In My Own Backyard

Mission District: San Francisco

I have a tourist mentality. It’s how I approach life… curious. So, touring around my own backyard (San Francisco Bay Area) is natural. And it helps that the Bay Area is rich with options. Don’t mean to brag, but we kind of have it all. 

I’m starting a series: In My Own Backyard, exploring places close to home -starting with the Mission District in San Francisco. The Mission District is the Latino neighborhood centered around the historic Mission Dolores. For my last birthday, I decided I wanted to celebrate with art and tacos -a little culture. 

Following a working trip, my family met me at the airport with a change of clothes. I changed in the car, out of my uniform, and into my tightest jeans. (my daughter’s choice.. NOT mine) We started with a stop at La Reyna Panaderia for a bag of pan dulce. Walking around the cases filled with colorful pan dulce armed with a tray and tongs is a simple pleasure all should enjoy, especially if it’s your birthday. Because no matter how old you are, you can’t help but feel like a little kid filling up your tray.

Next stop: a self-guided tour of the murals. The Mission is draped in murals. They’re literally painted on every street corner and available wall space. It’s colorful and vibrant and with your head spinning in all directions, dangerous to drive. So, get out of the car and walk around. We chose to focus on two famous alleys: Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley. The work was diverse, brimming with political and social commentary, full of cultural pride, personality, sometimes humor, and lots of old zapatos. 

The neighborhood was quiet on this Sunday afternoon. Balmy Alley is residential. People actually live inside of this “art gallery.” As I watched a local unloading groceries from the trunk of his car, I thought that he was probably enjoying the lack of tourists and walking tours right now. Our cities are relatively quiet these days, so go now! Go tour your city while you have it mostly to yourself. 

And if your backyard happens to be San Francisco, end your tour with a truly SUPER super taco or two (al pastor) from Cancun Taqueria on Mission Street. Use lots of hand sanitizer because this one is going to be messy. In fact, if possible, eat it in private. And then wash it down with boba from Boba Guys. Not exactly Mexican, but exactly San Franciscan.