Eats, Writes, and Leaves » travel

The Worst Souvenirs Ever

lizscott — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:31:06 +0000

My fiance and I play a game when we travel: we hunt around in the t-shirt shops for the tackiest souvenir up for sale. On my recent trip to Hawaii, I got to spend lots of time in souvenir stops. This trip’s tackiest souvenir is…(insert dramatic drumroll)…

Isn't this just precious?

The penis ashtray!

Available at several stalls in Waikiki, this piece amazed me as much for its lack of reason as for its lack of taste and aesthetics. This was the only stand that dressed its cock ashtrays up in little grass skirts.

Having gotten that out of the way, I’m now going on to a couple of so-called souvenirs that I consider the worst, rather than the tackiest. These are small animals that have been murdered, puffed up, and shellacked for the amusement of ignorant tourists. I don’t give a damn how politically correct I sound–I don’t like this practice AT ALL.

Porcupine fish, lizards, frogs, and pretty much all other animals do not exist solely for our amusement. They’re living critters, and they deserve a modicum of respect. That doesn’t mean I’m a vegan–in fact I’m a devout omnivore. I will kill a fish or an animal or condone the killing of them to feed and clothe myself. And I’ll feel grateful for my place at the top of the food chain that permits me to do this.

Killing little frogs in order to lacquer their bodies and stick them beneath little teeny beer bongs is just horrid. I saw precisely these things in Mexico. Then, in Hawaii, I saw dozens of porcupine fish blown up and shellacked, then used as light fixtures. Or just sold as-is, as cheap souvenirs.

I’d far, far rather take a hike into Mexico’s back country to see the little frogs hopping about or snorkel the reefs of Hawaii in hopes of seeing a porcupine fish swimming about in its native habitat. In fact it’s the place of these unique creatures within their home domains that makes them so special. Dead and shiny in tacky souvenir stalls, they become merely pathetic.

If feeling this way makes me a hippie, well smoke me some granola. And please, think about voting with your wallet and refusing to buy poor little dead animals to commemorate your travels. Get a penis ashtray instead–at least it’s sustainable!

San Francisco Day Trip: Rolling Down Interstate 280

lizscott — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:55:16 +0000

One of the best kept secrets by Bay Area locals, Interstate 280 doubles as a fast commuter road and the most beautiful Interstate in the region. Start by puttering down 19^th Avenue through the City. After you pass San Francisco State University and off the city streets, get your speed on. The speed limit on I280 is 65mph, but you’ll see locals driving much faster .

But don’t jet down the asphalt so fast that you miss the change from cityscape to rolling hills dotted with native oaks, elegant mansions, and the occasional herd of cows. The lovely views continue south until Cupertino, where the suburban industry of the Silicon Valley crowds in on the freeway until it becomes I680 and loops around to Milpitas, becoming less pretty and crammed with commuters.

A few great places to stop include, from north to south (northwest to southeast if you’re using a compass)…read more at Oyster Locals

Catalina’s Charm

lizscott — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:41:18 +0000

I was heartened to read this article on the NYT Travel page about one of my secret favorite SoCal destination: Catalina. Generally I’m not much for family friendly destinations, and I dreaded my visit to Catalina. I expected mixed cheese delite. I got a quaint, pretty surprise. And it’s great to read that the tourism boards are throwing some cash towards a renewal of the hotels and restaurants.

IMHO, the hotels offer a bit more than the NYT describes. Overpriced, sure. But the views from many of them are lovely, and they’re mostly independent and character-rich. But the food stank, and I’m glad that better options are appearing.

For my budget and adventure traveling readers: a low-priced hostel perches near the top of Catalina’s hillside. And a number of kayak-in beachside campgrounds offer privacy for visitors willing to paddle to the remote and undeveloped back side of the island.

Oh, and a fun fact for visitors to SoCal who’ve grown weary of the endless traffic: precious few cars of any kind ply the island’s few roads. To get around for a day of sightseeing, tourists rent electric golf carts and putter around at a pace conducive to relaxation. I just love that.

Oyster Locals: 3 Evening Shows, San Francisco Style

lizscott — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:47:04 +0000

San Francisco isn’t like other cities, and we’re proud of it. We serve up unique food, unbelievable landscapes, and bizarre politics. So why see a plain ol’ show when you can choose an evening of live entertainment to match the inimitable style of the rest of the City?

Beach Blanket Babylon: If I had to pick just one live show to insist a newcomer must see, it would be Beach Blanket Babylon. The famed musical revue has it all—drag acts, dance numbers, drama, comedy, pop culture references, and astonishingly big hats. The ever-evolving BBB never does the same-old-same-old, either. So if you saw it 10 years ago, you’ll see a different show today. The only show to claim naming rights to its own street in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood (actually it’s on Green St), grab a room in the Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel and head straight down Mason to the show.

Read more at Oyster Locals…

Oyster Locals: 3 Ultra-Modern Museums in San Francisco

lizscott — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:07:21 +0000

The youthful city of San Francisco is known for its wacky politics, creative spirit, and out-there artistry—the Burning Man festival started on a beach right here in the City. Here are a few museums that capture and display modern art that reflects San Francisco:

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Friends and locals call this downtown art museum – with an uptown reputation and collection – the SFMOMA (you’ll see the acronym on signs all over downtown SF). Its galleries full of funky furniture, colorful photos, splashy paintings, and bizarre yet beautiful multimedia installations have been known to delight and occasionally disgust visitors. Whether you love modern art or hate it, the SFMOMA’s collections and exhibitions are always entertaining. SFMOMA lies right in the midst of the Yerba Buena Garden art district, easily accessible from the W San Francisco hotel. 151 Third Street (btwn Mission & Howard)

Read more at Oyster Locals…

Travel Epiphany in Egypt–Not Mine, But Awesome

lizscott — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:53:52 +0000

I think I’m in love:

The Camel’s Ass by Tim Brookes

Not only is the writing lyrical, the story itself speaks to my heart as a tourist and traveler. More than that, Mr. Brookes speaks the truth. All the oh-so-adventurous (white male American and European) travel writers in the world can’t beat down the reality–a big part of travel is leisure. Luxury. Being treated differently from the locals. Brookes even uses the plague-ridden word “tourist” as though it applies to him–a travel writer.

And that’s okay.

Oyster Locals: 5 SF Hotels with Free Parking

lizscott — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:55:41 +0000

We’ll say it: Parking in San Francisco sucks. If you’re planning to stay inside the city limits for your visit, it’s better to skip the car and stick with ample (if slow) public transit. But if you’re visiting and you want to leave the city — say for a jaunt up to Napa? — it’s hard to avoid the need for an automobile. So where to put your wheels away?

Don’t count on street parking. It’s rare, it’s restricted, and it can require superhuman steep-hill parallel parking skills. The “parking packages” that many hotels boast will keep you from getting towed, but at $30 or more per night, they’re hardly a deal.

Fortunately, these five hotels offer that rarest of amenities—free parking:

Hotel Del Sol: Honoring its history as a 1950s motor lodge, the Del Sol includes a free parking spot with each room. Of course, kids care more about the brightly colored guest rooms and heated pool than the glittering asphalt rectangle. Ironically, the central Marina location makes it possible to walk to Ghirardelli Square, Fort Mason, and the Palace of Fine Arts. 3100 Webster St., Marina/Cow Hollow

Phoenix Hotel: Definitely take advantage of the free parking to include your vehicle in the (relative) safety of this eclectic rocker’s oasis at the edge of the gnarly Tenderloin district. Ask the staff to call you a cab to get you from the hotel door to the secret shows they’ll get you in on, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone. 601 Eddy St., Civic Center/Tenderloin

Read more at Oyster Locals…

Oyster Locals: Let Your Inner Child Out To Play at These 3 SF Museums

lizscott — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:51:52 +0000

Heck, let your actual children come along too! These three San Francisco museums, which range from expensive to free, totally bust the stereotype of museums as dusty and stodgy.

The Exploratorium: Unlike old-school art museums, The Exploratorium not only lets children touch the exhibits, it encourages kids to explore with all their senses. Exhibits on California’s fault lines, how human knees make skateboards change direction, and what the penguins are doing in the Antarctic these days are just some of the draws. The Tactile Dome costs extra, but it’s worth it to take sight out of your picture and feel the world in a totally different way. Take a long walk or a short bus ride to the Exploratorium from the Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square.

Read more at Oyster Locals…

Oyster Locals: 3 Top Views in San Francisco

lizscott — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:47:38 +0000

To really see San Francisco’s charm, don’t look down. Look up and around, at the legendary views that spring up all over the City. Because San Francisco’s towers and monuments are built on a bunch of hills, it’s not hard to find someplace to gaze out over the Bay, the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate, or out into the urban sprawl and splendor of the whole Bay Area.

Coit Tower
Whether you’ve taken the bus up to the top of Telegraph Hill or climbed the legendary stairs to Pioneer Park, it’s worth the $4.50 admission to visit the top of Coit Tower. The landmark building of mysterious origin offers beautiful views in all directions, including a wonderful vista all the way down the Bay to Silicon Valley on a clear day. Hardy visitors to the Hyatt Regency San Francisco can hike from their Embarcadero digs up to Coit Tower.

Read more at Oyster Locals…

Build a Perfect Picnic at the San Francisco Ferry Building

lizscott — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:59:48 +0000

Going out to Angel Island or Alcatraz for the day? Planning an all-day walk-around of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Embarcadero? Pick up a picnic in the gourmet wonderland that is the Ferry Building. Here’s how:

Start at Acme Bread Company, the legendary all-organic bakery begun in Berkeley. The classic baguettes will transport you as close to Paris as it’s possible to get from the West Coast of the United States. For a fancier San Francisco experience, grab a slab of olive rosemary bread. Be sure to bring cash—Acme doesn’t accept credit cards.

Read more at Oyster Locals…