Soup in a bread roll and a near death experience

Waking up to a beautiful clear morning in San Francisco was a strange experience in early November compared to back at home. With temperatures reaching the low twenties the day was looking up – not to mention that I had had a breakfast of dipping a croissant into hot chocolate…lush!

We headed out early to try and tick off a few things on the list – Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge - in fact the only two things I know San Francisco for. Having yet to experience the world famous streets of San Francisco we decided to take the infamous electric street car from

Powell street

to the beachfront at Pier 47. On route we managed to negotiate with a Danny Devito look-a-like for the “Hop-on, hop-off” bus tour paying $25 instead of the advertised $35 each.

Pier 47, is on the Fisherman’s Wharf in the North-most point of San Francisco, and is home to the Museé Mechanique which is a museum dedicated to mechanical amusements dating back to the late 19^th Century. We then decided to set off for Next, we headed for Pier 33, the home of the Alcatraz tour boats. Having been told on the way by a charity worker I look like I need to smile more whilst Soph was boasted for her good looks (sexist), we eventually arrived and set off on the 11:35 departure for Alcatraz.

Arriving in Alcatraz and following the audio tour it was clear to see why so few escaped but understandable why so many had tried it during its 29 years as a federal penitentiary since it lend to such pristine views for infamous criminals such as Al Capone and Robert “the Birdman” Stroud. Arriving back on land we sought out Boudin - a café famous for its soup inside a sour dough roll. Although the meal was extremely enjoyable, a gentleman (idiot) sitting behind us decided it would be sensible to feed the thousands of pigeons his leftovers, thus prompting an explosion of feathers and an abundance of annoyed customers.

The Hop-on, Hop-off tour was our next stop. Boarding the bus in North Beach, we toured through different and diverse areas of the city, ranging from China Town and the business district, to less attractive suburban areas. We eventually arrived at the Golden Gate Bridge where Soph decided we would do the bridge walk, even though I saw little point to crossing a bridge. This thought of mine nearly justified by the near death experience as soon as we got onto the bridge as a truck drove into the railings causing an excruciating sound as well as clear damage to the vehicle (although the driver just carried on as if nothing had happened). Fortunately, there were some outstanding views along the bridge as well as the fact we were picked up on the other side by the bus made the walk worthwhile.

On the way back, our new bus driver was clearly a bit of a speed freak. Driving back along the bridge, she clearly forgot it was an open top bus, and given the speeds she was doing, an oxygen mask would’ve been useful as the only way to breath was to take refuge into ones lap!

In the evening, we decided to eat in China Town, clearly a mistake. Walking through, it was not dissimilar to walking along Magaluf or Malia at night. Chinese women offering us the cheapest food on the street…the only thing missing was a fishbowl or a free shot. Eventually we found an attractive, less forceful Chinese. Both opting for some sort of Chow Mein, the food was OK, however I think I’ve had better to be honest.

Another great day and we pretty much ticked off everything we know San Francisco for. Tomorrow is the great parade; estimates have said it will be the biggest in San Francisco history as over a million are expected to be in attendance. Wish us luck!!