San Francisco, what can I say about you? You have been amazing to each and everyone of us. I was worried about the weather today. However, our last day couldn't be better. While it was cloudy and windy, there wasn't rain for once. We started the day by dressing to impress by wearing our lovely purple ASB shirts. Then we went to make our lunches and eat breakfast before our adventures. Thankfully our last day was packed some fun-filled activities.
Our first trip was to take pictures at the Federal Courthouse a few blocks away from our hostel. It was the same courthouse that we went to for the Barry Bonds case. After we took our pictures, we walked around on the way back to the van. Between all seven of us, we have taken a LOT of pictures. We definitely documented this trip well so be on the lookout for pictures.
After our fun walking tour, we went for a ride to the Golden Gate Bridge (a.k.a. GGB). We stopped at a metered parking lot to take some more pictures. If you have never had the opportunity to come to San Fran, you need to get here! The GGB was gorgeous! The San Fran residents are so lucky to have such beautiful city. The group walked all around the area to get a vast amount of pictures of the bridge, the skyline, water, etc. Again, the view was just amazing! We spent about 45 minutes taking pictures and enjoying the views.
Since we couldn't go to San Quentin State Penitentiary, we collectively decided to venture to the prison. Of course, we were those typical tourists that pulled off the road to take pictures. But this time it was by the prison sign. Some guards were looking at us like crazy people because honestly, who really takes pictures of a smiling group under the prison sign?! Well these kids do!!! Anyway, we drove to the prison and took pictures again just in case you haven't noticed a trend.
Our next adventure was to Sausalito. After parking we walked around the small city. For some reason we ventured to a library, but on the way Kang wanted to get a leaning picture. However, it didn't quite work out because his first attempt landed him on the street. Don't worry though, he's quite alright! After he got his picture with the help of Christine, we walked around the library and a playground. We stopped to play on the slides and swings like true kids. We then walked the streets and ventured into a cute little food shop that seemed to be family owned. Some of us got some food and we all sat out in their backyard to enjoy our lunch. Kang's future job should be as a food critic, just sayin!
We had to get to Pier 33 by 3:55 p.m. to catch the boat to Alcatraz. The boat ride to Alcatraz was kind of scary at first, but the view of the entire Bay area was once again, amazing! When we first got onto the island we walked up a steep hill to get to the audio tour area. We walked through cell blocks listening to the audio and learned many interesting things about Alcatraz. It's another place everyone should visit if they haven't done so yet. While I would've hated being a prisoner there, I would hate it more because of the view they had. The Bay area was visible from many areas around the island which would leave any person depressed about not being able to enjoy it outside the walls.
Once the tour was over, we ventured back to San Fran in search of an In-and-Out, a burger joint I wasn't really familiar with. We succeeded in finding the place and ate our last dinner there. The last adventure of the night was around the Pier area checking out some shops. We actually got to our friend who scared us by hiding behind branches in the beginning of the week. Thankfully we were on the other side of the street watching him scare others. Pretty entertaining!
It was getting pretty late so we came back to the hostel for reflection. For our final reflection, we completed the "Touch Someone Who." It was an activity where statements are made by the facilitator and certain people are to touch those in the group who represent that statement. I enjoyed this activity by far. It made me think of why we were here in San Fran and how it was important to appreciate everything about this experience. As I'm writing this blog I can only think of how much fun I have had here in California. As my first trip here I didn't think it would be quite like this, but it's better than I could've imagined. I'm watching the group play Uno and I can only think about how we are like a small family. They came here open to anything and we are leaving here with more knowledge. Not only is this trip about our issue of the Justice System, but also about each other. We have learned so much about each other and I know they will succeed in everything they do in the future. They are all amazing people and I hope we all keep in touch.
-Megan Adkins
No comments:
Post a Comment