EXPERIENCE-SEEKING CULTURE VULTURES

They’reflight to in London,no hurry Seville,while waitingChiang Maiorfor a Cabo. Always looking for an opportunity to learn something, they tend to explore, taking in the host of museum exhibits, public art and the more interesting shops and cafes — as if in any other city.

EAT: If you’re not headed to Italy this trip, get a little of it at Emporio Rulli Gran Caffe & (at least the San Francisco version of Italy). Smallish cafe with paninis, soups, pastries and espresso, and a bar with a oddly space-age wine dispenser. Terminal 3, near Gate 79, post-security.

SHOP: The SF Museum of Modern Art store * is a well-stocked haven for art-lovers, as well as for anyone who appreci and ates more artsy versions of jewelry, scarves, greeting cards, notebooks and odd gadgets. Browse the literature, but before you buy, make sure that coffee table photography book isn’t bigger than your carry-on bag. International Terminal, Main Hall, pre-security.

DIVERSION: The San Francisco In ternational Aviation Museum and Library ( is almost as unknown as it is unexpected. Tucked in the south eas corner of the International Terminal (prem security), this gorgeous marble room was designed to resemble the original SFO terminal in 1935. The exhibits cover local aviation history, from flight attendant fashion to the era of the Clipper planes to annual calendars put out by PanAm There also are plenty of nooks with chairs, tables and outlets in case you want to escape and charge up away from the terminal chaos. International Terminal, Main Hall southeast corner, pre-security.

DRUG OF CHOICE: Four Seasons Oolong white tea from Samovar Tea ). (Goes well with truffle avocado toast.) International Terminal, Main Hall, presecurity.

NECESSITY: Pacific Outfitters a is the closest SFO has to an outdoor gear shop. Pick up lightweight, packable duffels that you’ll need to carry home souvenirs from the Far East. International Terminal, near Gate A9, post-security.