I wouldn’t put any stock into the photo in front of the GG Bridge. There are photo sites where you can superimpose a photo or yourself in front of all kinds of famous landmarks and it looks like you’re really there.
Apparently he got certified as a pilot in the U.S.A. by the FAA. I think he did training in Arizona and another state. Simple matter to hop on planes and do some sight-seeing in the U.S.A. while he was here. Probably got discounts from the airlines. Easy hop from Arizona to SF in California.