Traveling North Beach and Chinatown

October 15, 2022

Met up with some elementary school friends and my sister and brother and took a walking tour of our old stomping grounds: North Beach and Chinatown. It was truly a walk down memory lane since I was born in Chinatown and went to school 

at Saints Peter and Paul in North Beach. 

We started off at Saints Peter and Paul and Washington Square. It was great talking to Kevin about our memories of the church, saints, and being with the Salesian Sisters. 

Everyone I go, I see groups of people dancing and exercising in the park. It can be Hong Kong, Golden Gate Park, or Washington Square. Parks and exercise are essential. I love it!

Serene, Yvonne, and I went to Saints Peter and Paul. I wasn't in touch with them for decades and recently have been in touch again. Our kids are all grown and we're empty nesters supporting our kids in college. When I talk to these women, I realize that time has flown and there's hopefully still so much more ahead of us!

We took this picture at the top of the Vallejo Street garage. Who knew there was such a perfect spot to look at the views? 

There's St. Francis Church. That's where Mei went to preschool!

Our tour guide pointed out Cafe Vesuvio which I've never been to. It seems super popular and I'll just need to take a bus ride down here and sit by the window with a latte 

and people watch. 

City Lights Bookstore is still here! One of the most iconic book spots in SF. I rarely buy books as I love the San Francisco Public Library and all that it has to offer. But I definitely prefer to support the brick-and-mortar stores vs Amazon. But Amazon makes it so easy to buy. Need to prioritize mom-and-pop stores over convenience. 

 Visited these murals off Grant Avenue which I'd never seen before. I asked Victor about them and he sees them all the time. Lucky him to be working in Chinatown and getting daily access to our language, culture, and food.