Alcatraz

For my birthday, Sam booked us a night tour of Alcatraz. We took a ferry to the island, and on the way got some good views.

When we arrived we were assigned a guide (ours was Art) who took us up to the prison in the same way the prisoners were taken there, without the shackles.

We all were given an audio player and headset as we left the showers, which was the end of the induction for the prisoners (we didn't have to shower..). It was narrated by previous guards and inmates, and was really interesting. We walked through the cells, isoaltion cells, dining room, and Library. It was all pretty spooky but really interesting. The isolation cells had no lights and no windows, and some prisoners, like Al Capone, were in there for a long time at once.

After the audio tour we were free to wander around and take guided tours if we wanted. The hospital wing was open for only half an hour on the tour because of the asbestos in the ceiling and walls. It was definitely the spookiest part. The equipment they used was so scary looking and weird. Al Capone also spent a lot of time here and while he was dying from syphilis.

 It was a really interesting tour. The prison was completley different to any other. It wasn't about at all about rehibilitation or justice, but punishment and control. Not a very fun place to be in or work in, but really cool to visit!