Visiting Chicago or New York or San Francisco

Dan Daniel said:
The economic bifurcation in SF is huge. If I was going to visit SF these days, it would be more as a central point to reach a variety of beautiful places. Point Reyes. Ana Nuevo State Park for elephant seals. Pinnacles National Park.

As with most any other place, the media images are very limited and weighted for drama and titillation. Not to say that you don't need to pay attention, but recognize that most people that live in any of these three cities get through each day without being killed or robbed. Assault? Well, seems all of America is an assault in one form or another these days.
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Jamie Pillers said:
Hi Raid. I live in Oakland, across the bay from SF. I’ve lived in SF as well. I go into SF all the time for street photography, shopping and entertainment with my wife and daughter. I love SF. It’s a great place to visit. All the neighborhoods I’ve enjoyed over the past 50-plus years are still enjoyable: downtown, the Embarcadero, North Beach, the Castro and Mission districts, Ocean Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge (and over it to Sausalito), etc.. And the ferry boats around the bay are fun. Come on out, you and the family will love it.
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I agree with Dan and Jamie. Undoubtedly, there have been some shocking, headline-making incidents with photographers being robbed. Although caution is warranted, to say based on those incidents that SF as a whole is unsafe for photography is not entirely accurate either. I'm a long-time resident of the South Bay Area (aka Silicon Valley), about an hour south of SF. Like Jamie, my family and I go to SF every few months. I always bring my cameras, usually wander around on foot after we've parked the car (leaving nothing valuable inside), and I've never had any incident where I felt unsafe.

Raid, if discreetly carrying a m4/3 kit gives you less stress and more peace of mind, then by all means. Of course there are certain areas I would avoid (especially with family in tow), but if you take sensible precautions like you would in any other big city, you should have no problems. In February, I spent an entire afternoon with my two kids (aged 5 & 8) wandering around Lands End, a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. The only other person that noticed my Leica M5 was a fellow film photographer who had a Nikon SLR around his neck. Nobody jumped out of the bushes to rob me when I took this photo:

 
This may not sit well with the "Camera People" on here but, most Pros who travel with expensive gear do as much as possible to detract from any Camera Gear attention.

I used Halliburton cases when traveling. They were black. My silver carry on gear case was in a bag or stashed under a seat. A cheap watch is best. I dressed in Levis and T Shirts.. work clothing when traveling. My name was stenciled in large letters on the camera cases that went Cargo. If grabbed, they were easy to spot and not something an airport thief wants.

The only camera i carried, that was easily accessible, was an old M2. I was careful about where I used it.

Some photographers used old, beat up Samsonite suitcases to house their camera cases, adding another layer of protection. Pink was a popular color when doing this.

I could go on but, you get the message.

Joey L is one of my favorite currently working Pros. He gave some tips to traveling with expensive gear. He uses a Phase One among his cameras. A Phase is an extremely expensive camera..all models. My studio mate had one.

Joey's tips.. not for camera lovers but, for photographers.

Snip
My first tip for traveling photographers is to protect your gear from theft. There are thieves in every part of the world, not just developing countries. They know how much your pretty camera can fetch for on a black market, and they will risk a lot to steal your gear. When traveling, I make it a point to make my camera look crappy and old. I cover it with duct tape, carry it in a normal, dirty backpack, and make sure all recognizable logos such as “Canon” or “Phase One” are hidden. A nice looking camera case is also a red flag. I prefer typical “consumer” travel packs or using older weathered bags that have seen better days.
https://joeyl.com/blog/all/post/5-critical-tips-for-travel-photographers

Joey's work
https://www.joeyl.com/overview/category/quick-portfolio
 
Thanks for the encouraging words. I am not going to panic. Living in Baghdad had its risks, but even there we did not panic.
 
I’m an SF native, grew up in the Bay Area, and have lived near SF for over 25 years. Although the City has changed over time, and not for the better in some respects, I line up with Jamie Pillars on the pleasures of SF for a tourist (in contrast to someone who lives or works there). I think you will find much to enjoy in SF, both as a family and as a photographer. Some of my favorite spots for sightseeing and/or photography include:

-The Presidio, and adjoining Crissy Field (including the walk to Fort Point directly underneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are a number of good restaurants in the Presidio. And of course you can walk across the GGB too.

-SFMOMA and the park across the street from the museum. SFMOMA has a huge permanent photography collection and is also a nice place to have lunch.

-The Ferry Building and outdoor market. Lots of good things to eat at the shops inside the
Ferry Building (e.g. great local cheese, oysters, breads). The Embarcadero walk from the Ferry Building up to AT&T Park (home of SF Giants) is very pleasant and gives you great views of SF Bay.

-Ocean Beach, although, alas, the Cliff House has closed. The outer Sunset and Richmond districts having charming and photogenic houses. Bring a sweater, though.

-The Palace of the Legion of Honor and adjacent trails, which offer great views of the Golden Gate.

-I still think Chinatown and North Beach are worth visiting, and there are great photo ops there esp. now that things are re-opening after Covid. I would take the same precautions re: personal safety that I would take in any large, crowded city.

-I have not personally visited Alcatraz but my wife and daughter took the tour several years ago and loved it.

If you have a car (see comment below), I agree that the Marin Headlands are worth visiting. Also, Fourth Street in Berkeley has interesting shops and restaurants... a lively place on weekends. I have also become a fan of the California coast in and around Half Moon Bay, a short drive south of SF on Hwy 1. There are some beautiful beaches between HMB and Pescadero; HMB has some great seafood restaurants (e.g. Sam’s Chowder House and Barbara’s Fish Shack) and a working marina; Pescadero has Duarte’s, a great place for artichoke soup and other lunch delights.

Some additional thoughts for first-time visitors:

-Mark Twain supposedly remarked that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. The summer months of June, July, and August are often very foggy and evenings are chilly. Bring sweaters/sweatshirts, espcially if you’re planning to visit parts of town that are close to ocean (as opposed to SF Bay).

-Avoid driving in SF itself. Traffic can be pretty congested and finding parking places can be time-consuming and frustrating. Instead, use Uber or Lyft, like many residents do. You also avoid the threat of car break-ins, which are on the rise. Limit car rental to the times when you want to take a trip outside of SF.

-Want to see coast redwood trees? Skip Muir Woods (which is now hard to get to) and head south to the state and San Mateo County parks in the Santa Cruz mountains, just east of HMB and Pescadero. Beautiful old groves of redwoods, no crowds, and no parking problems. If you’re interested, pm me and I can send specific recommendations.
 
I have copied your suggestions, Steve.
If I were traveling alone, I would have rented a car, and I would have skipped any city at all.

Raid



Bingley said:
I’m an SF native, grew up in the Bay Area, and have lived near SF for over 25 years. Although the City has changed over time, and not for the better in some respects, I line up with Jamie Pillars on the pleasures of SF for a tourist (in contrast to someone who lives or works there). I think you will find much to enjoy in SF, both as a family and as a photographer. Some of my favorite spots for sightseeing and/or photography include:

-The Presidio, and adjoining Crissy Field (including the walk to Fort Point directly underneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are a number of good restaurants in the Presidio. And of course you can walk across the GGB too.

-SFMOMA and the park across the street from the museum. SFMOMA has a huge permanent photography collection and is also a nice place to have lunch.

-The Ferry Building and outdoor market. Lots of good things to eat at the shops inside the
Ferry Building (e.g. great local cheese, oysters, breads). The Embarcadero walk from the Ferry Building up to AT&T Park (home of SF Giants) is very pleasant and gives you great views of SF Bay.

-Ocean Beach, although, alas, the Cliff House has closed. The outer Sunset and Richmond districts having charming and photogenic houses. Bring a sweater, though.

-The Palace of the Legion of Honor and adjacent trails, which offer great views of the Golden Gate.

-I still think Chinatown and North Beach are worth visiting, and there are great photo ops there esp. now that things are re-opening after Covid. I would take the same precautions re: personal safety that I would take in any large, crowded city.

-I have not personally visited Alcatraz but my wife and daughter took the tour several years ago and loved it.

If you have a car (see comment below), I agree that the Marin Headlands are worth visiting. Also, Fourth Street in Berkeley has interesting shops and restaurants... a lively place on weekends. I have also become a fan of the California coast in and around Half Moon Bay, a short drive south of SF on Hwy 1. There are some beautiful beaches between HMB and Pescadero; HMB has some great seafood restaurants (e.g. Sam’s Chowder House and Barbara’s Fish Shack) and a working marina; Pescadero has Duarte’s, a great place for artichoke soup and other lunch delights.

Some additional thoughts for first-time visitors:

-Mark Twain supposedly remarked that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. The summer months of June, July, and August are often very foggy and evenings are chilly. Bring sweaters/sweatshirts, espcially if you’re planning to visit parts of town that are close to ocean (as opposed to SF Bay).

-Avoid driving in SF itself. Traffic can be pretty congested and finding parking places can be time-consuming and frustrating. Instead, use Uber or Lyft, like many residents do. You also avoid the threat of car break-ins, which are on the rise. Limit car rental to the times when you want to take a trip outside of SF.

-Want to see coast redwood trees? Skip Muir Woods (which is now hard to get to) and head south to the state and San Mateo County parks in the Santa Cruz mountains, just east of HMB and Pescadero. Beautiful old groves of redwoods, no crowds, and no parking problems. If you’re interested, pm me and I can send specific recommendations.
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raid said:
I love visiting national Parks. My family may prefer visiting large cities.
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Raid, you're obviously a smart guy and well traveled. I'm sure you'll be fine in SF. With normal travel precautions in place and, a heightened awareness of SF's current problems, you should enjoy a safe and pleasurable vacation.

Our world is full of both desperate and crazy people. I don't know if this has increased in volume of late or, the web has increased the awareness of the average person.

I hope to see you post some photos and, your your positive experiences upon your return.

pkr
 
raid said:
My M8 is not getting any use since I got the M10.
Add to it a 35mm lens?
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Why not? A simple kit might be your M8, and an MFT camera. Lenses would be 50mm and 35mm or equivalents, unless you’re partial to wider focal lengths. When I shoot in SF, I mainly use a 35mm lens in Chinatown and North Beach, and a 50mm lens in the Richmond and Sunset districts.

One argument for taking something wider than 35mm: SF has lots of very beautiful, picturesque Victorian houses, so a 28 or 25 lens might be useful if you want to shoot these houses straight on from across the street.

Generally, however, I think you’ll be fine w/ a simple two-lens kit (50, 35).
 
I've only been to SF once (mid-90's) and that was during a visit to my then company's headquarters in Santa Clara. An engineer friend rented a car and we drove to SF for dinner. Beautiful scenery along the way. Saw some nice parts of SF.

I vividly remember having dinner at The Stinking Rose. If you like/LOVE garlic, this is a fun place. I recommend the Bagna Calda while waiting for your meal:


BAGNA CALDA

Garlic Soaking in a Hot Tub 9.99

garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil & butter with a hint of anchovy. a wonderful treat for spreading on our house-baked buns. served at your table in an iron skillet.


About The Stinking Rose – San Francisco

aboutus.jpg

When in San Francisco, all you have to do is "follow your nose" and it will lead you to one of The-City-By-The-Bay's most unique and entertaining dining experiences... The Stinking Rose: A Garlic Restaurant.

Located in North Beach, San Francisco's renowned Little Italy, the "original" Stinking Rose has become famous for celebrating the culinary euphoria of garlic and serving over 3,000 pounds of the pungent herb each month. Named after an historical term for "garlic", The Stinking Rose offers scrumptious, contemporary California-Italian cuisine prepared and adorned with garlic - and strives to accommodate every palate. There is hearty fare for the truly adventurous, mild for the novice, and sans garlic for those finding the herb's folklore and aroma more appealing than its taste.

And the fun goes far beyond the tantalizing choices at the table. Guests can enjoy treat-after-garlicky-treat in any of the restaurant's whimsical dining rooms decorated with colorful garlic characters, curious memorabilia and a mechanical miniature garlic factory. The world's largest garlic braid winds its way throughout the establishment, and festive murals, depicting a garlic bulb's view of San Francisco's history and culture, adorn the walls, The lovable bulbs, painted and brought to life by a local artist, can be found careening down the city's steep hills on skateboards, running road races and picnicking at Golden Gate Park. Garlic-shaped fish can even be found swimming under Fisherman's Wharf. At last count, 2,635 bulbs of garlic, two onions and one leek festooned every conceivable nook and cranny.

Small parties and large groups alike are welcome to enjoy the aromatic fare. Banquet facilities at The Stinking Rose accommodate 15 - 60 guests. Pre-set banquet menus are available. The chef is happy to customize banquet menus to serve customers' special needs.

The Stinking Rose also features an extensive selection of gift and food items for take home enjoyment. Whether you'd like to remember your visit with a colorful character t-shirt, chopped garlic or garlic sauces to liven up your home cooking, we have the selection for you. Take home a memory of the restaurant that boasts the motto: "We Season Our Garlic With Food!®"
 
No big issues in NYC at present except for the many shuttered businesses due to Covid. The subway is back to 24 hours, museums are open and uncrowded - what’s not to like?
 
I thought at first that this is a real sauna with garlic! 🙂

BAGNA CALDA

Garlic Soaking in a Hot Tub 9.99

garlic cloves, oven-roasted in extra virgin olive oil & butter with a hint of anchovy. a wonderful treat for spreading on our house-baked buns. served at your table in an iron skillet.


Thanks for the tip. We use garlic in many dishes, but we don't use garlic in saunas!


Has anyone done research on COVID-19 spreading in rooms filled with garlic "gases"?! Will such a virus commit suicide?
 
Bagna Cauda is a typycal (winter) meal from Piedmont (North Italy).

My friend who lived in Torino told me when they took the streetcar on Monday morning to go to work they could smell garlic all the way! Bagna Cauda was usually eaten on sunday! LOL

Suggestion: if you eat it better all the family eat it LOL
 
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