Day Two: Sightseeing

The Opal did redeem itself when the next morning we went to the front desk and spoke to someone who seemed to know a little more than our previous associate. He was wonderful and unlike the woman the night before totally understood that we wouldn’t be happy having to change our room on our honeymoon. The man was so great he gave us an update to the Executive suite which I must say was amazing. I plan to write a letter to the hotel expressing just how great he was.

After getting our new room we headed out to do our sightseeing. From our research we learned that the boat from Alcatraz was only two miles away and since we walk that all the time we figured no big deal right? Wrong, our friendly research and tip from a friend left out the fact that the walk was all uphill. We someone lived through the walk and made it to the Fisherman’s Wharf and pier 33 to get on the boat to see the famous prison, Alcatraz. Tickets for the tour of Alcatraz go quickly, if possible you should purchase your tickets online a few days before. We didn’t have to wait in line for tickets and so as soon as our departure time was called we were able to get right in line. On the way there make sure to sit on the top of the boat, you’ll be eaten alive by deer flies or some breed of killer flying thing, but the views are worth it.

Alcatraz was great; the island was such a remarkable place. They give the audio tour for free (well I’m sure it’s included in the price but they make it feel free). The tour was information and better than the normal audio – type in the number ones found in most places. It was interesting to hear opinions from actual prisoners and guards plus it was narrated by Gunny, what more do you need? Make sure and take the small walk through the family housing area around the bay by the boat dock. There you will find some really amazing views and maybe even some wild life.

After Alcatraz we went to Pier 39 – Fisherman’s Wharf; the local tourists trap. The people at SFT Travel were right, a waste of time but we went anyway. We’re tourist, we have to. We had lunch at The Eagle Café, a little over priced but with great views of Alcatraz and the sea lions. The food is delicious and the portions large.

After lunch we walked over and saw the sea lions slightly closer. They’re neat as long as the wind doesn’t shift. Just trust me on that. We also got to see the carousel although Matt wouldn’t let me ride it. Spent some more of our day shopping at Ghirardelli Square where I got some delicious chocolate samples.

Later we grabbed a taxi to Golden Gate Park to see the Japanese Tea Gardens. For four dollars a piece the price wasn’t bad but the gardens aren’t very big at least not as large as I expected. Even though there were many people in the gardens it was very tranquil and calm. Since that didn’t take as long as we planned we stopped by the Conservatory of Flowers just to view it, I really liked the bird house look of it. On the way back to the hotel we detoured to see a few more sights since we had the time. The first stop was the corner of Haight-Ashbury, the location of the 1960’s “hippy” movement. We also saw a Ben & Jerry’s on the corner. Sadly it was slightly cold for ice-cream, but I have a pint in the fridge at home so I think I’ll be ok. Next up we walked by the Painted Ladies a cross from Alamo Square. They were attractive especially knowing how famous they are. Now when we’re home watching TV and they are shown we can both yell… “We’ve been there”. We’re dorks so we’ll find it fun.

Later we headed back to the Opal and had dinner at Mels, San Francisco’s very first drive in. It was nice, the food was good, service was fast, and customer service was great. Prices weren’t horrible either. My chili and the three cheese grilled cheese was delicious. I would have given Mel’s an outstanding review it if wasn’t for our next day. After spending another long day out sightseeing we were exhausted and decided for the sake of our feet we’d just eat at Mel’s again. Apparently Mel’s has great food but the service is touch and go. Our first night we were greeted at the door with waters in hand. Our second trip it took over ten minutes for someone to acknowledge us and another five to get waters. After having the waitress basically call me a liar about whether or not I was allowed to order a bowl of chili the night before we just chose to leave. The restaurant wasn’t any busier the second day, only the servers had changed and they were horrible. Not a single one smiled or greeted/acknowledged for the thirty minutes we were there. Our waitress had an attitude problem and was rude and snippy the whole time, she acted as if we were some burden she had to deal with and in no hurry. For this I would not recommend them.