My first day of travel was a bit rough. Arriving in San Francisco at midnight wasn't the best idea, and I really didn't give it that much thought. The BART rail system just finished the last run, and a taxi or shuttle would've cost a good bit. On top of that, I hadn't booked a place to stay, but knew where I was staying the following nights. I chose instead to sleep at the airport until morning, and then venture into the city.
The airport was empty, except for the few stragglers in the same position as me. Somehow they managed to sleep on chairs with armrests, and still haven't figured out how they pulled that off. Not much sleep was had so I walked around an empty terminal and attempted to sleep.
The empty international terminal
Some mosaic artwork in the terminal
In the morning I boarded the Bart rail which is an extensive rail system. There was no chance I was lugging my main pack around San Francisco all day. I did a quick Google search, and saw that the Chancellor Hotel was willing to hold bags for free, regardless if you were staying there. They tagged my bag and gave me a stub and asked when I would be returning to claim it.
Alcatraz was first on my list, so I wasted no time going to the ticket booth at Pier 33. Normally you must book a ticket two weeks in advance, but being the off season I was able to buy a ticket and board immediately. The pictures do a better job at depicting Alcatraz.
Leaving San Francisco
Arriving at Alcatraz
We were given a quick statement on rules and regulations
Alcatraz used to be Civil War base so there's some resemblance of a fort
Guard Barracks
Sailboat circling the island
The workshop and machine shop
Water tower
One of the cell streets
The yard were inmates could go outdoors
The stairs to the yard
Another view of the yard
View the yard outside of a steel door
The hole
Control room
Golden Gate Bridge form Alcatraz
The warden's house
View of San Francisco
Warden's house from below
Returning to San Francisco I walked through Fisherman's Wharf as well as the Aquarium of the Bay. During a walk through the wharf you can view a group of Sea Lions laying on docks.
Sea Lions
View from the wharf
Pier 43 Ferry Arch
An artist who works with spray paint
Soup in a bread bowl
Transamerica pyramid
Transamerica Pyramid
Dahntahn
More to come, but my flight to New Zealand is boarding now, and I must go.
Yes, an 80's song is the title for my final post before leaving, and I'm making the final preparations for that countdown. Unfortunately, organization has never been a strong suit for me and my brain is fried over micro managing every detail. I'm trying to maintain a calm demeanor, but there are periods where I freak out.
Take for instance, the airline tickets that have been purchased online from Skyscanner. Though thousands of dollars have been spent on gear and vaccines, there's something about buying airline tickets that made me a bit nervous, shaky nervous. Maybe it's actually having a date set in stone and watching the days being marked off the calendar. That a commitment has been made and there's no turning back now.
On the 26th of January, I'll be boarding a plane to fly to San Francisco and in three following days flying to New Zealand. Originally, there was no plan to spend anytime in the States, but seeing how most of the flights left from California, it only made sense to check out San Fransisco. The mere mention of San Francisco cues its attractions and of course the theme song to Full House. You can't pass up seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, or going on a trolley tour.
Onward to New Zealand by the 30th, but I won't touch down until February 1st due to losing a day in travel and an additional day crossing the international date line. My first few days will be spent in Auckland and from there Magic Bus will be the main mode of transportation over the North and South Islands. Various routes are offered with the ability to enter and exit the buses as you please. The pass is good for a whole year but a month will suffice for my stay. As far as lodging goes, it'll be a mix of camping, hostels, and Couchsurfing. At some point I'll get into Couchsurfing a bit more, but for now there's a video on the basics at the bottom of the post. Money will be saved by buying food at grocery stores and cooking it at the hostels. That money will be needed for all the activities that New Zealand has to offer, and it's quite a list, which I'll share when I have a few good pictures.
The route over the North and South Islands of New Zealand
An addition route that was added
The currency of New Zealand and Australia that was ordered at the bank
Australia, without a doubt, will follow New Zealand. How long will I be there? Who knows. I don't want to think that far ahead. No more micro managing. It's at that point, you realize you're adding stress and loosing that adventure.
