Ever since I was a kid, I guess I had a strange fascination with The Rock. I've been to San Francisco on many occasions, but I never really had the chance to do what I wanted to do. Between visiting the relatives and eating at the local Fisherman's Wharf, nobody else really wanted to go to Alcatraz like I did. But this time, I decided to make it a point to go. And I’m sure glad that I did.

There were different tour times to choose from, but of course I chose the evening ferry ride to the island. The crisp air from the bay put a little a chill in my bones, adding to the effect of what would prove to be an exciting and eerie experience at one of the most notorious prisons in history.

The tour on the island was different from what I had expected, as there was no usual tour guide. We were instead given headphones so that we could receive directions while listening to facts about the site, reenacted events, and testimonials. This part alone kept everyone intrigued. In fact, the headphones seemed to block out the rest of the world and made me feel as if I were on my own personal tour.

All in all, the visit proved to be extremely informative and entertaining; with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landmarks, I was left with an experience that I won't soon forget. Alcatraz is a definite must-see the next time you're in San Francisco; just don’t forget to wear warm clothes.