find affordable grocery stores. During my nomadic experiences in Toronto, Montreal, and LA, I successfully discovered affordable grocery shops in each location. Currently, I am documenting this information for someone who plans to visit San Francisco.
Trader Joe’s: 10 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
*Update: July 17, 2023
I am staying at 6th Street and Walgreen is quite everywhere in downtown, San Francisco. I don’t say the store is welcoming. A security guard is there. The store is dim. I checked the prices and it is not bad. I bought shampoo here for $12.99 on sale. Health & beauty products are problematic. We basically cannot carry-on liquid over 100ml. We have to buy them at the destination, but we cannot buy large ones. We cannot bring it back to home.
Walgreen: 825 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Experience
*Update: July 7, 2023
Before traveling somewhere, I always feel anxious. I even entertain thoughts of not wanting to fly. While staying in the same place and maintaining my usual routine poses no problems, I recognize that it is not a fulfilling life. We are meant to embark on both mental and physical journeys.
*July 11, 2023
To be honest, I have forgotten to check in before 24 hours, but Air Canada noticed me by email. This is a small good experience. I could book a window seat even though I don’t much care about it. Because from YVR to SFO is only 2h 25min.
*Update: July 12, 2023
I arrived at Waterfront Station at 5 am, but it was locked. I did not expect this situation, but I went to the Granville entrance without preparation. I, fortunately, could enter. I think many tourists face the same situation. Please be careful.
Air Canada Express was very tiny for males. I saw a lot of males close to hitting the head when we had a window seat. It is only 2.5 hours. So, be patient.
*Update: July 13, 2023
It is officially the first day of San Francisco. I walked mostly Chinatown area. I saw a good amount of tourists there. This may not a many compared with before COVID, but I could enjoy it.
*Update: July 14, 2023
I walked the waterfront area, pier. It reminded me of where I was 5 years ago and what I did not see at that time. Total 6 hours until the flight. It was only 2 hours spend in downtown, SF. Nothing to do though.
*Update: July 15, 2023
I visited the Oakland area. Some architectures are traditional and interesting. I saw many black people even though nothing was much different compared with other places. Here is the United States. I found an authentic cafe, The Crown, by chance. I could choose Espresso. However, I did not feel the vibrance in Oakland. I visited Jack London Square, but I saw many empty spaces.
*Update: July 16, 2023
I walked downtown on Sunday, SF. I visited Salesforth Tower, SFMOMA, Oracle Park, and Painted Ladies. I saw downtown from Alamo Square. That’s photogenic. I passed by Hayes Street. I found Allbirds by chance. Nice restaurants were crowded. I think the walking distance from Ferry Building to Alamo Square is the maximum. I cannot walk more than that without a break. I need trekking leggings.
*Update: July 17, 2023
I worked in WeWork at Mission. So, I walked around Union Square. I got top of the hill. I could find some authentic architecture. It was a beautiful sunset. When I walked hill down, I coincidently passed the Tenderloin. I saw the fighting of black people on the street. Everyone has a life.
*Update: July 18, 2023
I had to leave Salesforce Tower at 5 pm. It was a little early for me to call it a day. So, I visited 24th Street and walk around. I found some fashion stores on Valencia Street. I didn’t have a plan to buy anything, but I checked the websites at night. When I was in Japan, I bought fashion magazines every month and I admired abroad at that time. I assume that many Asians think the United States is cool. I was in Tokyo for a while and there are many local fashion brands which relatively known in the industry. I understand that people do not want to wear the same clothing as others. Therefore, abroad brands/clothing makes valuable. Now, I think I didn’t need to admire abroad. We can consume anything locally and local may be cool.
*Update: July 19, 2023
I completed visiting the WeWork in downtown, San Francisco. Each office has a different atmosphere. I don’t have many preferences, but I want to feel the sun and see outside. I walked Chinatown, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and Polk Street. Then, I passed through the center of Tenderloin. The population is different. So, I cannot simply compare with Vancouver, BC, but here is large homeless than in Vancouver, BC.
*Update: July 20, 2023
It was a busy day for work, but I walked the local street. I used bus 30 and got off on Chestnut St, Fillmore St, Union St, and Hayes St. I wanted to visit Nijiya, a Japanese grocery shop to buy rice balls, but I could not find the store. I thought I can find it when I got to the area, but I could not… I checked the map after I got hostel. I was very close there. I passed by Kinokuni-ya a couple of times. We cannot rely on memory it is vague.
*Update: July 21, 2023
I walked the UC Berkeley campus. The dormitory looked great. I might not be so impressed with the architecture compared with Toronto University or Mcgill University. College(study) in the United States may be quite intense rather than in most of Asia. Go Bear 🐻 I could not enjoy watching college goods. I was working by 5:30 pm and most of the shops are closed by 6 pm. A little regret…
*Update: July 22, 2023
I walked the Pier from Ferry Plaza through Fisherman’s Wharf. It was a summer feeling. I saw a lot of people at Pier 39. Good for the local economy. My foot is painful, but I am walking every day. I may be healthier than before travel. My travel is only three days left. I cannot take for everything. I have to make a plan.
*Update: July 23, 2023
This weekend, the movie, Oppenheimer, has released. National media and YouTubers are talking about it a couple of times. I feel that this is an American culture. I checked the movie theaters and the movie theater offers a 30% discount in the morning. I am considering it. I walked Haight Street, Golden Gate Park(1/5), Clement Street. Haight & Ashbury is iconic. Golden Gate Park is huge. The great local atmosphere and nice to visit as a tourist.
*Update: July 24, 2023
I finally visited the Golden Gate Bridge at 6 pm. It was beautiful weather. I got off bus 101 at the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. Then, I did a round walk to the Golden Gate Bridge. I could not keep wearing the cap. It was very windy. The sign mentions that pedestrians need to walk right, but I was a little scared during the whole trip. I saw 30-50 people on the bridge, not too many. I took bus 28 at the parking, then I got downtown.
This is the last trip. I do something tomorrow as well, but I have to prepare for the departure. I don’t know when I can visit San Francisco again. The world is too huge, but I liked San Francisco, California.
*Update: July 25, 2023
I worked at Salesforce Tower for the second time in 2 weeks. I left there at 3:30 pm. Then, I visited UC Berkeley for shopping. I bought a hoodie for the memory. I cannot wear it in San Francisco, but I can wear it in Canada. After that, I visited Oracle Park to see the San Francisco Giants Fans. According to the news, it was an exciting game. Good for kids.
Athletics vs Giants on July 25, 2023
*Update: July 26, 2023
I woke up at 2 am, and I was thinking about how to get SFO. I checked both Uber and Lyft. It costs $30-$50. I was really considered about it. Because I was scared walking on Mission Street at 3-4 am. However, I used a public transit, bus, in the end. I have to walk through the homeless tent, Market Street, and 6th. The bus did not come on time, 7 mins delayed. There were many homeless people on it. It costs only $2.5. The bus reached terminal 2 (Air Canada). 1.25 hours before the flights. I could leave the United States satisfactorily.
It is very close to Vancouver, BC, and San Francisco, CA, only 2 hours by flight. I am now working at WeWork at Marine Drive. This is a very seamless experience. Thanks, WeWork!
Conclusion: San Francisco is not dead
I am concluding my first trip as a nomad from Canada.
What I saw
– I was not clear on the reason to shut down business in San Francisco.
– I walked Tenderloin, San Francisco, a couple of times. It is wild (worse than Vancouver, BC), but I did not feel that the reason is homelessness.
– Local people are working in downtown, SF. I saw traffic jams during the morning and evening. However, the office looks still empty.
– Tourists are here.
– No heat dome in San Francisco (at least in July 2023) even though across the United States suffers it.
– In the early morning, it is cloudy/foggy and chilly in July 2023. Many people wear light-down jackets which I did not have.
– San Francisco and Los Angels are very different even in the same states.
– So many hills.
– So many restaurants.
You may be able to find negative news about San Francisco. I don’t say it’s fake news, but please don’t trust what you hear indirectly until you see it directly. San Francisco is worth visiting the city in the United States.
Lastly, I appreciate WeWork once again. Without a stable workplace, I cannot travel to the United States. Everyone has struggled in their life, but we are literally living in the luckiest era in history. I could remind that.
Let’s do what you love!
©Raymond Stone
When I travel somewhere, I consume a lot of travel videos on YouTube and I learn about the locals. At this time, I found this video and it covered a lot of places in San Francisco. Well done.
