Back in 2019 I went on a road trip to San Francisco for the winter break, but as I drove up to the Bay Area, I made a brief stop at Big Sur. Driving through the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the world’s most scenic driving experiences, much of it thanks to highly restrictive development plans and the establishment of a protected coastal zone half a century ago. This winding, narrow road with spectacular ocean views cuts through redwood forests and dramatic cliffs that find their way into the ocean before you even notice. It’s a breathtaking experience that cannot be missed. San Francisco is well known for its year-round cool, windy and foggy weather, steep rolling hills and cable cars, eclectic architecture, as well its landmarks, which include—among others—the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese enclaves outside Asia. Back in the 19th century, the California Gold Rush flooded the small port town with treasure seekers. After almost two centuries, San Francisco keeps attracting people from all over the world, as its neighboring region—Silicon Valley—expands as the world’s most influential hub for high-tech innovation, making San Francisco one of the most affluent cities in the world. Relentless economic growth has led to extreme rental prices, and together with severe housing restrictions, has contributed to an unprecedented homelessness crisis, a reality hard to avoid when wandering aimlessly through the streets of San Francisco.