San Francisco Alcatraz and the city
Up early but this time could get breakfast at the hotel. Martin had poached eggs, bacon, fruit and toast and I had healthy granola, yogurt, fruit and copious amounts of coffee. The day appeared to be quite hot. Took layers for the boat. But as it was did not need them. The boat was going to leave from dock 33. We caught a cable car to Taylor street in fishermans wharf and it was a short walk to the pier. Go us......
Joined a long queue for the boat and was glad that we had ore booked. We were going on the first boat which left at 8.45 . We managed to sit on the top deck. It was a sort trip across the bay to the island. We decided not to watch the fifteen minute video but to walk straight up to the main building. A winding, steepish path led up to the block. Along the way were great views of the bay. Various derelict buildings could be seen. At the top we entered the main prison block. We had an audio tour which you could switch off. We saw where the prisoners were processed and then one if the main blocks. There were thick bars everywhere and the cells were small. The cells were tiered and rise high. There was an atmosphere of despair in the air in the cells which were basic. Not much light came in and the windows were small. The worst bit was the punishment solitary cells which you could go in. Someone could lose their mind in those cells as they were small and dark. We went outside to the recreation yard. This was surrounded by a tall wall. The men must have felt so near to the sun but so far.
We finished our tour and went round a very well stocked gift shop. Some unusual items. I took lots of pictures and feel that I can say I have been there but glad we could return to the mainland. The boat took us back to pier 33. It was almost 11.15 when we hit back.
It was getting very hot for San Francisco now. Almost high eighties and no fog. We walked down to pier 1 where Martin thought there was a market at the ferry terminal. This was quite a long walk but worth it. There was a large building housing dozens of small artisan shops and eateries. Also on Saturday was a farmers market. This was outside on the harbour side. There must have been over fifty stalls selling fruit and veg, meat, yummy pastries, fresh pasta etc. one of the largest markets I have ever been to. In season were Californian dates, peaches, pears, figs, oranges, tomatoes and loads more. We bought a cinnamon twist roll to keep is going. Free samples were offered. There was also a lot of cheese. Soft, hard, Brie type made from goats, sheep and cows milk. Peppers of all shape and sizes, salad leaves. Not much sweet stuff. We walked through the main building where you could buy wines and beers, deli items from all over the world. The whole place was buzzing with people.
Outside we crossed the road and found a craft type market. Even found some squashed bottles and three stalls selling fused glass. Music was being played as the fire service were holding some type of benefit there.
Feeling hungry we crossed back to the market and I had a quarter of a chicken and salted new potatoes whilst Martin had a pulled pork bap filled with salad leaves and a pickle. Both were very good. We had to sit on the floor as there were so many people. Luckily we had water with us.
We went back in the main building and found an ice cream place. This was selling the most unusual flavours of ice cream. I had cinnamon with cinnamon pieces and orange and a fennel ice cream with Pernod. Both very scrum my...goodbye diet....
Martin was more conservative and had a peach and passion fruit sorbet with vanilla bean ice cream. Felt very full after eating this. The cost was $6 each. (£4) great value.
Too full to walk back we wanted to catch one of the tram lines which has goes along the front of the piers. This is included in out three day ticket. We hopped on one and had a pleasant ride to fishermans wharf. We were going to catch a cable car back to the hotel but the queues were really long as hundreds of people around.
We then found a bus that went quite near to our hotel area. Again included in out three day ticket. Pleasant drive and good to see some more of the city including China town.
Off the bus no started walking up Gearey street where our hotel is on the top. Found a thrift store and went in. Like an oxfam shop but not for charity. The clothes looked very old fashioned but I found two books. Next stop a liquor store (spar to you and me!!!) bought some more water and a few supplies.
Back to hotel around 4.30 where we got out swim in costumes on and spent an hour around the heated outside pool
When the sun went down we left and went back to our room to watch a bit of USA tele.
Went out into union square later. There were still loads of people milling around and it reminded me of Oxford Circus in London. Lots of high end shops such as asks, Armani, Gucci etc. not my sort of shops. There is a maceys in union square and we went in there to their food hall. Decided to have a meal there. We were not that hungry. There was a boudin bakery concession. This is a famous company based in San Francisco that make sour dough bread. This bread has a very crusty edge. Their specialty is soup in a sour dough bowl. This is all edible . We ordered a soup combo. This cost only $9. Martin had clam chowder and I had butternut squash and walnut. Interesting flavours.
When it came it was enormous and the inside that was hollowed out was on the side. The salad was also large. Still fairly healthy. We ate the soup but could not eat the bowl!! Feel fat and full we decided to retire to the hotel and get some well earned sleep.