San Francisco is a city of many personalities. My first impression was not a good one as I arrived to a hostel on Post Street that wasn't very nice. The window in my room did not close therefore letting in every sound imaginable from the street below (including many a loud fire engine) as well as exhaust fumes deluxe! I was given the top bunk with no ladder and no guardrails round the side. This would have been okay if the bed was positioned near a wall but consi...

Today I visited the famous island of Alcatraz! I went down to Pier 33 to buy a ticket which included a cruise to the island, an audio tour of the cell block and as much time to explore the (not so big) island itself. How anyone escaped this place I do not know!!! The distance from the dock to the cellhouse at the top of the island is about .4km and the elevation change is 130feet (40m) - this is equivalent to a 13-story climb! The ex-prison is now run by the nati...