Where I'm going, San Francisco

San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in California and the seventeenth most populous in the United States. It boasts stunning natural beauty and a diverse culture. With a long history as a seaport and international trading center, the city has attracted people from all over the world to live and work there, creating a vibrant community of many different cultures.

Homeland of the legendary bridge

Having worked for many years in the logistics and supply chain management industry, I have a particular interest in port cities. San Francisco, located on the West Coast of the United States and north of San Francisco Bay, is truly captivating. One of the most famous landmarks in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge – an icon of the city with stunning scenery and breathtaking views.

Sea lions bask peacefully by the pier.

This 2.7-kilometer-long bridge is considered one of the architectural wonders of the 20th century, built during a time of great hardship for the United States at a cost of $35 million. The bridge has played a significant role in improving transportation and meeting shipping needs, thereby contributing to economic development.

The Golden Gate Bridge was originally gray but was later painted orange.

Completed in 1937, the bridge is one of the largest and most beautiful cable-stayed bridges in the world , connecting the East and West shores of San Francisco Bay. The name "Golden Gate" doesn't come from the bridge's color, but from the name of the strait it crosses, named after former California Governor John C. Frémont's description of San Francisco Bay as a "golden gate" in 1846. The Golden Gate Bridge was originally gray but was later painted the internationally recognized orange to combat corrosion.

A peaceful haven for sea lions.

Another area not to be missed is Fisherman's Wharf – a hub of restaurants, shops, and entertainment, perfect for enjoying local cuisine and shopping. Visitors can also visit Union Square for shopping in fashion boutiques and discovering many trendy cafes. Fisherman's Wharf attracts visitors with its fresh seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and entertainment such as street concerts and art performances.

My favorite spot is Pier 39, near the central harbor area. The pier was built in 1936 as part of the Golden Gate International Exhibition. Initially, it was used for transporting goods and passengers. However, in the 1970s, the area developed into a popular tourist destination. In 1990, after the Great San Francisco Earthquake, sea lions began converging on Pier 39. Initially, their presence caused some inconvenience for visitors as the viewing area was fragmented. But over time, it has become a unique and distinctive feature of the place.

Pier 39 is a haven for sea lions. These sea lions pay no heed to the crowds of people strolling or stopping to admire them. They simply relax and sunbathe comfortably on the floating wooden decks of the pier, formerly used for mooring boats. Since the early 1990s, there have been over 150 sea lions regularly present. The Marine Mammal Research Center recommended that the pier be vacated to make way for the sea lions, and the boats be moved to a new location. Since then, the boats have been completely removed to make room for the sea lions.

Sea lions have therefore become very close to humans. The natural bay does not have predators like killer whales and great white sharks, but instead has plenty of herring in the summer. Thus, the sea lions are safe and have plenty of food at the pier.

According to locals, at its peak, this place had up to 1,700 sea lions. They didn't seem bothered by the large number of tourists, and naturally, locals and tourists alike felt peaceful and comfortable admiring these large, gentle animals relaxing and enjoying everything in their own way.

San Francisco taught me about the harmony between humans and nature, and that all living things can still share warmth and peace under the same sky through respect, kindness, and love.

"California law prohibits anyone from caring for, feeding, or threatening sea lions. They even have the right to bite humans without fear of being sued if they feel threatened or endangered."

Source: https://nld.com.vn/noi-toi-den-san-francisco-196240718201928256.htm