The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

USA

Must Visit Attractions in San Francisco

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San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It’s a mix of cultures from around the world – during the gold rush in the 1800s, Chinese migrated and stayed here. In recent years, many of the newest and brightest tech companies choose to reside their headquarters here. The city’s also heavily influenced by Mexican and Victorian culture, making San Francisco bits and pieces of everything and anything.

While the city’s not huge, it might be difficult for any first time travelers to navigate their way through the city. Here are some of the attractions that you should visit during your stay.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco. It isn’t just one of the many landmarks of San Francisco, but the first thing you would think of when talking about San Francisco, or even The United States.

Built during the 1930s, The Golden Gate Bridge is often recognized as one of the modern wonders of modern architecture. The bridge is famously colored with ‘international orange’, which allows the bridge to stand out in heavy fog. The bridge connects The San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean and is still heavy with traffic till this day.

You might want to start your journey at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, a location dedicated to providing information and relative merchandise to tourists. The observatory here is great for taking pictures of this picturesque bridge.

You can further explore Golden Gate Bridge in a few different ways. The Golden Gate Bridge has a pedestrian side lane opened for tourists, where you can enjoy the sceneries up there. While tourists can walk across the bridge, it will take roughly 2 hours to walk from one side to the other. Biking would take roughly half the time. For those with limited time, cruises around the Golden Gate Bridge and Oakland Bay Bridge are also available.

2. City Light Bookstore

Name one thing in common for these influential writers: Georges Bataille. Charles Bukowski. Frank O’Hara. Allen Ginsberg. The answer: They have all been published by City Light, a legendary book store and publisher operating in San Francisco.

While the bookstore was first opened by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin since 1953, it rose to fame by publishing Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl and Other poems’, a collection of poems that depicts a generation hooked with drugs and sex. Allen Ginsberg’s collection was so controversial that it had caused Lawrence Ferlinghetti to be jailed. Fortunately, the judgment was later revoked. Ferlinghetti was released, and City Light has then become a symbol not only for the beat generation but also for freedom of speech.

As the bookstore has been expanded several times, some remains. For instance, a room has always been dedicated to poetry. The bookstore is much bigger than it used to be, but it’s still dedicated to selling leftist critical theories, political theories and literature. They still sell books coming from small and indie publishers.

In the words of Philip Larkin: ‘in times when nothing stood but worsened, or grew strange’, City Light is one of those few good things that did not change.

3. Alcatraz Island

The only time you want to get inside a maximum security federal prison is a visit to Alcatraz Island.

While Alcatraz Island was once a military base (hence, structures of the Officers’ Club remains), Alcatraz Island was most known as a max security prison reserved for the nastiest and troubling criminals. Despite this, no one has successfully escaped—At least, that’s what the government claims.

Since the 1970s, Alcatraz Island has been turned into a tourist destination. Many of the cells remain as they were in the 1960s, while showing inmates personal items such as color paints, checkerboards, dominos, and libraries. Some of the more infamous prison breaks were also documented with exhibitions.

4. Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is not only the oldest Chinatown in North America but also the biggest Chinatown out of Asia.

Since the 1840s, many Chinese immigrants have immigrated to San Francisco because of the California Gold Rush. They then began to live here, opening businesses reflecting heritages of motherland. Hence, you can find many Chinese restaurants, Dim Sum Places or even Chinese Medicine shops here, with Chinese signs hanging all over the place.

While the restaurants here are well worth a visit, one of those shops where you shouldn’t miss is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. As the name suggests, this is a place that made and sold fortune cookies here. If you are interested in how these crackers were made, definitely check this place out.

5. Lombard Street

Lombard Street is known for being the crookedest Street in the United States. It is a block filled with 8 hairpin turns, decorated with expensive flowers and bushes around each turn. The 5 mile speed limit is another testimony to the difficulty of this one-way course.

While many tourists drive here to test their driving skills, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit here even if you are not driving. The cityscape from the high above of the Lombard Street is stunning, making this a perfect place for sightseeing.

Ready to start your journey? Fly with Cathay Pacific now by booking your Flight to San Francisco now.

6. Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is in the Bay Area. While initially built for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, the structure was built with plaster, wood and burlap that weren’t meant to withstand time. It was once torn apart due to safety reasons, but because of popular demand in the 1960s and donations from a philanthropist, the site was officially rebuilt with more formidable materials.

As for now, The Palace of Fine Art no longer expedites or showcases any arts, but the palace has then become one huge piece of art. The mixture of Greek and Roman styles is grandeur and stunning, with a central rotunda built in according to Roman temples. Next to the rotunda and structures is an artificial pond with sea birds chirping, with benches lying around the pond for any weary tourists to rest.

7. Union Square

Located in the heart of the city, the Union square is known for being the best location for shopping.

Many of the big international brands and luxury are in here, including Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Boss, Gucci, Tiffany’s, Levi’s or even H&Ms. Upscale shopping malls, such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Westfield can also be found here.

Besides shopping, the area is also home to the American Conservatory Theatre, one of the most reputable theaters of San Francisco.

8. Fisherman’s Wharf

If you are a foodie or looking for souvenirs, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of those places you can’t afford to miss.

Located just next to the San Francisco Bay, the area is known for its restaurants, serving fresh Dungeness crabs and scallops that have just been caught from the sea by local fishermen. The Sourdough bread and clam chowder are also tasty.

Besides the food, Fisherman’s Wharf is also known for hosting a bunch of souvenir shops, selling postcards, candies, chocolates, toys with the Golden Gate Bridge printed on them. If you are seeking new ways to explore the city, you can also join the cruise rides hosted by some of the local companies here.

Right next to the Wharf is Pier39, where you can see sea lions lying around, bathing in the sun. ‘The Aquarium Of the Bay’ and the ‘San Francisco 7D experience’ are also here, which are both entertaining and educational for any family visitors.

4 Reasons Why Miami is Great for Startups

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Miami had the most small business development and growth in 2019 based on cash flow and financial information, revenue and growth percentage information. Miami is an excellent place for internationally based startups with its connections to Latin America. Miami has excellent opportunities for innovation and success with its continued development and growth, especially in the financial sector which can provide investments and consulting to startup businesses. If you are willing to put in the hard work and be resilient, you can succeed with your business in Miami, especially considering the number of startups that have already succeeded. Continue reading below to learn why Miami is so great for startup businesses.

Miami is an Immigrant City

Being that Miami is an immigrant city, there is strength in numbers and strength in resilience. Immigrants are at the heart of starting businesses and have done so since the beginnings of America. Having a diverse culture promotes idea sharing and energy growth.

Immigrants also have connections to their home cultures. This will allow for international development for their startup businesses. These connections have provided tremendous success to many immigrants from their home bases in Latin America. The politics of Latin America and the development occurring in Latin America have provided success throughout.

Miami’s financial sector has connections to Latin America as well. This allows for investments to come from global funders and for success to occur from these investments. Miami is also a neutral zone for the many battles between Latin American countries, which breaks down barriers. This allows for the countries to trust in the startup businesses that want to help them grow.

A Changing Business World

Miami has city leaders that want to promote startup businesses and business development. They want to change the perception that the world has of Miami, and help the world to form a more positive perception of Miami. This will come from the growth of startup businesses and the business development and success coming out of Miami.

Miami city leaders believe that startup businesses can succeed through innovative support and entrepreneurial spirits. They believe that success does not just come from investing and financial support. They want collaboration to occur between businesses, between city leaders and between investors to help a start up business garner as much success as possible. Everyone deserves a fair opportunity to possibly succeed with their businesses, especially if they are willing to put in the grit and hard work.

The Rising Sea

The Rising Sea is an ever growing epidemic that Miami has the potential to face. Hurricanes consistently come through southern Florida, increasing the risk of damage to Miami’s development and businesses. The rising sea requires a solution so that Miami does not face significant difficulties after natural disasters.

City leaders of Miami have proposed to increase taxes to come up with how to fix the problems they face regarding the rising sea. Startup businesses could have success in proposing solutions to keep Miami safe, to proposing solutions to avoid the rising sea. This will help to earn the city’s support as well, and will help the startup business to succeed because of this support. This is an ever growing concern that needs to be considered.

Miami is a wonderful place to live and thrive despite many of the negative stereotypes associated with it. Miami can truly offer tremendous success to your startup business when considering its immigrant population, the demands it needs fixed and the culture that is promoted. Hire Suddath Miami Movers to assist you, and your business, in moving to Miami where you can succeed.

The Top 6 US Cities for Live Theater Shows

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If someone mentions live theater in the United States, one of the first suggestions is New York City and Broadway. New York is great. You have Times Square and many other attractions, but it is incredibly expensive. Los Angeles is similar; it has great theater thanks to its proximity to Hollywood, but it is expensive and crowded. However, there are many great destinations that are just as good but come with a lower price tag. Here are the top 7 US cities for live theater shows.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston has one of the most culturally significant theaters in the United States. Better yet, it hosts many shows from Broadway. And, most importantly, many shows start in Boston before they get picked up by Broadway. Hit the Boston theater scene, and you might see a play before it becomes a Broadway hit. You could also hit the Williamstown Theater Festival that’s a short drive away.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has a history of producing comedy geniuses, and this city is a must-see if you’re into comedy. After all, it is the birthplace of long-form improv. However, its theater scene has much more than comedy. Many tours end here, and the local scene is worth exploring, too. The training programs in DePaul and Northwestern, for instance, will give you the chance to see budding talents before they hit the main stage.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis has the most theaters per capita than any city in the U.S. except NYC. The Minneapolis theater scene is a mix of tours and local productions bolstered by the up-and-coming writers at the Playwright’s Center. It is even home to one of the oldest theater companies in the country, and they have a history of great live shows.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s theater scene is notable for its risk-taking. The theaters in Seattle can take on more controversial topics or cater to more niche audiences because they don’t have the same economic burden as Broadway shows. They also deal with lower overheads, so they can host more experimental shows and be more ambitious than Broadway theaters that need to maximize revenue. You can also buy your tickets from an online reseller to save even more money over the cost of Broadway tickets.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco should be first on your list if you’re interested in opera. The city is home to the second largest opera company in the United States as well as dozens of live theaters. These feature a mix of classic and original works. For example, the Berkeley Rep hosts a mix of regional and world premieres.

Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky, would make this list because of the 30 shows a year held at the Actor’s Theater alone. However, it is also home to the Humana Festival, a new theater festival. If there is a new play that’s creating a storm, there is a fair chance it premiered here first.

No matter where you want to visit in the United States, the odds are that there is a great theater center that you can hit. Or you could visit one of these cities, which we think are the best incubators for theater and the arts, to see shows not available anywhere else in the world.

The Importance of A Meticulously Planned Itinerary For Your Upcoming Trip to Florida

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When we take vacations most of us will have an idea of a couple of activities which we’d like to do but most of us would rather get to our destination and then let the wind take us where it will. In fact many people love this spontaneity and the idea that anything can happen during their time away. With a trip to Florida however, this is simply not the case and it is absolutely vital that you have an itinerary which is packed from morning til night on each day, and here is why.

Volume of Possibilities

Here in Florida there is simply so much to do for tourists that even a two week vacation won’t begin to scratch the surface. Whether you plan to visit Miami, hit the beach, go to the Everglades, indulge in some of the amazing theme parks here, catch some sports or go shopping, you will only be able to enjoy a small percentage of what is available. This is why you have to be efficient with your time, in order to make the most of every minute and at the very least tick of some of the main activities which you want to do.

Theme Parks

Once you have a solid itinerary you can start making preparations to save some money with your theme park tickets. Let’s say that you want to get some tickets for Universal Orlando, if you decide to rock up on the morning then you can expect to be waiting in line for a very long time before you even get the chance to buy the tickets, and that is before you even enter the park. Having an itinerary means that you’ll know exactly which days you’ll be at each park, allowing you the chance to secure your tickets online and save money in the process as well. Ticket online are notoriously cheeper than buying at the park.

Route Planning

Florida is a big place so you will need to ensure that you know where you are going and when, in order to design the most efficient route. For example if you are staying in Kissimmee and you want to visit Orlando downtown, there is no point in trying to get to Tampa as well because they are in different directions. As you plan your itinerary you will be able to map out smart routes which allow you to hit multiple destinations in one day.

Saving Money

You can find a huge range of coupons and vouchers online for restaurants, theme parks, activity centers and all manner of money saving opportunities. In most cases you’ll need to select the day that you plan to use the discount and this cannot be done unless you know where you’ll be and when. With this in mind then it is fair to say that by having an itinerary in place, you will be able to save yourself a lot of money on your trip, something which everyone can appreciate.

Map the trip out, plan your days well and maximize your time in Florida.

The 6 Best Mexican Restaurants In The Las Vegas Area

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If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’ll want to hit all six of these amazing spots during your time in Vegas. Each offers excellent Mexican cuisine served by excellent chefs and friendly, courteous staff. We’ve compiled this list so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your favorite Mexican dishes!

1. Nacho Daddy

Nacho Daddy was first opened in 2010 and remains locally owned and operated. Boasting an impressive menu of Mexican dishes and a philosophy of “never a dry chip”, this restaurant has made a name for itself in the industry.

Nachos have never been the same! The restaurant serves “gourmet nachos” of every variety, from their Fiesta Nachos to Lobster and Crab Nachos, there is a nacho variation for any taste you can imagine. If you’re not into nachos, the menu also has other options, including an all-day breakfast sub-menu.

One of the defining features of this restaurant is its world-renowned Scorpion Shot. And yes, it is literally a scorpion in a shot of tequila. The question is, are you brave enough to get stung? The scorpions are kept in a live terrarium inside the restaurant, so you’ll get to see the scorpion before you drink it.

2. Tacos El Gordo

Nothing beats authenticity when it comes to Mexican food, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Tacos El Gordo. Family owned and operated since 1998, this restaurant has gained a serious reputation for cranking out some amazing food.

They only use homemade corn tortilla and high-grade meats in their cooking, making the tacos one of a kind. Since the opening, the restaurant has also opened a location in California, spreading the message that this is real authentic Mexican cuisine.

3. Borracha Mexican Cantina

This Henderson Mexican Restaurant is a must-see for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine. With decor that lends a nod to Dia De Muertos, the Mexican holiday “The Day of The Dead”, this eatery certainly carries its own unique reputation for interior design.

The tortillas are made by hand from scratch, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality burritos and tacos made fresh daily. The menu also boasts a Vegan section for those of you that enjoy tacos without the meat.

Don’t worry, the drink menu is up to the task of matching the extensive food menu. Whether you want a glass of wine with your tacos, a beer or margarita, the menu provides. Its extensive list includes tequila as well for added authenticity.

4. El Dorado Cantina

One of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in Vegas is the El Dorado Cantina. Known for its superb authenticity and for being open 24 hours (that’s right, tacos at night!) this restaurant is a force to be reckoned with.

Featuring 181 seats, this upscale location provides excellent customer service and authentic foods. Their ingredients are all sourced from sustainable farms, and everything on the menu is made from scratch.

From tacos to burritos to enchiladas, the menu has something to offer everyone. An extensive drinks menu will ensure that your thirst is quenched throughout your stay at El Dorado, and the dark wood decor will inspire awe as you enjoy an authentic meal.

5. El Segundo Sol

This Mexican eatery boasts handcrafted margaritas and a stunning patio overlooking the beautiful Las Vegas Strip. With a focus on quality and taste, El Segundo Sol deserves its spot on our list.

The restaurant has worked hard to provide an authentic experience reminiscent of Mexico City, without the trip south. The fresh-made guacamole is a staple of the impressive menu and has gained quite a reputation for being delicious.

Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas. The restaurant has it all, and at great prices. You can even order bottomless chips and salsa for less than five dollars. Stop in today to see why El Segundo Sol is one of the top-rated Mexican restaurants in the Vegas area.

6. Hussong’s Cantina

In 1941, a man by the name of Don Carlos Orozco invented the margarita; which would become one of the most popular drinks on the planet. This is a little-known fact held dear by the Hussong family, who in fact provided the restaurant that this iconic drink was created in.

Hussong’s is one of the oldest cantinas around, meaning they’ve had a lot of practice perfecting their menu. Using only fresh ingredients, this restaurant combines authenticity with superb quality for a dining experience you must see to believe.

Burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and freshly made guacamole are just a few of the excellent dishes offered at this unique and savory location. If you find yourself thirsty, house-made margaritas are just the thing to quench your thirst.

Hussong’s also offers catering for your personal events, should you decide that any old place just won’t make the cut. They’ll provide their famous authentic Mexican dishes to make your event a memorable-and tasty-occasion.

The Take-Away

While Las Vegas literally has dozens of Mexican Restaurants and cantinas, these six are the staple of the industry, boasting well-deserved reputations and impressive menus. If you’re looking for authenticity, quality, and customer service all in one place, any of the six restaurants in our list will provide just that. Enjoy your stay in Vegas and remember, always choose higher quality when it comes to food!