Before last year I had never been to Alcatraz, and last year was for the very same 5th grade field trip. I’ve lived in Oakland and San Francisco for 27+ years, leaving only briefly for college, and yet, I hadn’t so much as brought tourist friends there. This is a common story among locals. Why engage in all that tourism when you really know the city. It’s almost an affront to your local-ness to do so.
But, if you’ve never been to Alcatraz, I suggest you do. Honestly.
5th grade went to Alcatraz last Tuesday. The ferry took us from Pier 33 and dropped us at the base of the world-famous prison. Over the last few months, we read the book Al Capone Does My Shirts in literature and this was our prize. The book, a favorite among the ones read in school, is about a young boy who lives on Alcatraz because his father works for the prison. Going to the island gives even more life to an awesome story.
Once we arrived we went on the audio-tour, and the audio-tour is absolutely sensational. The narration features ex-prisoners and ex-officers. There’s sound effects. There’s storytelling. There are perfectly coordinated moves through the cells, the isolation chambers, the mess hall, the visitation booths, and the exact places of gruesome, violent escape attempts and assaults. I mean, it is cool.
After the tour there was plenty of time to wander the island, check out the rec yard (a staple in Al Capone Does My Shirts), and of course, roam through the gift shop (a favorite among the students). Then back on the ferry, back in the car, and back to school.
The next morning I asked each fifth grader if they were tired from their big field trip. Every one of them said Nope. The adults, however, gave a different answer. It was a lot of fun packed into those six hours.