Blog #5

One of the most memorable experiences that I will take away from Urban Institute was the City Hall dome tour. I have only been inside City Hall one time prior to the tour and I was really excited to be able to go on an exclusive tour given by the General Manager, Robert (?). I was surprised to see that there were so many neat exhibits in the glass cases. I didn’t get a chance to read the one honoring the late mayor Ed Lee, but I will be back to do so. I wish I had brought my phone to attach a photograph of this room, but after hearing that we were to climb to the top using an old spiral staircase...I had second thoughts as I had no pockets and wanted both hands free. The top of the spiral staircase was mind-nerving and definitely scary as the steps were very narrow and steep. My favorite part of the tour was the level that we could see all of the plastered flowers up close and look over the main floor of City Hall. We were able to watch the many weddings, quinceaneras, and other celebratory photographs being taken. We were then able to climb one more floor and see the outside construction of the inner dome. Robert told us that they used horse hair with the plaster and I would have never guessed that. I gained so much information during this tour which included the retrofitting plan in case of another big earthquake.  Another interesting part of the tour was accessing the small room with graffiti by the iron workers. One of the tags was dated 1997, my birth year! Since the tour, whenever I pass by City Hall I am able to remember this amazing day as I picture myself up on the very top of the dome with my friends and mentors.  - Megan Mah 

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