Well, hopefully we won't get stuck in America. Unfortunately we won't be sure until next week when were making an emergency visit to the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles. Turns out, the Chinese in San Fran didn't really dig us that much as they decided to deny us even an opportunity to apply for a visa, and told us to go back to Europe to apply for one. Apparently you have be a permanent resident in the US in order to apply for it here. Panicking, we decided to finally get a US sim card so we could start sorting this mess out. The chinese consulate in LA was much more optimistic when we called them and they told us we can apply for a visa, despite the fact we are only here as tourists. Anyway, long story short, hopefully by Tuesday we will have good news and well be able to continue our trip to Asia in January. If not, tough shit. It will be China's loss. Not ours. just kidding. Please please please let us in.
Next thing after the visa hassle, we only just remembered we had booked a trip to Alcatraz starting in about an hour. The weather had also turned against us as it was literally pissing down rain, nevertheless, we weren't going to miss the famous prison tour.
The night tour on the island was OK. Not amazing, but still would recommend it to people who are into prisons. It included an audio tour of the most fascinating events in the prison such as the great escape attempt of some famous guy whose name i can't remember, the bloody battle of Alcatraz when a bunch of prisoners almost managed to escape but ended up dead in the end along with a bunch of prison guards as well as the 3 guys who did in the end manage to escape and still remain unfound. In conclusion, the place itself was pretty damn cool considering it has remained more or less untouched since the mid-1960's when it was closed down for good.
Cell of one of Alcatraz's famous escapees (and their fake head they left behind)
Tony enjoying his audio tour
Creepy hospital beds
We ended up taking the earlier ferry back to San Fran from the island as we thought we had seen most of it. Getting back to Oakland was not as smooth though, as AGAIN, we had the worst luck with public transport and ended waiting for a bus back to the house for over 40mins.
Today we headed up to the famous Mission district since we still hadn't had a chance to visit it properly. It was pretty cool. We got off on Mission St and it felt like we had just stepped into Mexico. Taquerias and local Mexican shops everywhere. We wondered around for a while, found the crazy artsy hipstery street with the most impressive street art ever seen (which Mission is known for). Getting hungry, we asked a local guy for a cheap mexican food place and he directed us to El Farolito, an amazing California ''chain''. Ok Mexican food lovers out there. This place is the shit. Dirt cheap, greasy cheesy authentic Mexican food with an atmosphere. No compulsory tipping, free nacho chips and home-made salsa selection. There was even live music by a bearded Mexican with a broken guitar who was most likely the owner's abuelo. And Mission is full of places like this. Culture/foodwise Mission does really seem to be the hub in San Fran.
Tony exploring Mission
Tony with his £8 huge Enchilada
Local church with some ''average'' wall art
Okay, now were headed out in Oakland, which should be interesting. Probably will be quite a different experience from SF nightlife as were probably the only tourists in Oakland.
Holla laterzzz!
P.
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