A Fresh Twist on ’Frisco
See the famed Golden Gate Bridge from a different angle, says Mr Arvind Ayyala (Engineering ’10), who calls the San Francisco Bay Area home.
Mr Arvind and his wife Anusha, against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Since its completion in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has attracted throngs of tourists from all over the world, and cemented its place as one of the United States’ must-see attractions. There are many vantage points from which to appreciate this engineering marvel, but Mr Arvind Ayyala fancies a unique one: from under it. “Consider taking a private boat and go under this 2,700m-long suspension bridge for a fresh perspective of this landmark,” suggests the investing partner at venture capital firm Geodesic Capital. If you prefer a postcard view of the bridge, head to Battery Spencer, a 19th century fort. “You’ll have to get to the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge and drive up the Sausalito Hills to get there. But the views are worth it,” he adds.
The city’s Ferry Building and piers at sunset in the springtime.
An aerial view of San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art and the Bay Area beyond it.
Mr Arvind certainly knows his way around the Bay Area, which refers to the counties surrounding San Francisco Bay. After all, he has lived here since 2017, when he relocated to run the North American operations of EDBI, the investment arm of the Economic Development Board. “I live in the outskirts of the city. Most of us with families move out of the city to get space for our kids to grow up,” says Mr Arvind, who is a father of two daughters. His family now lives in San Mateo County, which covers towns like Hillsborough and Palo Alto. Last year, he was appointed chair of the NUS Alumni Overseas Chapter San Francisco. “I feel energised by bringing people together,” he said in an interview with the Singapore Global Network earlier this year. “It has been a privilege to be invited into communities and shown the ropes along the way, and I’m just trying to pay it forward.”
ARVIND’S ‘FRISCO PICKS
To me, the best lunch spot in the city has to be Roka Akor, a contemporary Japanese joint that specialises in steak, seafood and sushi. As a vegetarian, I don’t eat these, but they are happy to provide a vegan menu on request. Nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Jackson Square, near the city’s financial district, it’s a good spot for a business lunch or a quiet dinner. Seafood is a San Francisco tradition and you’ll be spoilt for choice at Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the city’s busiest tourist areas. Friends tell me that the crab and clam chowder, served in sourdough bread bowls, is among the best in the world. It’s a vibrant area worth checking out, even if you aren’t a fan of seafood.
My favourite way to end the day is with the sunset at Golden Gate Park. Set up a picnic mat on its gently sloping hill and take in the ocean views as the sky darkens above you.
San Francisco is home to so many famous neighbourhoods, each with a distinct character. My favourite is the Presidio, found within the Golden Gate Park. It’s quiet, serene and leads to some of the city’s best historical architecture. Not to mention the views of the Bay, both its man-made and natural sides.
Shoppers should make a beeline for Union Square, an exciting district that boasts the city’s best retail, dining and theatre experiences. You’ll find everything from designer boutiques to department stores there.
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
San Francisco is synonymous with its hilly landscape and even those who haven’t been to the city can easily picture its many sleep stopes. “Many may think San Francisco was built on seven hills, similar to Rome, but in fact there are actually around 48 or 49 in the city!”