San Francisco: The Mission District

San Francisco really is an amazing place to be, particularly in the summer.  Though I lived about forty minutes outside the city for over two years as a child, it’s only now that I am really getting the chance to experience the unique charm of San Francisco’s various districts on foot and at my own pace.  I spent today wandering around the Mission with a friend, taking the B.A.R.T. from Berkeley to 16th Street Mission.  I’ve really never been anywhere like the Mission, it really does have an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been in the U.S., it almost felt like I was in Mexico.  One thing I really noticed about Mission was the lack of franchise restaurants and stores, something unusual for a large U.S. city like San Francisco.  As I have a strong interest in both fashion and food, the Mission was the perfect place to spend a lazy Friday afternoon.  As I start my internship next week, I’m making the most of the last of my free time before I begin working 9-5.  Meandering in and out of thrift stores, taking in the views of graffiti-splattered walls and eating lunch in interesting South American restaurants really is an excellent and cost-effective way to spend a long, sunny afternoon.