Dunedin - Bellingham

SATURDAY 17TH MAY - Lovely sunny day in Dunedin. Felicity and Ella took us to the airport. Was sad saying goodbye to all the girls. But we arrived at the airport in plenty of time - but.. we had to give an address in the States where we were staying! It was then that we realised that we had not booked any accomodation in San Francisco! Oh well, the beginning of the adventure.

On to Christchurch, Mum and Dad meet us at the airport as did Weeza & Paul and then Glenis. Was great to catch up.

On to Auckland, warm, we walked to the international terminal as figured that we would be sitting for such a long time and it was a lovely night. We were late departing as they had to call in a new pilot! The first one was broken! Who cares we got upgraded to premium economy - nice seats, good food.

Landed in San Francisco no problem except the wait at customs and the fact that you have to give your right and left index fingers for print. Mike caused the already tired customs officer some delemia. Got on the BART (underground) to the city. Wandered around getting a phone and enjoying the sites, Mike got a bargin $32 for the phone and 300 free minutes @.10c per minute. Went to the Westfield Mall, help desk they were great and we got a hotel that was around the corner (and in Lonely Planet). The Mosser room was small ( thats SMALL) clean, and very thin walls.

Went to the foodcourt at the mall and had (for a change) a green curry. Then we walked down to AT & T Park, 3K, nice weather. Watched the Giants loose to the White Sox's. We loved it. The park was huge with a great view and we did everything American that you would expect.

Saturday the 17th had been a very long day.

SUNDAY 18TH MAY - Up and coffee and a muffin on the go from reception (for free). Went to the Cable Car and got a day pass for $11 each. Great ride up Nob Hill and DOWN. Arrived at Fishermans Wharf. Alcatraz was sold out for the day (slight panic by Mike), so got tickets for Monday. (Whewww)
Lovely sunny day. Went to the SF Maritime National Historical Park, looking at old ships, including the Balclutha,Pampanito sub and a liberty ship. Also went to an arcade with all the old games, except one of them was Pacman!!. Pier 39 has lots of sealions and we watched them for a while push and shove each other, quite funny but smelly.Wandered around had a clam chowder. Got very cold so we went back to the cable car. Had a long look down Lombard Street 'the crookedest street in the world'.

Got off in Union Square, was sunny there and we listened to some awful band for a few minutes. Went to see the Frank Lloyd Wright building, which was good but closed so we didnt get to see inside (bummer).

Got some warmer gear on and headed to the Town Hall and United Nations Plaza. Magnificent building with gold leaf and very large (Mike, "youve seen one town hall youve seen them all).

Called in to the mall and got snacks for tea. Stopped at Annabels (bar) for a beer (then a cocktail).

Back to the room both shattered and Mike sunburnt.

(someone needs this machine - more later)

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