Californian Musings – A Travelogue – Part II

Ram Kumar G

On the day we arrived at Redwood Shores, we had half a day ahead of us and we used it to go shopping at Wal Mart, the world’s largest retail chain.

We spent a good 2 hours in the store picking up dresses, watches & other things for our beloved ones back home. We took advantage of the reasonable pricing, given the fact that we had limited per diem allowance. I noticed that lots of fellow shoppers were Indians with their families in tow. The lady at the cash counter was in her early 70’s. She gave us a warm smile and enquired about our trip. On hearing we were from India, her face lit up and wished us a good time in the US.

The next day being Sunday, we left for San Francisco City by a combination of cab, train and bus to Pier 39, SFO City’s Premier Bay attraction. We roamed the place the rest of the day viewing the major attractions and of course, did some shopping mostly window shopping though. We saw through telescope the dreaded Alcatraz Prison Island where the Al Capone, one of the most notorious criminals during the 1930s was imprisoned. Farther has loomed the famed Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory. We didn’t have enough time to go over there but were happy to see that from a distance.

We watched lots of screaming sea gulls and playful sea lions. On one side, there were lots of fishing boats lined up and it presented a perfect postcard picture. Of course, I shot them down with my camera.

Shopping took precedence over paying for ferry ride to Alcatraz Island or going to the aquarium. We also took time to shoot pictures of the place as well as ourselves as souvenirs of the trip. The weather was quite chilly and we got into some warm clothes. In that part of city, you never know when it would be raining or shining. Weather predictions aren’t accurate and hence it is better to take umbrellas or rain coats to protect you from the sudden showers.

Most residents plan their weekend outings based on weather updates which at times screw up their plans.

That’s what precisely happened. We scurried to a shop to save ourselves from the cold rain and bought a poncho for a dollar – a raincoat made of polythene just enough to cover one from the rain. Rain or come what may, we were determined to see more of the place and we got going despite the rain.

The place is actually a shopping bazaar spread over ground & first floors with so many different kinds of outlets selling you clothes, shoes, toys, chocolates, gift items, souvenirs, etc. There were lots of food joints specializing in sea food. We being hardcore vegetarians had to hunt for a shop that sells really veg items. Over there, you could eat something veg but actually end up having stuff containing eggs or still worse. We spotted a coffee shop and were glad to have cold coffee, Veg Sandwich & French Fries which rejuvenated our tired bodies.

It was pretty late in the evening (about 7 pm) before we decided that it’s time to get back to our apartment. Had we delayed our return, we would have missed our train and would have to shell out 70 bucks for taxi. And there goes part of our shopping money.

Only when you go there on a limited allowance, you will appreciate value of budgeting and using your money carefully and wisely. And we had ample opportunity to do that.

On our way back, we caught a bus driven by an elderly Afro American lady. She was very helpful in guiding us to our destination – she advised us to take the correct route no bus and we were pleased to receive her assistance. Over there, if you buy a ticket it’s valid for the return journey provided it’s within six hours.

What impressed me was the way the people go about their job/business with so much professionalism and courtesy. They never fail to say thanks for a favor done and don’t hesitate to apologize if something has gone wrong. Americans are perhaps one of the most easy-going folks to do business with.

We had a great time there. It was an evening of fun, seeing new places, shopping and dining. And I carried back the beautiful sights and pleasant memories with me.

Rest in next! Until then have the time of your life!