Y had arranged for a harbour tour with brunch so we didn't bother with breakfast at the hotel - not that the hotel breakfast had much to offer!!
We took a taxi to Pier 3 where the ship was docked. It was part of the Hornblower Line. We were early, so scouted around for a place to drink coffee. Just to pass the time! No Starbucks around, so we had to do with another cafe. There was only tables outside and luckily the sun was shining - tho' the breeze was a bit chilly. We moved a chair, from another table, so that we could sit together. Just as we had finished our coffee, the manager of the cafe asked me to move as I was in violation of a health and safety law, as I was sitting in front of a disabled entrance. Oh well, as that is the only violation I might have done while here for six weeks, it ain't too bad.
We boarded the ship at 11.00 am and were shown to our table. As Y had requested a window table, we had our own bottle of champagne together with two champagne flutes with the ship's name - and some chocolates. They also gave a box and bag so that it could be taken away safely, tho' A nearly forgot it when we were disembarking!!
We were offered sparkling wine and orange juice (called Bucks Fizz in the UK and Mimosa in the USA) and coffee. The meal was buffet-style with hot and cold foods - something for everyone. There was also a dessert table, but nothing took my fancy. Had some fruit instead.
There was a musician on board as well. A one-man band who was very good, and played some lovely music during the trip. Y and A had a dance - see below.
When we left port, we sailed South (I think) towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Luckily, the sun had burnt most of the mist away, so the Bridge was really clear, although it is impossible to take a full photograph of it. It looked great in the sunshine. It is painted painted in international orange, which I believe is an undercoat for marine paint. The residents of San Francisco thought that it looked really good, so no top coat was put on. We then sailed around Alcatraz and saw it from all sides. Unfortunately, we were not able to do a tour of the prison, as it gets booked up weeks in advance. Maybe next time!!
We then turned North (I think) towards the Bay Bridge, which is also pretty impressive - tho' not painted international orange - and from there came back to the berth at Pier 3. It was a 2-hour trip and as the sun was shining it was so worthwhile. Mind you, it would probably have been just as good even if the sun wasn't shining, but the sun certainly made it better.
We walked along the front for a while and looked at the stalls selling fresh and organic fruit and food and then took a taxi back to the hotel. Y and A had a few last-minute things to get, so we parted company and I walked to China Town. Quite a hike I can tell you, as the hills are practically perpendicular in places. Anyway I figure it made up for all the exercising I didn't do while we were travelling. It took me about half an hour to get there, but the coming back was easier, as it was downhill - more or less.
Got back to the hotel and collapsed. Sorted out our tickets on-line and had them printed out by the hotel, so we are all set for tomorrow. Quite sad really. I cannot believe that it is already six weeks since we first left. I will have to read the blog to remember exactly what we have done, as it's become a bit of a blur!!
Not sure where we are eating this evening, but I think A has found a Greek Restaurant, Myconis on Polk Street, that we might like. It was not bad, but would not recommend it.
Taxi back to the hotel and then to bed. It will be a long day tomorrow, Sunday, as we are taking off at 16.30 and arrive in London on Monday at 10.40 am.
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| Coffee before boarding |
We took a taxi to Pier 3 where the ship was docked. It was part of the Hornblower Line. We were early, so scouted around for a place to drink coffee. Just to pass the time! No Starbucks around, so we had to do with another cafe. There was only tables outside and luckily the sun was shining - tho' the breeze was a bit chilly. We moved a chair, from another table, so that we could sit together. Just as we had finished our coffee, the manager of the cafe asked me to move as I was in violation of a health and safety law, as I was sitting in front of a disabled entrance. Oh well, as that is the only violation I might have done while here for six weeks, it ain't too bad.
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| Our Ship |
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| Port of San Francisco! |
We boarded the ship at 11.00 am and were shown to our table. As Y had requested a window table, we had our own bottle of champagne together with two champagne flutes with the ship's name - and some chocolates. They also gave a box and bag so that it could be taken away safely, tho' A nearly forgot it when we were disembarking!!
 |
| The Dining Room |
We were offered sparkling wine and orange juice (called Bucks Fizz in the UK and Mimosa in the USA) and coffee. The meal was buffet-style with hot and cold foods - something for everyone. There was also a dessert table, but nothing took my fancy. Had some fruit instead.
There was a musician on board as well. A one-man band who was very good, and played some lovely music during the trip. Y and A had a dance - see below.
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| The young couple |
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| One-man band |
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| Alcatraz |
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| Golden Gate Bridge |
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| A and Y with bridge in background |
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| L and; Y on board |
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| GG Bridge |
We then turned North (I think) towards the Bay Bridge, which is also pretty impressive - tho' not painted international orange - and from there came back to the berth at Pier 3. It was a 2-hour trip and as the sun was shining it was so worthwhile. Mind you, it would probably have been just as good even if the sun wasn't shining, but the sun certainly made it better.
 |
| Bay Bridge |
We walked along the front for a while and looked at the stalls selling fresh and organic fruit and food and then took a taxi back to the hotel. Y and A had a few last-minute things to get, so we parted company and I walked to China Town. Quite a hike I can tell you, as the hills are practically perpendicular in places. Anyway I figure it made up for all the exercising I didn't do while we were travelling. It took me about half an hour to get there, but the coming back was easier, as it was downhill - more or less.
Got back to the hotel and collapsed. Sorted out our tickets on-line and had them printed out by the hotel, so we are all set for tomorrow. Quite sad really. I cannot believe that it is already six weeks since we first left. I will have to read the blog to remember exactly what we have done, as it's become a bit of a blur!!
Taxi back to the hotel and then to bed. It will be a long day tomorrow, Sunday, as we are taking off at 16.30 and arrive in London on Monday at 10.40 am.
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