Homeward bound we had just one more stop. The US of A, in particular San Fransisco. We left in the morning from Heathrow with not too many problems, after Kath convinced the Airline officials Air NZ said she could have two bags of 23kg, oh and not being able to check in without an ESTA (like a green card). A quick hunt for internet and filling out online forms we were eligible to enter the states and back on track.
Leaving on an average London day we were pleased to see the sun again in the US. Blinking and shedding layers of clothing we basked in its restoring rays as we waited for our booked transport to take us to our booked and paid for Hotel! Yes that's right an hotel, Hotel Carlton to be exact and their uber friendly and knowledgeable staff. We felt almost civilised entering our hotel room, until we realised that we were to share two double beds between four. Our disappointment was short lived as we checked with the reception and found we had another room booked under Abby's name. We attempted to stay up to fight the jet lag but by 8pm most of us were fast asleep only to wake at 2am. Ah the spinning of the earth and traveling ridiculous distances, got to love it.
Considering most of us were wide awake at 5.30am we had a leisurely start to our first full day in San Fransisco.
San Francisco greeted us with a warm welcome, it is a city with a lot of cultural diversity, and welcomes people to be free. San Fran is largely famous for and influenced by its hippy culture and history.
We walked over the streets grids that covered the San Fran rolling topography, and made our way down to Fisherman's wharf. After bartering for a hop on and off bus tour pass, we were soon being bussed around the city, and experienced walking over the legendary Golden Gate Bridge. After taking many photos and getting to know the general layout of the city we had a good first day in San Fran.
Day 2 another 'booked and already paid for' thing - hooray! We walked back down to Fisherman's wharf and wandered along to Pier 33 to catch our ferry to Alcatraz. Alcatraz was at one stage a maximum security prison and we spent a fascinating couple of hours wandering around listening to a top notch audio guide that helped give us insight into what it was like working and living in the prison. The rest of the day was filled with wandering around the shops at Pier 39 and finished with dinner out at Ruth Chris's Steakhouse. We had asked at the Hotel for a recommendation and upon arriving at the the restaurant we thought prehaps we might be a little out of our league...not to be out done by the well dressed clientele we continued inside and were presented with the menu. Kath opened her menu and immediatley felt rather ill with a 'Porterhouse for Two' costing US$88. Abby braved up and got some steak while the rest of us had a very tasty salad/soup! The lovely waitress and some super good desserts made for a good night out and an experience to laugh about!
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