Day 2, 20062008, San Francisco (Part II)

Just a preview about what's gonna come up in Part II: San Francisco's famous Cable Car, Alcatraz Island <- must see!

Well the way that I'm gonna blog may not convince you that the Alcatraz Island is a must-see, but if you ever go to San Francisco, you really ought to go see it. And buy the tickets way beforehand to ensure availability.

We were going to take the world famous cable car to Fisherman's Wharf. The cruise to Alcatraz leaves from a pier there.

While waiting for the others to come down

Ticket to the cable car

The cable car

We were hanging from the sides of the cable car, as in, we stood at the railings so that we can catch perfect views. It was quite dangerous 'cos if you let go of the poles then there you go. Especially uphill/downhill. But still, it was one heck of a ride! =D

Along the way there were gaps that we can see the water. Here's Alcatraz.


As we descended upon Fisherman's Wharf, we had to really brisk walk 'cos the pier was damn far from the cable car stop and we were short of time. I had to reach there 10 minutes prior just in case they sell my tickets to others.


But we were just on time! Phew.

On board the Alcatraz Cruise.




There are many many many many many many many many many many many seagulls residing in Alcatraz.


Like really many many many.

The Alcatraz Island was a prison for the high-profile criminals of San Francisco in the 1934 to 1963. Before that it served for military purposes.

As it was in the middle of the ocean it was thought that no matter what the prisoners won't be able to escape. And considering the high security, they were very sure there were no escapees at all.

However, there were criminals who managed to run away unknowingly. Some were never found, some died instead, and the last big escape was a very bloody one. It resulted in the death of several inmates as well as guards.

Group photo outside the Main Prison entrance

Here's how the cells look like in the prison.

The courtyard where the prisoners get to play

The following picture shows a typical cell, but take note of the wall facing you.


There's a hole!!!!


In fact, there were two. Two inmates escaped by using spoons to dig a hole in the wall. Yea you read it right. Spoons.

After much walking by the audio walking tour, the last stop was their dining hall. I suppose this was their last menu.


Dusk.

And seagull.





Alcatraz from far away

So you've seen it! Go to Alcatraz! It's a lot of history to learn.

I was just telling Ivan that I seem to visit such places whenever I tour. Like going to a concentration camp in Germany and then now to a prison. I wonder what's next.