The return to San Francisco

UPDATED WITH PICS....

We've had an excellent few days in the 'Frisco. Had a bit of a walk about on Monday, I marched Clare up to the top of Telegraph Hill, with it's excellent views over the bay. We did a bit of shopping (OK, window shopping) too.

On Tuesday we took a morning ferry to Alcatraz. There's a self-guided headphones tour of the prison bit of Alcatraz, which is really great. There were LOADS of people there, but the island is fairly big so you can always find a quiet spot. You were allowed to walk in to some of the cells, even the solitary confinement ones, which must have been hellish. Prisoners were kept in the dark in there 24/7. Apparently the 'trick' to stop yourself going mad is to tear a button of your prison-issue denim shirt, throw it over your shoulder, wait for it to drop, then hunt about for it in the dark on the ground. Then repeat. Until you get released.

Yesterday was also election day here. The locals in downtown voted in the local Fire Station, which I thought was cool. We also took a look at the Transamerica Pyramid whilst we were downtown, an 'earthquake-proof' skyscraper, and the tallest part of SF's skyline since 1972. I think it's a really beautiful piece of work, Clare wasn't so convinced. However, there was a Starbucks opposite it where Clare and I got free frappuchino's. I had a really big one and nearly made myself sick. Thought I'd share that with you.

Today we visited Sausalito, in Marin County over the bay from SF. (Marin county guys, spiritual home of mountain biking!!!!!) It's a really nice little place with a great little second-hand bookshop above the library (Grifter, I bagged a Dale Brown book for 50 cents, bargain!). There's a really great view over the bay back towards SF and Alcatraz.

Tomorrow we leave here for Hawaii. We've both had a great time in the 'continental' USA, it will be interesting to see what the 50th state has in store for us. We've booked a few days in a little hotel that's one block from Waikiki beach, which is nice. I hope.

Here's some of our favourite pics from the 'Frisco:


























































This was taken in Vegas, but I have to include it for my own amusement:
















More from the land of grass skirts and fiery volcanoes.

-Si