Loans and Travel

Whether you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area for a day, a week, or have lived there your entire life, it’s easy to lose yourself in the enormity of all it has to offer. While the following itinerary touches not even a fraction of the region’s diverse people, cities, terrains, and opportunities (and completely ignores some of the most heavily touristed attractions), I hope that this day will provide a glimpse of the lifestyles, flavors, and charms of Baghdad-By-The-Bay and remind you seasoned Californians that much lies beyond the confines of your everyday lives.

Bring your bike if you have one (or rent one if you don’t), some sunscreen and a water bottle. Besides a lightly-packed wallet, all else you’ll need is your sense of adventure.

The food of Beijing is one of the highlights of the city. To sample the succulent and world-famous Peking (i.e. Beijing) duck, try Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (Quanmen Quanjudu Kaoyadian), while for hotpot a delicious, simmering vat of meat and vegetables try Neng Ren Ju, near the White Pagoda Temple. Also don’t miss the night food market at Donganmen, off Wangfujing Dajie, where Beijingers convene from dusk to about 9:30pm to sample staple and exotic fare alike from hundreds of different food stands.

Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant: 32 Qianmen Dajie; open daily 11am-9pm. Neng Ren Ju: 5 Taipingqiao Dajie; open daily 11am-2am.

One-way upgrades are now available for travel on US Airways between North America and Europe. North America includes the continental U.S., Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean. Members can redeem miles to the next class of service with the purchase of unrestricted fares Y or J for 10,000 miles (USE1). For additional miles, members may redeem an upgrade to the next class of service with the purchase of restricted B or C fares for 20,000 miles, (USE2). Upgrades may be confirmed when you purchase your ticket.

First class awards are now also available to Europe for 125,000 miles, (USD125).