My last day in Seattle was a rainy affair that broke my umbrella but not my pioneering spirit! I ventured through the ever increasing puddles to pioneer square which is the old historic heart of the city but it is now a rather delapidated and soulless area full of transients and junkies. I then headed to the waterfront and soaked in the sights of the ferries ferrying and the industry being industrious.
Getting seriously wet, I decided to head to a dry, warm cafe and since I was in Seattle, I put aside my principles and went to Starbucks, the poster child for soulless globalisation. The original Starbucks is at Pike Place Market, so I could justify my visit by buying my dinner from the Market at the same time. The coffee was actually ok!
After getting my caffeine hit and dinner, I went home to dry off and eat. I had a quick nap too, as Curtis was taking me on a midnight tour of Seattle that night. We went and visited the Fremont Troll, saw the statues of Lenin (not kidding!) and Jimi Hendrix, stopped at the Queen Anne Park to get a good view of the city and reminised about grunge and the good old days.
After Seattle, I was on the Greyhound again and heading to Portland, Oregon. I had been told that it is a great, beautiful city and it was all true. The locals and local businesses work really hard to keep Portland different and non-globalised (check out www.keepportlandweird.com). It has a great feel to it and the city feels more like a big town than a city of one million. I was lucky enough to arrive for the weekend and explored the Weekend Market and the farmers markets. I hit the famous Voodoo Donuts and after waiting in line for nearly 2hours, I purchased my (rather ordinary looking) donuts. The most famous of the huge selection of donuts available is the Maple syrup and Bacon donut. I didn't get this one, I got a Raspberry Romeo, a Voodoo Doll and a Triple Chocolate Penetration. All 3 were very good!

After Portland, it was on to my last stop, San Francisco. I was lucky enough to arrive at midday so had time to get my bearings and see a few of the sights in the afternoon. I headed downtown and passed the TransAmerica building which is a pretty funky pyramid skyscraper and a very convenient landmark to orientate by. I was staying the night right by Chinatown too, so had a wander around, possibly the best, Chinatown I've ever been too. It took me back to 'nam. The next day I walked all over Downtown and Fishermans Wharf. Checked out a few more sights, like the seals on the pier and did a little bit of shopping. Bliss! I also moved to the SoMA area of San Fran that evening. Interesting area... A little bit dodgey but possibly 'up and coming'. Hard to decide while walking down Harrison St, fearing for your life.

Having pre-booked my tickets for Alcatraz the previous day, the entire morning of my 3rd day was taken up with trying to figure out the SF public transport system (I still haven't figured it out!) Eventually making my way (entirely on foot) to Pier 33 (the original landing spot for Alcatraz boats), I ventured off to the prison. An eerie, very unsettling place. Escaping from Alcatraz, I then walked to the Golden Gate bridge, which is spectacular even while surrounded in fog. The Full House house was the next stop and then the painted ladies. I eventually stopped and brought some batteries for my camera, which ran out after setting sail to Alcatraz! Lombard St, the worlds crookedist st, was next on the (unplanned) walking tour and then back into Downtown and a little bit more shopping. I'd brought a few beers while out and over dinner managed to finish them off along with a couple of bottles of wine. So this morning when I had to walk to the Greyhound station to board the bus for LA, it was a struggle. Especially while laden down with about 30kg of luggage!
I'm not stopping in LA, I basically head straight to the airport and make my way home!
Looking forward to catching up with everyone!
Caz