Tales of San Francisco, Las Vegas and San Diego

Feels like a long time since we last wrote and this may be a long one so apologies in advance if it goes on a bit...

So, last time we had just got to San Francisco.

Our hostel was right in the city centre so walking into town and having a look around the shops was far too easy. After a few purchases (good old Abercrombie and Fitch, we seem to go into one each place we go to) we called it a day as it was late and headed for some noodles.

The next day we braved the trolley, a cable car which takes you straight to the coast called Fishermans Wharf. From here you can see Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, 'the Bushman', Pier 33 (or 39..) which is covered in Seals. We went for some chowder - soup in a bread roll, and a general nose about.

After sussing out Fishermans Wharf we went back and hired some bikes to cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was 7 miles to the bridge then a couple over it, totalling around 18 mile round trip (yay us!).

Once we came back over the bridge we stopped for a hotdog lunch in Chrissy Beach and headed back to return the bikes. After another little stop to let our food settle, we had a little nap in the park and felt revived for the cycle back.

The next day Sarah and I went to Alcatraz whilst Louise went to check out Haight Street with a new friend of ours Etienne.

Just pulling up to the island in the boat felt surreal. Alcatraz served as a Prison from 1946 to 1963. We walked up the steep slope to the prison, past the mortuary, houses of the families that lived there and the gun room. Walking into the prison we were given a taped audio tour by ex-prisoners, guards and a lady, a guards daughter, that grew up on the island. It was enough to send shivers down our spine, along with the smell and general atmosphere of the place. The rooms were very basic and small! I braved going into a cell but it felt horrible so didnt stay in there long, just for a photo opportunity and i was out of there. I could go on and on about this place, hearing guys that were actually in prison there really helped set the scene. We saw and heard of escape attempts, 2 prisoners that managed to escape were never tracked down. In one attempt lives were lost, guns were fired and you can still see the bullet marks. Dummies were also used made from soap in a succesful escape and is the basis for a film, but i can't remember the name of it now...Anyway, over to Lou...

The day trip to Haight street was of great excitement too!After partnering up with my sight seeing buddy we trecked it up to the hippy area of San Fran. It was full of wonderful hippy shops and cafes. After wondering around Haight Street for a few hours we headed back to meet the girls. This is when we decided to finally go and watch the long awaited 'Sex and the City' and even managed to persuade Etienne to come with us (I don't think he quite shared to the same amount of enthusiasm for the film as Sue and I though).

I think he learnt a few things from it though!

We didn't stay long in San Fran before it was time to head off to Vegas. In brief...didnt get lost, drove through the devils playground but not death valley. Found the Stratosphere at the opposite end of the strip to the other big hotels, MGM, Venetian, Bellagio, New York New York.

Checked our bags into the room and went off to suss it all out. It was windy in San Fran and was a bit of a shock from coming from that to what felt like a baking oven! In the lift down to the lobby and slot machines a guy dressed as Elvis (he working in the hotel, not just a random weirdo, though there were plenty of them too) decides that he is the one to tell us where to go, what to see and takes us for a beer. Always good in the baking heat.

Now with the insider knowledge to Vegas we head to the Sahara hotel for a free pull on the large slot machine at the front and discounted all you can eat buffet which was extensive to say the least. It was gooood and we stayed for a while!

Headed up the strip for a look at the big hotels, watched or rather ran away from a couple of guys having a little dispute about money and went to watch the fountains at the Bellagio. All of us said we have never felt so emotional about some running water, it was pretty impressive! I will try and upload a film of some of it at some point to give you an idea of what its like.

At Ceasers Palace we had a little go on the slot machines. After getting free drinks at the 5$ machines we find the 1$ then the 1cent machines. Dont worry parents, we didnt spend much!!

Next few days consisted of shopping, window shopping at Jimmy Choo, Chanel and other stores where security watched us like hawks, poolside sunbathing and vollyball, being escorted to the front of the queue by doorman at the Coyote Ugly bar, the viewing tower at the Stratosphere (Sarah was very brave - we have photographic evidence - she doesn't like heights!) and Louise went on the big shot, a ride which is on top of the viewing tower which sent her flying up in the air and down again.

We also went to the Freemont experience which is kind of like an open air shopping strip but with a massive video screen as a roof. Pictures when we can get a computer to put them on here!

We also met some chippendales there who dragged us to have our picture taken with them then we got charged for the photos. Not too expensive though and they are rather amusing!

So many more stories but i will stop waffling now and come back with more updates soon.

Oh just in case you are wondering where we are... We're "staying classy in San Diego" (from the film Anchorman - it gets played a lot here).

Miss everyone loads and lots of love to all,

S,S and L
x-x-x

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