Alcatraz

Once again last night I woke up in the middle of the night then couldn't get back to sleep. So then this morning I couldn't wake up to save my life, however, I got myself out of bed and ready for breakfast by about 10.00am. Breakfast was on the hotel, but at the restaurant next door, and anyone that knows me, knows that I crave sweet things in the morning. The restaurant delivered an amazing Belgian waffle with syrup to more than satisfy that yearning.

So the plan for today, given we hadn't achieved much to this point was to get our asses to Alcatraz, but first we made our way back to pier one to make a special purchase - some pottery from Heath Ceramics. Check them out at heathceramics.com. Stunning stuff! We both purchased a few pieces and shipped them back to ourselves. F*ck carrying that sh*t half way around America!

Despite being sore from the day before, we had walked down to the pier, and after having made our purchase decided to walk to Fisherman's Wharf to get our Alcatraz tickets. Now, I won't go into the details, but I had tried to purchase Alcatraz tickets myself from Oz a few weeks ago, but with no luck. And all the signage was indicating that there were no tickets available until the 28th. But perseverance pays and not only did we get tickets, but we got them for cheaper than we expected! Bonus.

We walked backed to pier 33 and caught the ferry across to the island. I won't go into detail other than to say that you get given headphones for an audio tour. It was amazing! So interesting, and the precision detail of that audio tour was as if someone was actually watching you and saying "now turn left". If you ever get to San Francisco, a visit to Alcatraz is a must.

Both of us being physically worn out, we decided to find some public transport to get us back to Union Square. This seemed easy enough, but given I didn't hear the instruction to "get off at 5th", and Ros just assumed I had heard, and to this point had left all directions to me, was waiting for me to give instructions to get off the bus. When things were looking a bit seedy, we got off the bus and had to walk back a few bocks, saving our legs nothing in the end.

Back at the hotel, we decided on seafood for dinner. The concierge recommended a restaurant called Fallaron just a block away. Well, can I just say I've had one of the best meals with a brilliant glass of wine. It was fantastic. Pity the coffee sucks here.

Lastly, having now spent a couple of days in San Francisco, I have to tell you this place is just stunning. Gorgeous streets, beautiful buildings and architecture, pretty parks and hanging flowers everywhere. I could easily spend another week here just exploring the city and surrounds. The financial district in the city is mind blowing, and clearly that is where the money is. But in steep contrast, the homeless problem is real and in your face. It is sad to see.

We are booked to finally do the hop-on-hop-off bus tour tomorrow, just to catch as much as we can of this lovely city before leaving for New York. Because of this horrible jet-lag we have had, we don't have time for the planned day trip to Napa Valley : ( Yosemite is also definitely out.

NB. Had the best nectarine today. I love summer fruits.

Also picked up the camera connector for my iPad at the San Francisco Apple store today, only to find I need my USB camera cable....sorry no photos folks unless I take them on my point and shoot.

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