San Francisco

San Francisco, a city in western California is coextensive with San
Francisco County. Famous for its beautiful setting, San Francisco is
primarily located on the northern tip of a peninsula at the entrance
to San Francisco Bay. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the
west, the strait known as Golden Gate on the north, San Francisco
Bay on the east, and San Bruno Mountain on the south. Alcatraz,
Angel, Farallon, Treasure, and Yerba Buena islands are part of the
city.

POPULATION

The population of San Francisco increased from 678,974 in 1980 to
723,959 in 1990; the population was 735,315 in 1996. According
to the 1990 census, whites constitute 53.6 percent of San
Francisco's population; Asians and Pacific Islanders, 29.1 percent;
blacks, 10.9 percent; and Native Americans, 0.5 percent.
Hispanics, who may be of any race, represent 13.3 percent of the
population. San Francisco is part of a major metropolitan region
that also includes Oakland and San Jose. The region's population
increased from 5,368,000 in 1980 to 6,253,000 in 1990, reaching
an estimated 6,940,000 in 2004.

ECONOMY

San Francisco is a leading financial and international trade center
for the western United States. The downtown financial district
contains the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange; the headquarters of the
12th Federal Reserve District; and numerous banks and corporate
office buildings, including the home office of the Bank of America,
one of the largest banks in the world. Tourism is also important to
the city's economy. The San Francisco region is also home to many
companies developing computer software and hardware. Several
national apparel manufacturers also have headquarters in the city.

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

The main institutions of higher education in San Francisco are San
Francisco State University (1899), the University of San Francisco
(1855), Golden Gate University (1853), the University of California-
San Francisco (1864), the New College of California (1971), the
University of California Hastings College of Law (1878), the San
Francisco Art Institute (1871), the Academy of Art College (1929),
the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (1917), and a large
community college. San Francisco has many performing-arts
organizations. Among the best known are the San Francisco
Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Ballet, the San Francisco
Opera, and the American Conservatory Theater.

Discover The Pasadena City College Flea Market And Swap Meet

On the first Sunday of every month, Pasadena City College hosts a flea market and swap meet, from 8:00am to 3:00pm. This flea market is located on the Pasadena City College campus, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA. 91106, (626) 585-7906, on parking lots 1-4 along the south side. and the west side (Hill St.).

Over 450 vendors can be found there selling everything from high end antiques and collectibles to toys and tools to new, used and vintage clothing and used furniture. The prices are low, the lines are short and the vendors are friendly and helpful. There are also approximetly seventy (70) record vendors offering to sell and swap records, compact disks and memorabilia ranging from the big bands era to present day performers. Again the prices are quite reasonable and the vendors are friendly, helpfull and knowledgeable. They not only enjoy selling and swaping music items, they also enjoy talking about records and the music world. By the way, this is said to be one of the largest, if not the largest, record selling venues in Southern California.

According to Pasadena City College, admission to the flea market is free (this is one of the few flea markets around that still provides free admission) and parking, while sometimes difficult is also free, at the parking garage on Del Mar Blvd. or on the east side of campus at the Bonnie Avenue parking lot.

If you are looking for a flea market or swap meet that carries a good variety of merchandise, has very reasonable prices and is not overly crowded try the Pasadena City College Flea Market. Free admission and free parking makes this a good place for an outing. Even if you don't buy anything you will have a good time and it won't cost you anything.

After you finish with the flea market and swap meet, take a short drive up Colorado to Old Town Pasadena where you can dine at one of the numerous restaurants, have coffee, a capuchino or a lattee and a pastry at one of the bakeries, many with sidewalk patios, take in a movie, visit an art gallery, go dancing, take in a comedy act, shop at one of the many boutiques and stores or just go people watching.

California Is Sunshine And Fun

Sunshine and fun is what California in USA is all about. This Pacific Ocean bathed state was one of the last to be incorporated into the union, but soon became one of the first on the list for travel and holiday entertainment. It shone bright with so many stars when Hollywood opened its gates. And talking about gates, was known for its innovative methods in construction when it built the Golden Gate Bridge. And it was Walt Disney's choice when he decided to build the happiest place on earth, creating Disneyland. It is easy to travel up and down the whhhole Califonia coastline with a fantastic car rental from any of the airport locations, visiting museums, natural parks and other theme parks, making your California dream come true.

Los Angeles Radiates with Excitement

Los Angeles, LA or as some call it ' The City of Angels' is saturated with all kinds of entertainment. What firstly calls the visitors attention is anything that has to do with Hollywood and its stars. The first stop is usually Hollywood Boulevard to the Walk of fame where you can see whose hand and footprints have a likeness to yours while visiting the Kodak Theatre, famous for the Oscar celebrations. And if your are lucky, you might share a fitting room with someone famous as you go shopping on Rodeo Drive in the Beverly Hills neighbourhood, at Santa Monica Square or on Hollywood Drive. From Muholland Drive you can click away at the famous 'Hollywood' sign which is a symbol known to everyone all over the world. All this excitement and its has not even cost you a penny!

Not too far outside of LA, in Anaheim, you can find the 'Happiest Place on Earth' which everyone knows is Disneyland. I went there thinking that I would be trailing around after my children while they lived the dream of their lives, but I can assure you that I was more thrilled and enthused than my kids. I relived childhood adventures that I thought had long passed with my buddies Mickey and Minnie and shared new ones with my family. The price of $86 for adults and $76 for kids over 9 years of age with transport from our hotel was well worth it. I have been told that Disney world is better, but only seeing is believing. Many friends of mine have even opted for buying apartments in the Los Angeles area so that when they spend their holidays there, they do not have to worry about lodgings. One dream spot is in the Palisades, a small town residential area not far from Sunset Boulevard and only a stone's throw from the impressive three mile run cliffs that stop the Pacific from entering.

Crossing California to San Francisco

But if you really want to get a good grip on California, then let's go down to the Pacific Ocean and over to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. One thing is to stand at a distance and admire its greatness but the best is to be part of it. There are bike ride tours over the bridge which first take you along the Bay Trail past various interesting points and then over the 1.7 mile long bridge. But San Francisco woud not be complete without a visit to the Island of Alcatraz and its piercing prison and museum filled with tingling history. Everything about California makes you tingle!

California Information

The “Golden State” of California has long been one of the most famous settlement spots in the United States. After the gold rush of 1848, countless people from all over the world came rushing to this geographically diverse land in search of opportunity and prosperity, seldom went away disappointed.

With almost 100 million acres of land, California is the third largest state in the U.S., next only to Alaska and Texas. It is nestled along the Pacific Ocean with a coastline of 1,264 miles stretching from the Oregon border in the north to the Mexican border in the south. It is one of the most culturally diverse states in the country, with its citizens having varied ethnic backgrounds like Native American, African American, Hispanic, European, and Asian. California climate is also one of the most diverse in the whole United States. With four different climate zones, one could always find a region in California suitable for their taste.

Although mountains and deserts dominate the state’s landscape, real estate lands is not hard to come by. In fact, one could even find an upscale resort community within the Colorado Desert – Palm Springs. It has become famous for its warm winter sunshine and its star-studded population. Other upscale communities can be found in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and the coastal strip between Los Angeles and San Diego. Low to medium scale real estate, on the other hand, could be found on the outlying communities and upland areas.

For business and employment considerations, one could always find opportunities a few hours drive away from their home. Employment and business opportunities in the state are among the highest in the nation due to its continually booming industries.

Tourism remains as California’s leading industry. Some of the well-known tourist destinations within the state are Disneyland, Hollywood, Golden Gate Bridge, and Sea World. There are many more similarly famous theme parks, national parks, and landmarks all throughout the state.

Foreign trade has also been a major industry. Among the leaders in this industry is the City of Los Angeles, whose ports have continually been one of the most busiest in the country for decades. In 1994, the city overtook New York as the country’s premier gateway for foreign trade.

Sports fans would never be disappointed as the state hosts a number of professional teams in different sports. Among the famous California professional sports teams are: the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Sacramento Kings (NBA), Golden State Warriors (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Diego Padres (MLB), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Los Angeles Angels (MLB), Oakland Athletics (MLB), San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Diego Chargers (NFL), Oakland Raiders (NFL), Anaheim Mighty Ducks (NHL), and the Los Angeles Kings (NHL).

National Security matters is not an issue in the State of California. Seized by the United States Marines at the height of the Mexican-American war (1846 – 1848), San Diego Bay houses the largest concentration of military personnel in any city in the United States.

With its natural beauty, coupled with teeming opportunities, living in the state of California promises a future worth spending in.

Carmel by the Sea, California - A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

You probably know of the big cities in California like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hollywood, but the hidden jewel of this great state is known as Carmel by the Sea. This little town is charming and sweet despite its well known status as such a great place to visit. One of the reasons so many people head to Carmel by the Sea is to shop. That's because the shopping there is outstanding with galleries and shops lining the streets.

If you choose to vacation in this delightful little town you will certainly find it worthwhile and even refreshing. There are a lot of fun things you can do, which include taking a walking tour, just walking along the beach, taking a drive from Pacific Grove to Carmel by the Sea, or checking out the Carmel Mission. This mission is the state's second mission and it is certainly worthwhile to visit.

Another great way to enjoy your time here is to take a drive to Point Lobos. This location offers an amazing view where the water and land meet and it is perhaps one of the most special places on earth. Once you arrive spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the sand. This is a romantic location with flowers blossoming, coves, and wildlife about.

If you are looking for a place to stay in the Carmel by the Sea area then you will want to consider one of the many bed and breakfasts. These are great places to stay because they are cozy, romantic, and provide an enjoyable experience like no other hotel can. The Highlands Inn in Carmel by the Sea is another great option, but it is a bit pricey.

Some of the best places to dine while in the area include Casanova, Forge in the Forest, Anton and Michael, Flying Fish Grill, and the Cypress Inn. Just make sure you are patient when you are out and about in Carmel by the Sea looking for parking spaces. There just aren't a whole lot of parking spaces available and if you are driving you will be forced to drive around until someone else leaves. Find the joy in this and have fun with it!

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Athens Taxi Ride – Extreme Sports

Athens is a huge, congested city and the local taxis are your main means of getting around. The average Athens tax ride is inexpensive, just bring your helmet.

Living on the Edge

I had just arrived in Athens with a couple who’ll remain nameless. [He’s now a respectable doctor and married to someone else.] My buddy, “John”, had a Greek friend who lived in town named Stavos. We were going to stay with him and explore Athens before heading to the islands.

Stavos had gone to college with us in California and more or less been raised there. After experiencing the finer points of higher education [fraternity parties, etc.], he and his brother had started a snowboard company in Athens. Who could possibly be buying snowboards in Greece? It turned out Stavos and his brother were selling them throughout Europe, not in Greece.

Anyway, Stavos collected us in a friend’s car and took us to his small studio. We decided to catch some winks and then head out for a night on the town. Thus, we would experience an Athens taxi ride for the first time.

Taxi driving is a competitive sport. I am convinced there is a World Cup of taxi driving and drivers practice on the streets of their location. San Francisco and New York taxi drivers are an elite group, while taking a taxi in France is a good way to see the Eiffel Tower while going the wrong way down a one-way street. In Athens, it was all about speed.

Being an idiot, I yelled out “shotgun” as the taxi pulled to the curb. I should’ve guessed my triumph wasn’t a good thing when Stavos just smiled. In we went and Stavos gave the driver our destination. For the next fifteen minutes, I feared for life itself. Mine and others.

Our driver was apparently convinced he would get a bonus if he beat a certain time. We peeled out at the curb and the race was on. Through the tight, winding streets of Athens we went. As is the nature of chaotic Athens, the roads are packed with cars, buses, people and very brave cyclist. Considering this an obstacle course, a driver whipped through the throngs at over 80 miles per hour. Most of the time was spent in the SLOW lane, where less cars were. I still have nightmares about the faces of cyclist staring at me as we passed them with maybe 5 inches to spare. Frozen pictures of terror. Throw in cars starting to pull out in the road and you have the white knuckle event of the year.

When we finally pulled up to the club, I started breathing again. As I pulled my hand off the handle on the door, I left impressions. Standing outside of the cab, Stavos asked me if I wanted to sit in the front on the way home and started laughing.

It took two drinks to calm my nerves. Come hell or high water, I was walking home.