Day two in the big brutha owse...

Hostel room is ok. Had to make my bed on the top bunk which was an effort after an 11 hour flight. There was a pub crawl last night but I chickened out; feeling that I shouldn't have. But I was a little ill last night, I'd been up for 22 hours with only 2 hours poor sleep at home the night before. It was like going out at 4am and not sure I would have lasted or my jet lag would've thanked me.

I'm in USA hostel, 711 post street, not brand new but just fine with lots of people, good facilities and a good activity programme.

My roomies are dan from Austria (whose girlfriend Julie with long dark hair left today) and ben from holland, been here since Friday. They gave me loads of advice before they went on the pub crawl. Very little of which, it appears this morning, I retained. Except, go to the spa in Japan town, $22 unlimited use and they showed me on a map the area not to go. Also, they said that you can get Alcatraz tickets on the day but to be there before 6am, tickets office opens at 7am.

So, having gone to bed at 9pm, i woke up at 2am and managed to snooze again. But it's now 4.30am and I'm wide awake, feeling great! The only thing to do is to take Dan and Ben's advice and jump in a taxi to get those Alcatraz tickets early. Works out pretty well! Although I knew about the early ticket thing, I didn't want to do it on my first day as I didn't know how to get around, so I was going to spend my first day wandering around getting my bearings but my jet lag has worked in my favour. I knew without it there was no way I was getting up at 5am; so no Alcatraz.

First rookie error. When I went for a shower at 5am, forgot my key and thought I'd have to wake the boys. Luckily there was someone on the desk who gave me a spare card.

You'll never guess...standing in the queue for Alcatraz tickets at 6am and a couple from Broughty Ferry (angela and john) were standing behind me! Also, a big fight broke out involving security because people were skipping the line! Got to the front of the queue and they'd sold out! But they sold the first 20 of us standby tickets for tonight's cruise, which is a better cruise anyway! Fingers crossed! Just had a wander along to pier 39 and I'm now in Fisherman's wharf at an all American diner for an all American breakfast! Sausages, French toast and mmmmmaple syrup!

Next stop, I think I'll buy a pass which includes a few things and cycle the bridge this morning. Although there's a sea har so not much to see! It's only 9am and it's c-c-c-cold! Leggings and fleece on thank the lord!

Ok walked back to pier 39 and bought the pass for $70. I get a bus tour, a bust tour, a bike horrendous n access to three other attractions. The shortlist is ripleys (been there done that), wax museum, submarine tour, WWII boat or sour dough factory.

I've joined the bus tour at 10am as they have free walking tours. Chinatown started at 11am in union square and tge Little Italy tour started afterwards. Both were great. As it's not advertised and only mentioned it their brochure, it was limited attendees. T was our guide until after 1. I then walked down Columbus to the wharf and had fresh crab and sauv blanc for lunch at Pompei grotto.

Hired my bike after that and crossed golden gate bridge. The hills weren't really that easy. When I returned the bike, they were surprised I managed it in 2 hours, said I was a professional :D

Had an In n Out burger at 5.15, as recommended by Liz from the flight, just after I returned the bike. Figured i probably wont be down at the wharf tomorrow. Bought a Sprite and bottle of water from I sushi bar; thirsty after that cycling!

Headed to Alcatraz after, in the hope that the standby tickets I got this morning would get us in! The broughty ferry couple were already there and the woman came and said the 4 in front of me could get on the trip...and me!!! I was so glad. And it was amazing!! Way better than what I'd been told it would be. Even got extra tour round hospital and talk on escapes. The Broughty ferry couple got on the next tour after me and I caught up with them on the return boat at 8.40pm. They loved it just as much. Said my goodbyes and caught a cab to the hostel.

I have a new roomy tonight, Annette, 27, from Buenes Aires! Been here on market research business at the Sheraton. But she's moving rooms tomorrow and leaving on Sunday like me!

Lots to do tomorrow:

Get sleeping bag.
Sort out accom for my return from the camping trip on 7th.
Finish bus tour
See Lombard street
See Coit Tower
One hour boat trip
See ripleys/submarine
See wax museum/boat
See sour dough factory
Ride a cable car
See ferry building
Drinks at top of the mark

Ps this room is cosy/hot and noisy

Things I learned today...John told me a tip to bring up my gps before I get in a taxi so I can see if he's ripping me off. Even if I can't get gps loaded, it's enough to make then think you're watching their route.