Published December 2011 Š 2011 Joana Cardoso All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the author. Design by Joana Cardoso Paper & Inks Epson Univers & Caslon 7/10 jo.13creations@gmail.com 408.771.4386
A SET OF WALKS TO HELP UNDERSTAND THE EFFORT IT TAKES TO EXPLORE THIS CITY
7 INTRO 8 WHAT IT TOOK 20 NOT SO FLAT 32 HIGH AND HIGHER 46 LEFT AND RIGHT
UNDERSTAND EFFORT One city, one person, four walks. To travel and explore the city of San Francisco is a challenge and a half. One of the first times I came to this amazingly beautiful city, was to attend an international student welcoming even on California st. I had visited before, but mainly by car with friends. I, most definitely, had no real clue when I decided to take my bike with me on the train. When the train arrived at 4th and king, I started my journey, on bike, to California st. I knew when to turn left or right, and was sure I was going to make it in a good time. Unfortunately, I found myself pushing my bike uphill at about a 50 degree angle. I swore off following maps for this city, while biking or walking. What was the point if it didn’t tell me the simple, most important information of all — details about the San Francisco hills? Being able to visualize what it takes to walk from place A to place B, could change an individual’s life. So, when presented with the opportunity to observe and document it, I dove right in, embarking on one of my most adventurous experiences as a pedestrian. I thought I knew what to expect... But I was wrong.
N
7.2 miles
60 songs
I walked. From a very young age, being a pedestrian has been one of my pleasures and something that has always put a smile on my face. Wandering around town, I realize that San Francisco, has a lot in common with my hometown of Lisbon, Portugal. Starting with the fact that they are both known as the “City of Seven Hills�, they also share bridges, cable cars, and climates (with exception of the fog). When given the goal of observing and documenting something I was interested in, my heart went straight to a set of walks around the city. One thing I never realized was how hard it would be. As I will never forget my first arrival in SF, having to go from 4th and King to California St. I printed my directions and there I went. Needless to say, I found myself giving up because I was not ready for what California St. had to offer. Wandering around San Francisco, has given me a better understanding of just how much geography can be a barrier, not only to people with mobility issues, but also fully on physically able people.
the beach at great hwy. & la playa st.
YOU DID WHAT?
fell st. at divisidero
pier one at the embarcadero
5 stops 127 crosswalks
32,032 steps
0013
The first misconception I encountered was that flat would be easy. Even when flat was expected, steps and other barriers are still present.
0015
mission & second st.
It felt like forever until we reached Telegraph Hill. Although going downhill, my knees hurt, and my lower back wanted me to toss the backpack. I was ready to call it quits. “Holy shit!”, I thought to myself, “I need to sit down and relax for a minute or two.”... 30 minutes later, my legs felt like they were literally on fire. I sat on that curb, and got completely distracted by the steep elevation along the sidewalk. WOW talk about unevenness. This sidewalk was a complete picture of what happens when the earth shakes in San Francisco — blocks of concrete ruptured from the ground. And then it hit me, as I sat there, analyzing the curb... “You better get walking.”
0017
topography is not always visible
as much as it is felt.
N
3.5 miles 88 pictures
bay st. at the embarcadero
27 songs
ghirardelli square
7 crosswalks
ALONG THE BAY
at&t stadium
21,467 steps
0025
This is the most common route in the city. Starting from the most famous chocolate plaza, and ending at the home of the World Series winning Giants. There are many spots along this route that I enjoy relaxing at, and photo opportunities that come with a great view. I’ve come to chill as well as work, and there has yet to be a space I enjoy more than the Marina to read. This time around I met my wife for a stroll. Shannon happens to be wheelchair bound, and sometimes strolling around flat areas represents a nice break from the hilly center of town. Where in other places we mainly drive, along the bay, is a smooth ride.
[...]
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0027
Oh the overlooked ease of being able bodied.
2h 35m Q: But is
n’t this fl
at?
A: Do you see
these gaps and
how they are
anything but fla
t?!
0029
In the place I was born, the sidewalks are made out of cobblestone. That for sure I understood it isn’t flat. I come from the place where people park their cars all over the sidewalks, if you can even call them that, being that sometimes they are more decorative than functional. But here in the US, since the ADA bill that there’s has been a major effort to alert for non complient situations. — The issue is that many paths along the city are not accessible. Even if “complient” the conditions one has to endure and submit oneself to are painful.
wo w
flat: level, even, or without unevenness
N
Pain — Excruciating, horrible pain. Something I’ve felt only in preseason workouts back in the day when I was a college athlete. When people talk about going to Coit Tower, no one tells you how much of a painful climb it happens to be. Maybe they’ve just never walked it.
78 songs 3.6 miles
twin peaks
YOU FELT WHAT?
7 breaks
japantown
coit tower
129 crosswalks
67,289 steps
0037
Look
ing b
ack, I
’m gla
d I de
cided
to sta
rt at t
he to
p...
0039
... beca
use it
was all
down
hill fo
r a wh
ile...
...un
til i
ec t b
all ame
uph
ill.
The most amazing view of town. Peaceful, colorful, and always different.
0041
Observing people climb the hill, is a small pleasure among many up here.
0043
This city has some of the most amazing views in the world.
these hills are out of control
N
dutch windmill
san francisco zoo
46 songs 6.2 miles
fell st. @ stanyan st
10 crosswalks 46,281 steps
0051
YOU SAW WHAT? Many people meditating, and a lot more just enjoying the scenes, and the city in general. By the beach, San Francisco is a totally different place. A beach town, full of people that even during business hours find the time and energy to walk along the water. In warmer days, I’m sure I should see more people in the water. A super nice walk with the sun, beach and park in the same day. After putting my feet in the Pacific, I meet some friends on the east side of Golden Gate Park. Zigzagging in the park is what I’d make sure to alert you about. Choose your route wisely, otherwise you might end up crossing it top to bottom (& vice-versa) instead of left to right, as I should have.
0053
Understanding what you are about to face, can and will save you a lot of effort. As you become a pedestrian and start taking more and more pleasure out of walking the streets, you will find yourself on autopilot. Wandering the streets and getting hooked on the details, adds to what you know is ahead. Sometimes tripping over pebbles, train gaps, or simply uneven floor can be extremely harmful — so watch out!
0055
My adv
ice: “Pa
y close
attentio
n to de
tails.”
each day a different experience