The group woke for an early breakfast at the motel before catching cabs into the city and to Golden Gate Bridge. It was overcast but in true San Francisco style, the sun began to burn through by 9am, giving incredible views of the iconic landmark in all its’ glory.
The team then went off sightseeing in the city, taking in the steep streets, tram rides, the Coit Tower, Chinatown and the fabulous seafood restaurants of Pier 39. In the afternoon we all met at the entry gates for the ferry to Alcatraz, an island just off the coast of San Francisco that had once been a military base, a high security prison and now a tourist attraction. This is an extremely popular trip and the whole team were very excited. Once aboard the ferry, we began to approach the island.
We were ushered off the boat and were all given the park rules (the island is a National Park area and conservation is high priority). After the briefing some stayed for the talk with a park ranger, others walked up to the main building for the audio tour. A large water tower loomed over us, red words exclaiming “Home of the Free”, written in red paint (apparently the same red paint used to paint the Golden Gate Bridge) that had been acquired by Indians who occupied the island for a short period in the 1970’s.
The audio tour on Alcatraz began in what was once the shower room of the prison. Two strips of shower heads hung above a cold looking painted floor, a plaque stated that there were no cubicles and very little privacy for inmates during their time in the prison (pretty obvious). It must have been strange for the convicts to think that now people pay to go to the island and in particular to queue up in that very room that they all will have showered together.
As we passed around the prison, we were given an excellent insight into what it must have been like for the inmates.
There were various stories told about the riots, breakouts and infamous criminals that the prison had during its life. A particularly striking story was listening to actual inmates talk about how, on New Years Eve if the wind was blowing right, they could hear parties and celebrations from the mainland. This must have been excrutiating for them! The stories were all backed up with realistic sounds and actual anecdotes from various inmates, it made for an extremely stirring and informative tour.
The hospital area was also open for viewings. Antiquated hospital beds and ramshackle medical items filled shabby rooms. The thought of actually being treated in such a place was nothing short of horrifying!
After the tour we all got the boat back to the mainland where a table had been booked for our evening meal. The portions were huge and the meal delicious. We even had a birthday! A humungous platter of various desserts were brought out to the birthday girl Helen, she then chose one and a singalong ensued (much to Helen’s embarassment!).
After the birthday celebrations we all got taxis back to the motel in preparation for the following days’ ride.
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