Framedlight

I had booked the Alcatraz trip several weeks before our departure to California as I had heard that it was always sold out and we had gone for the 8.30am departure in order to maximise the day. We were due to change hotels for the Westin by the airport that evening so we made an early start and stowed our luggage with the porter. Then followed a fantastic breakfast at Searles. I decided that breakfast was the one culinary thing I would miss about the States, although pancakes with maple syrup and crispy bacon is not too difficult to rustle up. Early morning San Francisco was fairly quiet as we walked down to catch the muni train to Pier 33. The city seemed so laid back, people not rushing to work early as in London, but rather taking their time about the day. The pier became quite congested as there were 3 boats lined up to take us over to the island, each taking more than 100 people. Our tickets were checked twice, no stowaways allowed on this ride! Having...