After a very long train trip aboard the "Coast Starlight" from Seattle in the North to San Francisco.. The train trip was good. They put Volunteer rangers on the train between Seattle and Portland Oregon and they do a talk pointing out all the things worth seeing...One of the things was Mt St Helen the Volcano that erupted...I actually missed that but heard the chat afterwards about how good the Volcanic Ash was for the Golf Courses and they were very nice Golf Courses.I met up with some people from Adelaide..Julie & Bill good company, also friended a Couch surfing backpacker from the Netherlands, she was teaching me some saving tips for travel...Look out Kath, next trip to New York could well be on someones couch !
Got the bus in from Emeryville , which is about 25 min out of the city . Came in via the ferry Terminal, Pier 39 & the Wharf and finally dropped off at the bottom of Powell street..There are a lot of tourists there lining up for the Tram, we will have to get out early to get on it !!
The hotel is on Bush Street, 2 blocks up from Union Square. Good location, right next to a Porn Theatre..live shows nightly..Woo Hoo entertainment on tap !
The Grant Hotel I think was built for Christopher Columbus..!! Photos to follow, but it was cheap and thats what its about...we are maybe 1 step up from a couch surfer !
Had a Korean sub sandwich from across the street..totally awesome, like a Philly steak & cheese..I am already feeling like an Ommpa Lumpaa!
back in the room now awaiting Peters arrival, Jo got in Ok. News flash...Shooting at Pier 21 this morning..Obviously just missed out on the excitement...someone was stabbed and then he was shot by a policeman.. may just have to invest in a Kevlar Vest when walking around.
Peter finally arrived after being stuck in LA for a few hours, he caught the Bart (train) in then had to walk up Powell Street with his bags..thats because he didnt listen to his sister..Lesson 1....
Went down to Westfields and got some local phones so we can now contact everyone directly, only problem is they are old school flip phones and boy Oh boy how quickly we forget how to text !!
We purchased our 3 day transport pass $21 which is a bargain, jumped on the Tram and went down to Fishermans Wharf.....had a few drinks at Pier 39, then wandered down to the Big ship wheel and had some seafood for dinner..Chowder & Crab.
After tea we caught the Powell Street Tram..had to wait over 30 min in the freezing cold but got on eventually...Everyone coming here needs to do that at least once.