Welcome to China(Town)

 

There are so many reasons why I love San Francisco, I'd need several posts to explain them all. The main reason is its variety. The city by the bay is the epitome of the melting pot. A walk around some of its neighborhoods will make you believe you are Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days.

A few weeks ago I was talking about the big unannouced changes we can see in cities. Something similar happens when you walk up Grant Avenue in San Francisco and you enter Chinatown. You instantly feel transported to China, it doesn't feel like California any more. The buildings, the smell and streets are different. Even the street lights. Can you spot one on the first photo? They are probably the most beautiful I've ever seen!

This is believed to be the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest one in North America - it became established in the mid 1800’s. This enclave continues to retain its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. Visitors can easily become immersed in a microcosmic Asian world, filled with herbal shops, temples, pagoda roofs and dragon parades.

The current look of Chinatown came after the 1906 earthquake. Because Chinatown at the time of the quake was mostly wooden shacks, the area was almost completely demolished.
Chinatown was rebuilt in it’s original location. Though some of the architecture may not be true Chinese, the food, culture and people continue to bring authenticity back to the area.

Because the Chinese are known for specializing in natural herbs and teas, you may want to make a stop at some of the many herb or tea shops. It's also the perfect area if you are looking for souvenirs.

Wishing you a lovely Wednesday,

Cristina xo