I’ve been fortunate to see San Francisco during the Christmas holiday. My family, together with three other Filipino families went on an unusual 610-mile- trip. Traveling on a rented 15-seater van, we crossed the traffic-free Mexicali-Calexico border on the eve of Christmas. With Christmas songs on the car playlist, it took us thirteen hours to reach the Golden Gate Bridge. We had several stops on the road for bathroom breaks, gas refills, and snow encounter. Surreal as it may seem, we also paused at a rest stop in Coalinga. It was a freezing winter morning so you wouldn’t believe we had our post-Noche Buena salu-salo outside. It was hard to eat because we were shivering but we still managed. The Golden Gate Bridge was packed as it was a holiday. We stayed there for a couple of hours. Viewing the bridge from the deck was a sight to behold. You would just admire the scenery. The red bridge stretching its arms, connecting one island to the other; the waters below kissing the shore. It is postcard-worthy indeed.


The following day, we went to Lombard Street.  We parked the van in another street and we walked to our destination. San Francisco streets are steep so walking uphill was a challenge. Tourists were flocking the famous place as they take pictures. Sure, it is one of its kind but you wouldn’t want to live in a busy street like that. We went there on a winter time so it was less attractive. There were just bushes. I remember my friend who went there during spring and there were blooming flowers.


 When we got back to our vehicle, we found out that our side mirror was hit by another car. It was a hassle but we only have a little time for that holiday trip so we just went right away to the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf where we had our lunch.


After that, the boys looked for another side mirror, while we, the girls, strolled at the pier. There were a lot of stores selling souvenirs and food. We went inside a chocolate store and there was a fellow kababayan who recognized and assisted us.


Later that day, my sister and I also looked for this certain tram station because my sister wants to take a picture with the trams. We got a free map and analyzed where it was located. We luckily found it.


It was already dark when the boys got back and they just got a temporary replacement for the side mirror. We then went to Daly City and visited a distant relative. Then we ended the day at a Filipino restaurant. We left San Fo Saturday morning. We would have loved to visit other places but we only got a limited time since my father has work on Sundays. On our way home, we took a side trip to Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto.

San Francisco is a special place. I try to keep aflame in my mind not only its attractions but the memories that we made. It’s not just about the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s about the thirteen-hour drive, with struggles of passing snowy, slippery roads, and parking an over-sized van in a limited space. It’s not just about the crooked Lombard Street. It’s also about how you reach it – by climbing the steep streets and catching your breath while holding the people you love. It’s not just about the coldness of the Bay Area but also the sips of coffee, thick clothes, and warm hugs. To me, the memories and feelings are the unknown riches which can be taken away from San Francisco.