San Fran - one of the best cities in the world

San Francisco....

Probably one of the best cities in the world. I know a bold statement indeed but it has a vibe and feel to it that few cities in the world can match, couple that with stunning views, parks, bars resturants and entertainment and you have one hip and happening city.

Day one me and Dan rolled into San Francisco in our Crysler PT Crusier and i mean rolled in. Dan, scratch that Donnie as he will know be known adapted from Don, which he got called all the time because people couldnt understand him. Donnie had a deal with the hire company that he could leave the car back with an empty tank and we were 10 miles from the airport drop off running on fumes. We had to go so slow to conserve fuel that even big rig trucks were overtaking us.

The Hostel was huge and the facilities were excellent. It was $30 a night which works out at about £20 but it was worth it. We meet some pretty cool people in the hostel from very different backgrounds. Met a really great french girl called Sarah and ozzy guys from Sydney who we me and Donnie hung out with for most of the trip in San Fran. Look forward to meeting you guys for a beer and a bbq in sydney. I have the shrimp ready lol!

There were quite a few homeless people around but that is nothing new in America really because there seem to be homeless people everywere. I did get one who asked for some money and i blanked him, he then followed me about for a bit saying that i was lying and that he would crack my head open.

Americans love there beer pong so in the spirt of our fat friends we decided to get involved with it. Me and Sarah went and got some ping pong balls some red cups and some beer, all the ingredients needed for a good game of beer pong. The rules are simple you get about 10 cups on each side of the table and fill them up with beer. You make 2 teams and take it in turn to try and throw the ping pong ball into the cup. If you get it in the other team has to chug - thats down in one to you and me. There are other silly rules like if you bounch it once and get it in then they have to chug 2 cups and things like that but it was good fun and another great way to meet people and have a bit of craic.

Forgot to mention that there was a pool table and foozball table that was free in the hostel, which we played daily. We also found the most amazing little amusements in Fishermans warf with all the old school games like packman and a ice hockey game along the same lines of fuzzball that we quickly became addicted to.

The Golden gate bridge was a big red bridge as expected but to be fair was very impressive and worth the trip. We didnt walk over it because we were pretty tired but it offered a great view of downtown San Fran. We also went to Alcatraz for the day which was another highlight. Learnt about George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Al "Scarface" Capone who were inmates in the prison and did a walking tour with headphones that told you of the history of the place which i found facinating so anyone going to San Fran should definately go.

The transport system is among the best i have seen in america with old school trams you see in the movies and the less expensive electric trams going regulary to all the major areas of the city. We spent my last day in San Fran in a big festival called oyster fest. It was basically one big concert with bands and plenty of crazy things going on. It was in a park right beside the Golden Gate bridge which i must say provided a stunning backdrop to the main stage. Me, Ed and Nick went went to the concert because Donnie had left for pastures new in the land of the free and the home of the moustache.

Spent the night in the airport to catch the flight from San Fran to Dallas, then onto Belize. Had to check in at about 4 so it wasnt too bad. Decided not to sleep so i could try and get used to the time difference. Seems to have worked i think. Belize is a bit of a culture shock its like a shanty town or something but i will keep you posted on developments.