One of my favorite vacations was in San Francisco in 2008 with my sister Sarah. On my list of things to do other than go to the ocean was to visit Alcatraz Island. One of my best friends in elementary school went there and told me all about it and how amazing it was. It got me so interested that ever since then I've wanted to go and added to my bucket list.
I think somewhere between the curiosity of the ellusive island and the unknown stories of the life there, this landmark had me. There is a movie made after a breakout attempt called Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood, Jack Thibeau and Fred Ward. Surprisingly I haven't seen it, another to add to my list of movies to watch!
Large monuments like this that attract so many visitors and attention so they aren't usualy where you would find me while traveling, it isn't really my style. I would prefer be a part of something real rather than feeling like hearding cattle. It feels fake and edited knowing that what I am experiencing has been currated and preserved for a specific experience.
My sister and I ended up spending a couple hours just taking photos of the island, structures, crumbling walls, and ourselves. We did eventually get around to listening to the audio tour through some of the inmates cells, mess halls, recreation areas and various other locations.
Alcatraz has an extensive history but is most recently known for being a Federal Prison from 1934- 1963. Later in 1969 it was occupied for two years by Native Americans in protest of some federal policies concerning Native American rights.
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