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Other entries in San Francisco

California!!

Before I write about San Francisco I shall tell the tale of my journey to get here. 

I arrived at the Bus Station (which was jam-packed with homeless folk) and checked myself in for my bus, all of the Greyhound staff were a little 'doo lally' shall we say.. not all there.  However I brushed this off and boarded my bus to San Fran.  I noticed that everyone getting on seemed to be either homeless, a drifter or dodgy as hell (what am I doing I thought.. the train was only $50 more!)  We began the 22 hours trip, of which I didn't sleep much.  We stopped fairly often either to pick people up or let passengers use the 'restrooms'.  I had tried to keep both seats to myself for as long as possible, however the bus began to get quite full and I had to give it up when a US Soldier came along and asked to sit down.  Well at least he's not a weirdo I thought.  And I have to say seemed relatively pleasant, until I discovered that he had devoured, what I can only imagine was 1/2 a kilo of Heinz Baked Beans the previous night.  He delightfully passed wind (which was not of the flowery kind) every 10 or so seconds (even in his sleep). It was the cherry on my journey!!  We stopped at a fast food station at one point and I ordered a breakfast sandwich, as I was paying the toothless cashier gave me a big gappy smile.  As we began to get closer to San Francisco we picked up a larger than  life (literally) lady.  She decided not to wait for the 'restroom' stop and used the bus toilet (always in case of emergency in my opinion) where she proceeded to get stuck as she couldn't get up off the seat.. we were held at the next bus stop for 20minutes as help was on the way.  I had luckily chosen to sit right at the back in front of the toilet where I could fully experience her 'in case of emergency' situation.. fumes and all.  

Finally arriving in San Fran I caught a bus to my hostel (again not in the best area) however I have to say this is the worst of the lot.  The hostel is surrounded my homeless people and junkies, I don't like walking around this area (even in broad daylight) they aren't afraid to approach you and it's quite intimidating.  I have been warned not to go outside after 5pm.. which says it all to me!  Been looking for somewhere else to stay but most places are fully booked.. although I'm going to keep trying.  Fingers crossed! 

 ............... Update - YEY!!! I found a wicked hostel that serves free (v.tasty) dinners 3 nights a week, free breakfast everyday and had really nice beds.. a massive ball-room/lounge and a sauna!!!!!! What kind of hostel is this?? And why aren't they in every location i'm going to?!

I arrived and dumped my stuff immediately before running out the door to to my Alcatraz trip (see other entry).

I got back to the hostel and settled in where i've met my room-mates - 1 English girl, 2 Irish and a Swedish girl.  We're all getting on really well which is nice!  Going to walk the Golden Gate Bridge tomorrow.. the old jeans will be used I feel.. I learnt my lesson today.  

..... Update.  So I'm in my hostel minding my own business having a beer with my room-mates when who walks in but Calum Lawson, Dom and Martin.  I'm sure I had a priceless look on my face (so I was told).  
Could not believe it.. what are the chances!!!! Turns out they're here for the same length of time as me so we've all been 
hanging out for the past few nights.  It's really nice to see people from home! Getting on with my room-mates Eimear and Sarah really well so the seven of us (inc. Dom's girlfriend Elaine) have spent the past two days seeing 
the sights and eating out.  We all did the Golden Gate Bridge.. brilliant views of San Francisco but it was mighty cold so 
we chickened out and got a taxi back.  We had done a fair bit of walking so we feel it was justified.  That night we went 
out for a lovely Chinese meal (we're a stones throw from China Town so it would be rude not to).  The meal was fantastic!
That night we all got a few beers in and stayed at the hostel, one turned into quite a few and before we knew it we were 
up a hill at 5:30am checking out the views of San Fran at night.  Which were amazing.. but I forgot my camera.  Gutted.  

My last day in San Fran - Calum Martin and I checked out a famous diner near our hostel which made mighty fine steak sandwiches so I found out! Then I met Eimear and Sarah for some retail therapy.. well justified (not that I could spend much 1.cos I can't afford it and 2. cosI have no room in my rucksack!) However the $12 roxy hoodys were irresistable (yes that is 6 quid- there's no pound sign on this keyboard).  Just chilled out with the girls on my last night.. definately wasn't drinking what with my 3 flights the following day.  We had dinner at the hostel.. mexican.. was yum! We then later (like true starvers) got a craving for spring rolls so headed round the corner! I didn't sleep much that night as I was worried I was going to sleep in.. we left at 3am.  Dom drove Elaine and I to the airport.  Elaine was heading home (and happened to be flying at the same time as me so I blagged a lift!). 

So that's it San Fran over.. it was so good!

Photos / videos of "California!!":