August 7-Chinatown: International Flare Right in SF

With the small but nimble fingers of my reflexologist firmly kneading the pressure points on my foot, I leaned back in the reclining chair at the massage shop on a side street of Chinatown, enjoying every minute of therapeutic relief from the throbbing sensation in my lower extremities brought about by my day’s enchanting walk through the bustling international district.

From the moment I stepped through the Dragon Gate’s ornate concrete columns topped with green ceramic tiles at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street, I felt as if I were transported to a different time and place.

San Francisco’s China Town, the oldest in North America, was originally formed in 1948 after Chinese immigrants settled in California during the Gold Rush. Rebuilt after the 1906 fires, this community is both a functioning neighborhood with shops and grocery stores for residents and a major tourist attraction for visitors drawn in by the beautiful red and gold signs, lanterns, awnings, and decorations.

Strolling through the throngs of customers speaking several different languages, I soaked in the colorful surroundings as I passed by dozens of souvenir and gift shops, markets, bakeries, restaurants, and home décor stores, some selling enormous stone statues.

Stopping at a popular restaurant, I ordered a Mongolian beef dish, polishing off every bit of the tasty chunks of beef flavored with a sauce including chili flakes, green onions, and red onions, all at just the right amount of spiciness.

The highlight of the day for me was the foot massage I treated myself to right after dinner just across the street. Having experienced constant pain in my right foot and ankle for several months now, it was such a blessing to rest my head on the sheepskin covered pillow and feel the aches being massaged away in the quiet, dimly lit room with soft music playing in the background. What a great day on the road!