San Fran...Day Four!

Alcatraz Island

Before leaving for San Francisco, my brother's co-worker gave us some GREAT recommendations. One of them being Alcatraz was a must see.

In trying to experience as much as possible on the island, we decided to listen to the audio tour - offered in various languages - to learn more about the inmates and officers who lived on the island. Once part of the United States prison system, the Golden Gate Recreational Area now operates the facility and entire island. 

Alcatraz Cruises took us to the island. We took lots of exterior and interior shots.

In 1969, when the government took away some Indian land, they inhabitated the island as their own until 1971. 

Interior cell shots.

Jenn made me stay in the cell...not sure why!

CREEPY!?!

Solitary confinement rooms of D Block...Al Capone spent some time here during his four year stay.

Kitchen area.

First lighthouse and US built fort on the West Coast.

According to the Alcatraz Island visitor information booklet we received before our departure, the prison closed in 1963 because the building's were falling apart and were becoming too expensive to operate.

Goodbye Alcatraz!

Later that night, we headed to dinner at Mona Lisa, 353 Columbus Avenue, in North Beach to enjoy a nice Italian meal. I think we actually chose North Beach because we wanted to stop during our walking tour, but weren't hungry at the time. So, it was definitely a stop we wanted to make. After reviewing some menus along Columbus, we decided on Mona Lisa. The atmosphere inside was very authentic and dark with lots of drapery. Even though I don't remember everything we ate, I do recall (after looking at the menu online) enjoying Spaghetti al Pesto, which was super tasty. 

 Onto day four...whew!