The year I became an Ambassador. A Castro Ambassador. What does that mean? It means that from May to October, about once a week, you could find me in San Francisco’s Castro District helping out visitors to the neighborhood. Armed with maps and brochures, I set up shop at the top of the stairs above the Castro station on San Francisco’s Muni system. By far, most of the tourists I helped were foreign. Honestly, people from just about every country you can think of come to the Castro. (Okay, maybe not North Korea. But definitely South Korea.)
A lot of people who come have seen the movie “Milk” and want to relive the history portrayed in the movie. Many people come to the Castro but don’t know what to do once they arrive. I give them a guide produced by the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, the organization that sponsors the Castro Ambassadors. Visitors can give themselves a free walking tour of the neighborhood by following along the points of interest highlighted in the guide. The guide also has a directory of the individuals memorialized on the Rainbow Honor Walk. Think Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, but with an LGBT focus. We even have information available in several foreign languages.
I enjoy helping out the people who stop by. I don’t know why, but I just love giving people directions. And of course I really love giving out travel tips. I’m building up this blog so that you can learn about the world’s major cities and get information to help you visit them. I love traveling so much, and I want people to have a great time when they travel. Even better than helping people online is doing it in person. And I can tell you that people really appreciate the help that we Ambassadors provide.
So next year, make a trip to the city by the bay. Take Muni (subway or streetcar) out to the Castro. And especially on weekends, look for me or one of my fellow Castro Ambassadors at Castro & Market. Keep an eye out for the bright blue t-shirts and hats. (And let me help you plan your trip to SF. Or ANYWHERE! Seriously, contact me!)
Come to San Francisco. Visit the Castro. I’m here to help!
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