May 11-14 - 2018 San Francisco, California

We saw all of the classic sights in San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Pacific Ocean

The first view of the Pacific Ocean (Stillehavet)

Street cars

Fisherman’s Wharf

 

The Sea Lions (søløverne)

 
Lombard Street

Here JJ is driving down "the crooked street" (in the black car, down the hill)

Alcatraz

 

 

All of the other things don't need an explanation (forklaring). Maybe Alcatraz doesn't need an explanation either, but we want to make a few comments on the tour we took to the island. (By the way, it was a very good tour.) Before the famous prison was built there, the island of Alcatraz was used as a fortress, to protect San Francisco. However, it was never necessary to use the fort in defense of the city. 

 

 

In 1934, a federal penitentiary (fængsel) was built there. This was a high security prison, were the most hardened criminals were sent. We saw a sign that said, "Break the rules, and you go to prison. Break the prison rules, and you go to Alcatraz."

Alcatraz was best known for being inescapable (flugtsikkert). Many tried to escape, but only 5 possibly succeeded (meaning that they got away from the prison, but may have drowned in the water). These 5 men were never heard from again. 

The prison was closed again in 1963.
The most famous prisoner was Al Capone.

We had 4 great days in the city. Thanks to Marie and Dan, we are leaving a little bit of "our hearts in San Francisco".

Written by Mary

P.S. We just heard on the news that there was an earthquake in Oakland (close to us). It was a 3.8er. We didn't feel anything though.