Karol Kaczmarek

We’ve reached San Francisco International Airport around 6pm, took air train to the rental car agencies and  walked from one to another to find the best deal . After checking the prices online a week or two earlier, we’ve figured out we shouldn’t pay more that 1000 dollars for a car. Unfortunately, this price didn’t include additional costs like insurance (who would need it anyway?) and extra fee for drivers under 25 years. After all “bonuses” the price went to 1700$. No way!

Luckily, after 3 months of bargaining experience in India, I’ve negotiated the price and we got more than 400$ discount! Lessons from Asia are applicable everywhere . The salesman gave us keys and said not to worry too much, insurance will cover everything .  Cool, let’s go!

We took a car and drove to our hostel in the very center of San Francisco. It was already late, so we only took our cameras and went for a walk to see downtown by night… and met new friends on the way

Next morning we headed directly to the Fisherman’s Wharf where ferries to Alcatraz leave from. The walk itself was really pleasant, but tiring, as San Francisco is situated mainly on the hills.

We’ve spent three very interesting hours on the island listening about it’s history, famous prisoners and escape attempts. My favorite one was when someone (I don’t remember the name) used the spoon to dig to ventilation shaft and get to the roof through it. It was the only attempt which perhaps succeeded, but noone is sure if he together with 2 friends managed to swim through the San Francisco bay.

We went also to the famous Pier 39 – third most visited place in the USA – where, apart from hundreds adorable shops with food and turistic stuff, the nice colony of sea lions can be watched!

For the sunset we drove to the twin peaks, two hills south and west of downtown offering spectacular views of the city. Great opportunity to polish my – still – poor photography skills (I’ve finally started experimenting with manual mode this summer ). But still, the view even on my photos looks amazing!

After eating dinner on those hills we came back to our hostel where crazy receptionist was shouting through the megaphone that there is free beer available in the club downstairs! We gave it a try and spent evening playing beerpong with other travellers Nice end of the beautiful day in San Francisco!