We were originally scheduled to be in San Francisco at 10am, but we already knew we’d be late and as seems to be normal, the iconic Golden Gate bridge was shrouded in mist as we approached, but it didn’t seem to stop about three quarters of the passengers standing outside on various vantage points, having cameras poised. It wasn’t too long before the mist dispersed as we berthed at pier 35.
Ship berthed on the starboard side.
One of our identical el Cheapo, $30 Vodafone pre-pay phones worked, Paula’s again…
An on board face to face interview (again) with US Immigration.
Just a walk off afterwards. No need to carry the passport or a copy.
See below regarding HoHo buses and shuttles.
Cruise cards checked on returning to the dock area.
Scanning ashore of hand luggage on return.
By the time we berthed we were about 45 minutes late, so although we had a printed time of 10:30 for our face to face, that would make it 11:15, it was nearer 12 noon by the time we managed to get ashore. Once again, the immigration staff were extremely friendly. No rush though, as we strolled into the warm sunshine from the rather spartan and cool dock shed, to the main road. We turned right, as the centres of attraction are Piers 39 and 45.
We elected to buy a HoHo ticket from the first bus company we came cross – and there are several. They had a double decker parked at the kerbside and they were taking the money. It was a bit confusing as to prices, but we paid $35 each for the basic pass but although it was advertised as a one day pass, it was valid for 48 hours, covering 2 routes. There was another option that included various add-ons at $45. We waited on the bus until the ‘real’ one came along. We started off inside downstairs, but it was a bus with graphics all over the windows, so you could hardly see out. The commentary was live and LOUD. At the first opportunity, one stop further along, we shot upstairs and managed to bag a front seat. We waited there for about ten minutes in the by now, rather warm sun. My knees got burned. When the same LOUD driver (Chris) returned to his seat, to our dismay, we found that the speaker for upstairs was right in front of us. Not only was the sound very loud, but he was also a total shouty motor-mouth. Not good. I sat with my finger in my ear right up to the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, where he told everyone that the only way to save a seat was to sit on it. As soon as there was a spare seat towards the rear, we grabbed it. There was a repeater speaker half way down the bus, but it was nowhere near as loud as up front.
We had to change buses at Union Square and thankfully, the driver (Constantine) spoke more normally. Several of their fleet had the windows covered with graphics and the most prolific bus company around was the dark brown and cream liveried ‘Big Bus Company’. They had clear windows and a very modern fleet. There was also the Gray Line red bus company and a free trolley from Fisherman’s Wharf (pier 45) to Union Square.
The famed San Francisco Trolley car system which a lot of people wanted to ride, apparently had a very long queue.
The local trams were another option and I believe you could get a day ticket for about $14.95.
We hopped off the HoHo(!) back at our starting point, near pier 39. This is probably the tourist hub of the wharf area of SF and it was very, very busy. Paula was feeling OK so we headed for our favourite eatery – French crepes. A bunch of 4 Australians had grabbed our favourite table. We ordered crepes and a portion of fries. Last time (four years ago) we noted the fries as being excellent. They were just as good today and we shared them with our Australian friends.
They wandered off before us and we then wandered around the pier area for a while, then up the street to the equally famous pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf, past various street entertainers. There are several stalls and eateries selling seafood, but most are selling crab or the local speciality - chowder in a sour dough loaf. The amount of crab debris around has to be seen to be believed. Just about every establishment claims that theirs is ‘The best in San Francisco’. I suppose you’d hardly put up a sign saying ‘Second Best’, or ‘Worst’. What is interesting is that in NZ, each eatery has to prominently display a current, graded, hygiene certificate. The letter ‘A’, is normally about 15cm tall, so unmistakeable. I’m not sure what the US system is, so one can only hope that they do have one, despite Gordon Ramsey uncovering some frighteningly bad establishments. The health inspections on the ship are extremely thorough.
On the way back to the ship, Paula bought a long, polar fleece, zip top for $12.99. Pretty cheap.
We were back at the ship around 5pm and as it was open dining, to the buffet rather than the dining room. Paula was still OK, thank goodness, but a light meal only, then later in the evening, we went back up for a cuppa and met most of our table mates, so sat with them for a while.
Bed was just after 11pm. Fairly tired and sunburned, but a good day – or half day.
A whole relaxing day in SF tomorrow with nothing much planned - other than the ritual visit to ‘Ross, Dress for Less’.
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