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Where to start? Lol.. just spent my off days in San Francisco and had an amazing time with some amazing people :) We rented a car and drove for just over 12 hours overnight on Thursday... very tiring. Larry and Grant drove us there and got us there in one piece. It was 8.30 am when we arrived at the city. We visited a place Jade recommended - the Japanese Tea Gardens and that was really awesome :) We also visited the San Francisco Botanical gardens as well which was very beautful. Had a nap on the grass lol.. we were all tired.
We had the best opportunity to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and we did!!! I have video footage and will hopefully upload it when I can. It was really awesome to actually visit one of the most photographed sites on earth. When we crossed the bridge, we had a picnic lunch on the other side.. crisps, turkey sandwich, cookies, carrots... life was good :)
Mahala found us the Rodeway Inn and we all bunked up together in 2 rooms and had an absolute awesome time! We walked around San Francisco for a little while and went out for dinner - I had fish and chips whilst the others had Greek... not too much of a fan at the moment of greek food lol.
On Saturday, we were meant to go to Alcatraz but the tickets had all sold out so we did a day of walking and shopping around Pier 39 and Union Square. We also ventured to haight Ashbury for a walk back in time with vintage shops from the 60's. We also caught a parade of men and women dressed up wishing everyone a Happy May Day whilst blocking the street. We had pizza for dinner and it was lush - 2 really big slices of pizza with fries.. what more could I ask for lol.
Sunday was the day I had been waiting for - to finally go to Alcatraz. I had been slightly obsessed with the thought of going ever since I watched Escape from Alcatraz with Michael. I really wasn't that much phased with Al Capone and the other big criminals but moreso the Anglin brothers and Morris who escaped and their bodies were never discovered. I have seen the documentaries.. it was terrific. Alcatraz was not very big but it was easy to imagine how awful living here was for the criminals - have the city of San Francisco only a mile and a quarter away; teasing them as it was just out of reach whilst they were stuck on this island challenged by the forces of nature - the high winds and strong currents. I also founf out that Alcatraz was once used to defend San Francisco Bay during the civil war before it became a penitentiary for the worst of the worst... for those that broke the rules and then broke the prison rules. Alcatraz also was home to children and families when the criminals were on the island which was really interesting. The nature on the island is beautiful and it is easy to see why this place was inhabitable to those that weren't behind bars. It was also occupied by Native Americans for a short while to recognise and symbolise that the Indians could reclaim land that was taken from them, as many tribes were forced out of their reservations. (This was post-prison years). Alcatraz is now owned by the National Park Service. That was a really awesome day out :P
We chilled out at Bubba Gump Shrimp for lunch after the tour of Alcatraz which was really nice and there was lots of Forrest Gump phrases and merchandise around with very enthusiastic staff members lol. We decided to go to the Cheesecake Factory later and have a ckae party at the inn which was cool. Mamma Mia was on tv so I was in my element lol.
The drive home consisted of us driving along the Pacific Coast through Santa Cruz briefly. We spent some time on a random beach sun bathing, jumping on the sand for photos amongst other things lol. Had a really awesome but long drive back. Set off at 8am on Monday and arrived back at 4am on Tuesday morning lol. It was an experience and a great one at that. So glad I went although the cost of fuel and the car will be expensive lol. I have to say I wouldn't be fussed if I never went there again.. some parts reminded me of a Grand Theft Auto game - scary times lol. But the atmosphere was unique and I really had a great time :D
Off to Lake Mead tomorrow for my last project with ACE before I progress with my independant travel. I leave Flagstaff on the 14th May - then off to LA!!
Hope everyone is relaxed and chilled and speak to you all soon!!!
Lots of love from Ruthie x x x
Alcataz, bubba gump, cheesecake
- comments
Rasoloharinjaka What interest me most in this copecnt is to see how these prisoners will adapt to the way the world is nowaday. the Internet, no-communism/nuclear holocaust threat but a shadowy ryzome of terrorist cellsThe culture shock was one of my favorite aspect in 4400, and I hope it'll be present in Alcatraz as well beside, it's great to have Hugo back! we missed you, big guy!