My God It's Cold!!!!!!!!!
Trip Start
Jul 02, 2009
1
16
20
Trip End
Jul 26, 2009
San Francisco, California
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday 19th.
Before leaving Flagstaff we went to 'Denny's Diner' again at 1pm for our final meal. Eileen plumped for fish with rice, green beans and onion rings, while I went for sirloin steak, golden-fried shrimp, onion rings and fries. Yet again our portions were enormous and we only just finished them as it was going to be a long while before our next meal.
Our train arrived on time at 8:50pm and we settled down in our bunks early as were expecting a 5:00am call for breakfast the following morning; due to the train expecting to be arriving early at Los Angeles. Although train was quieter during night than previous trips, I still didn't manage much sleep and was awake at 4:45am in anticipation of breakfast.
Monday 20th.
Train arrived at L.A. at 7:30am and we had a wait of 2hours 45minutes before next train to San Francisco. Staff at L.A. Union Station (female) not the smartest tickets on the roll! When asked about location of sleeping-car lounge, all I could get out of them was that it was at the other end of the concourse and would open at 8:45am. This was relevent because we could find no trace of the lounge! Eventually I managed to get correct information from male member of staff and found our way to sleeping-car lounge which was actually signed as a Bar........very helpful!!
Anyway, train left on time at 10:15am and we settled into compartment. Unfortunately in the next compartment we were lumbered with a spoilt ginger-haired brat who kept giving not very good impersonations of Shirley Temple! The accompanying grand-mother had tried to make herself look like Liz Hurley before boarding train.......ended up looking more like Godzilla!! Passengers had been told by train conductor to be aware of other passengers when using mobiles etc but this woman thought she would disregard all requests and made calls on mobile with speaker enabled so that we could hear every word that was spoken by the other person......what can you do with these people!!
Train passed along Pacific Coast of California and we had spectacular views until the fog rolled in and blotted out the sun! We have now completed our task of crossing the American Continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific!
Began to be a bit boring then as we passed through more agricultural areas, but then picked up as we began to get closer to San Francisco. Train arrived on time in Oakland at 9:30pm with our bus transfer waiting to take us to San Francisco. We were the lucky ones as the remaining passengers on the train bound for Seattle, had been told by the conductor that a raging forest fire was threatening the track further up the line and that they may have to be bussed around the fire. never heard anymore about that!
Arrived in hotel at 10:00pm and were dead on our feet and looking for our bed. Was told by receptionist that our request for king-sized bed couldn't be met and that we were given upgraded room but with 2 double beds had been allocated......didn't really care so long as we could fall into them!! Room is on the 24th floor and gives a view over-looking skyline of San Francisco. After well needed shower and cup of coffee we fell into bed to get some well needed sleep!!
Tuesday 21st.
Awoke this morning to fog-shrouded skyline which didn't bode well for our day. Decided to wear our fleeces and take rain coats....just in case!!! Got outside hotel and it was bloody freezing.....temperature given on sign hoarding was showing at 46F.....just like being back in UK!! Woke ourselves up with cup of coffee and croissant before walking round city. Went to Tourist Information and purchased a 3Day passport for the buses, subway and cable cars. This cost us $36 for the two of us. We decided to just follow our noses and see where we ended up! Before too long we ended up in China Town and were amazed at all the different shops and arcades....so much different to Chicago! After browsing for an eternity, we walked down to the waterfront and took a tram to Pier 39 which is tourist trap......bit like Blackpool San Franciscan style!! Had some good fish and chips before heading off to Fishermans Wharf for a look-see. Again just another tourist trap trying to take your money! At least we manged to see where we have to go for our Alcatraz trip!
Took tram back to Ferries Building and jumped on Cable Car and stayed on until it reached the end of the line. Didn't have a clue where we were, so jumped back on again and got off where we thought the hotel might have been. It was a very interesting experience riding one of those......but not to be missed!! We had a nice long walk down a very steep street and an eerie walk through a tunnel before we got back to familiar territory.
We knew we were close to hotel as Eileen's shopping radar spotted Macy's which we knew was close by. Couldn't go back to hotel with stopping off for a browse!!
Finally got back to hotel mid-afternoon only to find that our door key-cards wouldn't open the door to our room.......bummer!! Had to go all the way back to reception 24 floors below to have new cards issued! Now safely back in room waiting to have shower before going for something to eat.
Eileen busy looking through guide book to see which shops are within radar range!!!!!
No doubt we will have a good day tomorrow....so long as weather is warmer!! Sun out at moment and hopefully tomorrow too!
Watch this space!
