San Francisco

Bruce and I are leaving San Francisco this morning after 4 lovely days here. We acheived quite a lot in this short time but the city is very organised to allow this type of trip. We purchased a 3 day pass for what we thought was just the cable car but it ended up being for all forms of transport! We have done heaps of walking and we hired bikes the day we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. Our first trip on the cable cars was eventful with the car we were needed to perform an emergency stop to avoid plowing into the side of a car that had not given way. One passenger smashed his head onto the glass window of the cabin and it crazed in a head shape pattern. Other passengers were thrown forward but no one was really hurt thank goodness! We transferred onto another cable car and promptly came across a car being towed blocking the road with lots of petrol (or gas) spilling all over the road. This nearly caused a second emergency stop. We gave the cable cars a rest for that day! On a less dramatic note there is a photo attached of the view from the cable car).

During our walks around the city we came across what Bruce likes to refer to as 'Gang Banger Land'. This was a bit freaky for me with more people vomiting in the street than I have ever seen- even in hospital! Lots of dodgy stuff happening there with the constant smell of weed in the air.

As I said, we hired bikes to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. People from here surf just under the city side of the bridge. It is very close to the rocks on the shore and a bit dangerous if you ask me! We got some good shots of the bridge and us on the bridge. We also got very saddle sore bottoms but it was all worth it. (see photos below)

We went to dinner at Fisherman's Wharf and had a big feed of yummy crab which just tastes superb! On the way there we saw this amazing guy doing art work with spray cans. He took just 10 minutes to complete each piece but the results were very sectacular. We have a video of him at work. I will see if it will fit to show you. Very impressive to watch.

Yesterday we ferried to Alcatraz on the island in the harbour. It was a very foggy morning and you could not even see he island before we arrived making it even more eerie. The day cleared later and we photographed the 'Crooked Street' Lombard Street and alked to the other side of town. We then caught the bus to Golden Gate park which is massive and must be where all the city goes at the weekend to find some space. Most houses here are appartments so no gardens. If you want to sit in the garden you go to the park. Nearly everyone here has a dog! They must be well trained to not pee until outside. No Noodle here but we have seen a couple of Jilly's.

We fly back to LAX this morning. Hope the plane is not too painful this time.

Here are the photos of this bit. Love to everyone. Hope you are all as happy as we are!