Saturday, July 27, 2013

USA day 5 part 1 - Alcatraz Island

25 Jun - We woke up early in the morning to head down to the Fisherman's Wharf for our pre-booked Alcatraz Island tour. Alcatraz Island was once home to some of America's most notorious criminals. The federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the Rock. The presence of infamous inmates like Al "Scarface" Capone, and the "Birdman" Robert Stroud helped to establish the island's notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world's most legendary prisons. The weather was not so kind to us that day as drizzles keeps coming on and off for most of the morning. Hmm

One of San Francisco's public transport - Electric Trams

Model of Alcatraz Island prison

Part solar powered cruise that transport us to the island

Graffiti that was written by American Indians natives during their brief occupation of the island from 1969 to 1971
 
Prison cells that hold the federal prisoners when the prison is in operation

Normal prison cell

Restricted privilege prison cells that hold prisoners when they misbehave

Dark cells that see no daylight for hardcore prisoners that do not abide by the prison rules

Prison warden uniform

Former parade square, currently sea birds nesting ground

A sea gull with its young

View of San Francisco Bay

Alcatraz prison watch tower

Prison dining room, with painted silhouette of knifes to ensure no utensils go missing after a meal.

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