Day 2 saw an early rise for students. The hit of the morning
was the waffle machine at breakfast. Along with these treats there was also
cereal, toast, yoghurt, Danish, muffins and to our surprise the scrambled eggs
and sausage patties can in circles.
After breakfast we walked down to the ferry for our short
journey to the infamous Alcatraz. We were met by our tour guide Frances, who
had spent some time in Australia. After a pleasant ferry journey we docked at
Alcatraz and continue through to a short and informative video about the
history of Alcatraz. It opened our eyes to the significant history of Alcatraz
and its importance in shaping the culture of the USA. We continued up the hill
and in to the cell area where a self guided audio tour filled us all in on the
intricacies of Alcatraz and the conditions the inmates were faced with.
Once everyone had completed the tour we headed back to San
Francisco on the ferry, with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge as the
fog slowly rose to over the base.
Lunch was at Pier 39 with a multitude of restaurants and
cafes available. Following lunch we were off to collect our bikes for the next
tourist attraction, the Golden Gate Bridge. From the bike shop we rode briefly
along the road (on the wrong side). After getting acclimatised to our bikes we
were ready to tackle the big hill that led up to the Golden Gate Bridge. Whilst
the fog was thick and the traffic was queued for miles, bicycles seemed to be
the best way to traverse the bridge. As we were about half way across the fog
began to clear and stunning views of the bridge and surrounds were seen by all.
This was an amazing experience and the vista was magical. As the fog continued
to lift we crossed the bridge and looked out across all of San Francisco and
the wider Bay Area. With the fog lifting we thought the views on the ride home
would be great but alas, the fog again built thicker than it was before. On our
ride back across the bridge it was difficult to see anyone in front of you,
especially oncoming cyclists. The wind was cold and strong with moisture
settling on everyone’s jumpers. The view on the way there though was no doubt a
highlight and well worth the journey. Back in town and near the end of the
ride, we saw an ‘only in America’ moment. A blue car with music blaring turned
the corner on two wheels, an amazing hydraulics system at work with a following
of people and fans chasing it down the road for photos.
Following on from the bike ride we again headed down to Pier
39 for dinner. The restaurant had forgotten to set aside our tables so they
sent us to another restaurant for dinner but provided everyone in the group
with free gaming tokens. After dinner, those tokens were well used and well spent
on games in the arcade with a few prizes won.
A long but exciting day came to an end and the adventure had
truly begun.
Broadway at Alcatraz.
Looking out over the Alcatraz exercise yard.
A typical Alcatraz cell.
The main block of the prison.
The famous San Fran fog and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The bridge looms in the fog.
Halfway there.
Looking back at where we just came from.
Traffic, traffic and more traffic.
Mitch on his way back to SF.
Happy Sereana!
Give us a wave Benny!
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