Translation by Otávio Bernardi
Let’s continue our trip through San Francisco and today it’s the second part of the day one script!
The Golden Gate Bridge: in the early 20th century, the city of San Francisco went through an economic growth which brought about the necessity to connect with neighbor cities and regions in order to develop all the towns around the San Francisco Bay. The idea for a bridge crossing the Golden Gate first showed up in a 1916 article. It represented a great challenge, since the waters were known for their strong winds and tides making it nearly impossible to build a bridge with the technology of the time. During its construction, they installed a safety net under the bridge, to stop workers from falling into the bay - 19 workers were savedalthough 11 lost their lives due to the fall. The total length of the bridge is 2737 meters or 1.677 miles, and 27 meters in width. There was great debate as to the bridge’s color. The US Marine wanted to paint it black with yellow stripes so that seamen would view it better. However, they decided to paint it crimson, using a especial formula to protect it from the fog and the salty sea water, while also protecting it from rusting. The bridge is part of the Highway 01, it’s the icon of the city of San Francisco, connecting to the city of Sausalito and has made various movie appearances. The Golden Gate Bridge is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and the best place to observe it is on Battery Lancaster.
Pier 45: the main pier on the Fisherman’s Wharf was turned into a touristic spot during the 1970s and the 1980s, but it still is the home of dozens of fishermen. Italian fishermen settled in this region and ever since, it’s the main base of the fishing fleet of San Francisco. Here, you will find the Musée Mécanique (An interactive museum with games and artifacts like coins from the 20th century. Open from 10a.m. to 8p.m.), the SS Jeremiah O’Brien (a Liberty ship built during World War II and named after the captain of the American Revolutionary War. The ship is the only survivor of an armada of 6.000 ships. You must pay an entrance of $20 to visit it) and the USS Pampanito (an WW2 submarine, capable of accommodating a crew of 80 men. During your visit you can see the kitchen, the refectory, an office and the dorms, all with the original decoration. You must pay an entrance fee of $20 to visit it).
Hyde Street Pier: house of the fleet of historic ships of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park collection, where you can take a guided tour of five ships, among them, the Balclutha, a sailboat built in 1886 (most of the original pieces were completely restored. It represents the many sailing ships built in England in the 1860s. The Balclutha sailed between England and California carrying coal and returning to Europe with grain. Between 1903 and 1930, it sailed from San Francisco to Alaska, transporting men-power and supplies, and returning to California with salmon, getting the nickname ‘The Star of Alaska”). At the end of the pier, you will get a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.
Grirardelli Square: founded in 1852, the Grirardelli was the original, famous and most traditional chocolate factory in San Francisco. Nowadays, the old factory functions as a public area with candy shops and restaurants, with a very own Grirardelli store with chocolates, ice cream and cookies (inside it you can see old factory machines that are still operating in the back of the store), Lola of North Beach and Jackson & Poll (souvenir shops of the Golden Gate Bridge from local artists), and some restaurants like Loris Dinner/Diner? (with old school cars and burgers recipes?) and McComick & Kuleto’s Seafood and Steaks. There’s even a fountain of wishes, with local artists of various styles, and wonderful views. This place is listed as National Register of Historic Places.
Civic Pier: built in 1929 to create a safer shore, where locals could swim and have a good time. Between the year of 1942 and 1948, the pier was used for military purposes, suffering great damage on its structure from a collision with the army rubble. Nowadays, the pier is still in need of repairs, due to the constant damage it takes from winter storms and strong waves.
So how are your travel plans coming along? Stay tuned for the next posts and Let’s Travel the World!