Thursday, 26 February 2009

• A Day at Alcatraz in San Francisco, California

  by Molly

   

  San Francisco is one of my personal favorites of all the cities I have been to. It not only has great cultural diversity, but also amazing shopping, food and shows. But, with all of these wonderful surroundings, one of the most interesting parts of my trip was my visit to Alcatraz. 

  The fact that Alcatraz is located on a small island off the coast just makes it that much more mysterious to the onlooker. On the boat ride over to it, you can slowly see more clearly the outer structure of the once very busy jailhouse. But, at the same time, it's not as scary and gloomy as one might expect. The view back at San Francisco is amazing, and with a big open sky and the sun shining, it makes for some pretty impressive pictures. 

  Once inside the jail, you are given an audio tour to carry with you on your walk. I have to say, it was one of the best audio tours I have ever had! The stories are very interesting, and they have past prisoners recounting their experiences as you stand in front of their former cells. One of the prisoners talked about the howling winds and nightly noises, but also about the regular day in the cell. He would read his book, paint and write. They displayed some of the paintings in his cell, which made it all kind of come to life. 

  As you walk through the halls, you really get a feel for the life in Alcatraz. The cells are drafty, small and cramped. There are no windows in most of the cells, and it is all in all a pretty depressing scene. When you step behind the bars in some of the cells, you are struck with just how confining it would be to be imprisoned here. 

  As the audio tour continues, you are led outside into the activity area. The view really is amazing, but the huge walls lining every inch of the grassy area does feel kind of oppressive. You could just imagine what it would be like to walk around out there when you are lucky enough to get time outside.

  But then, there are the guards' quarters, where they were really able to set up their own little community. The guards and their families had a small little market and an activities hall where they held social gatherings and various other events. I had never really thought of Alcatraz from the non-prisoner perspective, and I was struck with curiosity when confronted with the community area. I can only imagine being one of the children in these families, hearing the noises coming from the jail house....that would definitely get your imagination going!

  Have you ever been to Alcatraz? What was your experience?

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