Architecture, Art and Alcatraz

Sunday: Took concierge's advice, "It's a good walk to Fisherman's Wharf."  Good - yes, easy -no.  Uphill for about 3k until the steep drop down to waterfront.  Earned lunch today. Big bonus was stopping off for a look round Grace Cathedral..

Inside Grace Cathedral

Fisherman's Wharf is all that tourists could hope for -   whole shops devoted to fridge magnets and every food outlet specialising in Bay crab.  Found fantastic fruit market  - strawberries like Grandad grew -  time for a vitamin fix.  Walked the Embarcadero dodging Sunday joggers - only flatland in SF. Think our walk via Taylor Street/ Nob hill - yes that's it's name - more than enough of a challenge.  

Ai Weiwei - political prisoners in lego

Alactraz every bit as desolate and more disturbing than expected.  Bonus special art installation by Ai Weiwei - just opened. so opened some extra areas not usually part of tour. 

Alcatraz up close

 "If you break the rules of society you end up in prison. If you break the rules of prison you end up in Alcatraz"

The Guardhouse

 

Don't think he wants to stay.The Industries block was viewed as a Model of good practice for other prisons.

Maybe the Birdman's bedroom - or one of them.

First Days

Great flight from Auckland to San Francisco.  Small world we live in - Jane Rosevear head steward on flight.  Great chance to stretch legs and while having cuppa and chat  in the back of the plane kitchen.  Snuck us a croissant each from business class for brekkie.  Chris not allowed to sneak up to their wee sleeping space.  

Chris felt a "long way from home" but too late to turn back after crossing the equator. Guy beside me had fantastic sleep lolling all over me instead of gilrfriend.  She got him back - ate all his m'n'ms while he snoozing.  I gotta get an eyemask for flight home.  Chris channel surfing ALL night; got to see season 4 of Game of Thrones.  

Day one:  Downtown San Francisco - just like Chch!












Nearly bought a Chloe dress for $3989 
in Saks - then remembered kids at uni. 
 Maybe next year!




Rode the lift, saw the Cheesecake Factory  but life's too short to queue to eat there too!! 

2 Sleeps to go

Chris is packed, has weighed his bags and bad news kids - no room for pressies!!  You better hope I can keep my bags light.

7 Days and Counting

Drinks at Sugar Horse last night - (Chch, Moorehouse Ave) to meet fellow Vegas wedding goers.   Great idea.  Looking forward to some laughs in the US.


Rehearsal run packing today - dress still fits! Picked the togs to take, selected the tidier shorts and t shirts.  Bit tricky balancing 2 climates - cool autumn in SF and desert hot in LV.  Hooray for merino :)  Used  Chris's sticker idea to personalise the suitcase - he sourced the stickers last holidays - and set the locking code. 

7 sleeps to go.  Will clear the bed for sleep tonight.

The pre-do..

Fri at Sugar Horse in Chch - chance to meet the other Vegas bound travellers.  Two weeks and counting....

Where to .....

The destination

Thanks Christopher and Kate for the invite. Getting very excited - 3 weeks to go!