The only up-side to jet lag is you get to be awake in a place where most of the population aren't.
Luckily, Dan was also wide awake, so we headed out to walk the San Francisco streets and grab some breakfast.
We finally made it inside to the hustle and bustle of lots of tasty breakfasts being freshly prepared.
By this point, we were ravenous! Someone was very ready for breakfast....
After breakfast, we walked towards Fisherman's Wharf to collect our bikes.
We rode out along the coast towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
And caught a glimpse of Alcatraz peeking through the trees.
We stopped for a little rest at The Palace of Fine Arts.
It was so peaceful and quiet. The perfect little oasis for a spot of reflection amidst the vibrant city of San Francisco.
We were back on the bikes, and before too long riding alongside the beach as the bridge got closer and closer.
We made it! Down by the bridge it was very windy but the blue skies and bright sunshine made up for it.
We quickly raced back towards the Piers and Landings. We had a very important date with an infamous prison, Alcatraz.
We joined a boat packed full of tourists and were whisked out towards the island.
Fifteen minutes later, we were there.
The imposing watch tower greets you as you take your first steps towards the prison buildings.
Inside the main prison, your senses prick as you become aware that this is not just a tourist attraction, this prison and it's history are very, very real.
The industrial showers where 40 prisoners would wash. There's a quote somewhere on one of the walls which reads "When you break the rules you go to prison, when you break the prison rules you get sent to Alcatraz."
Number 10 - Solitary Confinement.
The old library. Books were a privilege for the prisoners.
This is where the Prison Officers would take breaks.
The lighthouse.
And the kitchen. Everywhere you look there are hexagonal tiles, metro (subway) tiles and industrial lighting. As far as design goes, Alcatraz may not be luxurious but it's very on-trend.
The last men leaving on March 21st, 1963.
After the prison tour, you step outside and immediately gulp deep breaths of the sea air, thankful for your freedom.
Back on dry land we were starving!
We headed to the Ferry Building Market Place.
It's packed full of delicious little stores serving anything your heart desires! From gourmet coffee to olive oil, fine wines and cheeses. It's all here.
As the sun began to set we walked back up Market Street, grateful to be leaving Alcatraz far, far behind us.
Luckily, Dan was also wide awake, so we headed out to walk the San Francisco streets and grab some breakfast.
Before too long we stumbled across a very quiet Chinatown.
We made it to our breakfast destination, Mama's, where a queue was already formed, poised and ready for them to open their doors at 8am.
We finally made it inside to the hustle and bustle of lots of tasty breakfasts being freshly prepared.
By this point, we were ravenous! Someone was very ready for breakfast....
Dan ordered the special, an omelette stuffed full of fresh crab meat and avocado! I immediately had food envy.
I went All-American with a stack of buttermilk pancakes, maple syrup and fresh berries. Both were amazing!
After breakfast, we walked towards Fisherman's Wharf to collect our bikes.
And caught a glimpse of Alcatraz peeking through the trees.
We stopped for a little rest at The Palace of Fine Arts.
It was so peaceful and quiet. The perfect little oasis for a spot of reflection amidst the vibrant city of San Francisco.
We were back on the bikes, and before too long riding alongside the beach as the bridge got closer and closer.
We made it! Down by the bridge it was very windy but the blue skies and bright sunshine made up for it.
We quickly raced back towards the Piers and Landings. We had a very important date with an infamous prison, Alcatraz.
We joined a boat packed full of tourists and were whisked out towards the island.
Fifteen minutes later, we were there.
The imposing watch tower greets you as you take your first steps towards the prison buildings.
Inside the main prison, your senses prick as you become aware that this is not just a tourist attraction, this prison and it's history are very, very real.
The industrial showers where 40 prisoners would wash. There's a quote somewhere on one of the walls which reads "When you break the rules you go to prison, when you break the prison rules you get sent to Alcatraz."
Number 10 - Solitary Confinement.
The old library. Books were a privilege for the prisoners.
This is where the Prison Officers would take breaks.
The lighthouse.
And the kitchen. Everywhere you look there are hexagonal tiles, metro (subway) tiles and industrial lighting. As far as design goes, Alcatraz may not be luxurious but it's very on-trend.
The last men leaving on March 21st, 1963.
After the prison tour, you step outside and immediately gulp deep breaths of the sea air, thankful for your freedom.
Back on dry land we were starving!
We headed to the Ferry Building Market Place.
It's packed full of delicious little stores serving anything your heart desires! From gourmet coffee to olive oil, fine wines and cheeses. It's all here.
