Follow me to SAN FRANCISCO

CHINATOWN A PIECE OF ASIA IN THE CITY

"I live in a big house in Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Asian neighbourhoods" in the US. Everything is written in Chinese, and, apart from my roommate Camille, I must be the only non-Asian girl here. I chose Chinatown because rents are huge in "Frisco": a little apartment costs $1800 a month. But it's nice, and easier to make friends if you share a room. It's also fun. For Chinese New Year, there were two weeks of celebrations, with a big parade. They love parades in the USA!"

HAIGHT-ASHBURY TO SHOP

"San Francisco is the city of Jack Kerouac and the birthplace of hippies. This neighbourhood was a favourite of hippies during the 1960s and the place to be during the Summer of Love. Even Jimi Hendrix lived here. The streets still have that bohemian feel, and there are various boutiques selling second-hand clothing and accessories. You can find prom dresses, retro dresses and great swimsuits. There is even a shop where the clothes are classified by years. It's fun to have a look. And there is always someone playing music in the streets."

ALMO SQUARE A PLACE TO RELAX

There are lots of parks and squares in the city. Alamo Square, of course, is a famous one. There are lots of nice Victorian-style houses nearby - the ones with bay windows, slate roofs and three or four colours...they're called "painted ladies"!" When the weather is good, Washington Square is the place to be. You can sit on the grass and there is always a guy with a guitar. We can chill out all day long here!"

ALCATRAZ ISLAND MYTH

"A guy from my lab did the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon, which includes a 2.4kilometre swim from Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. According to legend, it was almost impossible to escape from the island's prison. Camille, my roommate, has made the boat trip to Alcatraz. It was really interesting: you learn a lot about the history of the prison, and you have a terrific view of San Francisco Bay, she said. I'll have to do it when my parents come to visit me.