Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THINGS TO AVOID
1. CALLING IT “FRISCO” OR “SAN FRAN”
Either say it all - “San Francisco” - or call it simply “The City.” It's the name of a saint,
after all, of whom San Franciscans are every bit as proud as they are of their city.
2. DRIVING CHALLENGES
When you parallel park pointing up the hill, turn your wheels toward the center of the
street; when pointing downhill, turn your wheels toward the sidewalk. That's the way
to prevent runaway cars. If you are driving a manual shift rather than an automatic
car, use your emergency brake when trying to start from a dead stop going up a steep
hill - your mastery of the clutch under these extreme conditions may not be up to the
job. The speed limit everywhere is 25mph (40kmph) or less, and all passengers must
wear seat belts.
3. UNDERDRESSING
No matter how sunny it is when you go out in the morning, always take a jacket or
a windbreaker. City weather is very variable and it will doubtless be cool, if not cold,
damp or wet, by the time you return in the evening.
4. UNSAFE SEX
For all its true sexual liberation, unsafe sex is always a no-no in this city that has seen
all too clearly what can happen. AIDS and other STDs are a risk if practicing unsafe
sex. Always use a condom.
5. POLITICAL INCORRECTNESS
San Francisco is a city where diversity is embraced whole-heartedly, and supporting it
is public policy. San Franciscans generally applaud differences of ethnicity, race, age,
belief, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. Anyone who mocks or denigrates any-
one else for any of these reasons has not understood what makes this city tick.
