For most visitors to San Francisco, the city by the bay, the usual tour would entail the trolley hop-on-and-off to many of the city's attractions. A couple of leisurely hours spent at the Fisherman's Wharf, browsing around quaint shops on Pier 39, while devouring Dreyer's ice-cream or gigantic strawberry filled freshly-made crepes.
Most may want to rent bicycle to see some of the attractions like the Lombard Street – also known as the crookedest street – the Ghirardeli Square, and some may take a Segway tour to the Golden Gate Park.
But if you are a free-wheeling rebel, Mission District is the place where you should head for.
Interestingly diverse, with residents belonging to every economic and social stratum, this neighbourhood is a rich bohemian cultural laboratory.
Through a provocative artistic movement ongoing since the early 1970s, called the Mission Muralismo, an awareness about injustice and social issues in society are highlighted through street art that embodies a desire for change.
Traces of Mexican mural painting, pop art, cartoon, graffiti etc can be found strewn around the narrow alleys in a refreshing manner.
The easiest way to get there is to take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to the 24th Street Station and strolling up to Dolores Park. -Text by Zofeen T. Ebrahim, photos by Kulsum T. Ebrahim
