Matt Gross, author of the New York Times “Frugal Traveler” column, wrote one of the more irritating accounts of cheapskate tourism in a Sunday edition last month, advising readers, among other things, not to waste money on ferries, taxis, hotels, or traditional restaurants.
By Paul Duclos
Published: April, 2010
Using Sasha’s stroller as grocery cart, he describes a slog through the Mission District where they are confronted by a destitute woman standing in the rain seeking a handout. Naturally, this guy turns her down, and curses her out to boot. Then we are provided with this insightful gem:
“San Franciscans have fewer children than the rest of the state. The hills are rough on strollers, and the homeless people, strip clubs and ubiquitous pot smoke can challenge a protective parent’s patience. Do the math, and it looks crazy to take a baby there for vacation.”
Gosh, Matt, who exactly invited you? Conducting an Internet search to find a place to crash, as you did, does not exactly sound like exemplary parental behavior, either. A little more research (and care) on your part would provide you with information on hotels that provide special amenities for infants, not to mention emergency medical attention if needed. The capper comes when we learn that Gross has asked the apartment owner—the woman he has just met on the Internet—to babysit Sasha while he goes to a honkytonk with a pal.
And what ever became of travel writers who celebrated the fueling of the local economy? They must be as rare as those who would prefer exposing their children to the finer things in life rather than a down-market, coupon-clipping ramble through one of the most intriguing and cosmopolitan destinations in the world.
The whole sordid story appears at: http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/travel.
On a brighter note, Bay Crossings wishes to direct your attention to an event that will appeal to those who recognize lasting value, and one that celebrates one of our greatest artistic resources. It’s not cheap, but what worthwhile causes are?
In May, San Francisco Opera Guild will present “Sundown at the Golden West Saloon: A San Francisco Welcome to Maestro Nicola Luisotti,” a gala celebrating the opening of the 2010 Summer Season and the 100th anniversary of Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West (La Fanciulla del West). The event will take place on Thursday, May 27 at The Bently Reserve, 301 Battery Street in San Francisco, and will honor new San Francisco Opera music director Maestro Nicola Luisotti while celebrating the California Gold Rush theme of The Girl of the Golden West.
Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of the Old West by dressing in Gold Rush Chic or Black Tie if preferred. All proceeds support the award-winning education and community outreach programs of San Francisco Opera Guild, which reach more than 50,000 young people in 200 schools throughout Northern California every year.
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception—complete with libations from the Sierra Madre—and a silent wine auction. With decor designed by Blueprint Studios, patrons of this unique celebration will be transported back to the Old West circa 1850 with its legendary gold miners, outlaws and frontier women in pursuit of fame, fortune and gold.
At 8 p.m., guests will enter the hall to enjoy: a sumptuous dinner by McCall Associates; a brief live auction; a celebratory tribute in honor of Maestro Luisotti and the 100th Anniversary of Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West; and dancing. Event honorary chairs are John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; event co-chairs are Chandra Friese and Linda Elliott Zider. For tickets or more information, visit https://sfopera.ejoinme.org/SpringGala.
