Finding Yoda

San Francisco is the only place in the world where you can wake up, get dressed and  set off walking with the intention of finding Master Yoda. It’s also the only place with $5.00 toast but still, you can find YODA. I travelled from one end of the peninsula to the other in search of the elusive Jedi.

Thankfully you wont have to travel to Dagobah to meet him, rather the Presidio which is just as cold. He stands atop a fountain guarding the entrance to LucasFilm, the legendary studio behind the Star Wars franchise. Visiting the fountain on any given day will present you with an amazing, slightly worrying fact; some people have travelled from across the globe just to see a water fountain. Though this is not just any fountain. It’s a huge stone ornament celebrating one of the most loved characters in all of film.I was met by people of all nationalities gathered round trying to photo the Jedi Master, perhaps taking in the fact that he’s not actually the oddest looking person they’ve seen in the city.  The site has become an mecca for fans across the world, though not just for the fountain.

Just beyond is the lobby/reception area for LucasFilm. It’s actually open for the public to explore during business hours, an opportunity which a lot of people aren’t aware of. I found the lobby to be an absolute treasure cove of props and materials from the Star Wars films, including full scale models of Darth Vader and Chewbacca. The shelves are full of awards commending the company for its contributions to film and gaming, striking home just how influential George Lucas and his studio have been in the entertainment industry. You can even find Han Solos blaster and Luke’s lightsaber on the shelves. Inside I spoke to a man visiting from Sweden whom was overcome with excitement. Hearing an grown man giddy with excitement over an film prop was undoubtedly an highlight of the visit. As so was his visibly less than enthused wife.

If your an fan of the films or even just find yourself in the area, you really should check out Lucasfilm, even if you only go for the fountain. It’s one of the coolest places I’ve been, though my opinion is swayed by the fact I’m a fan of the series(prequels aside). The Presidio is also home to the Walt Disney family museum, which is just a short walk away from the LucasFilm. It chronicles the animator and his famous creations. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit, which was a real mickey take. Coupled with the Palace of Fine Arts which is just a stone throw away, the Presidio is a great place for a day trip. There’s also a big bridge nearby. It’s not quite as good as Yoda.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/yoda-fountain-at-lucasfilm-san-francisco

Luke Peat
Lukepeat@gmail.com
No Comments

Post A Comment

%d bloggers like this: