If you are wondering why I am in San Francisco to begin with, click here to read about how this whole thing went down… and if you missed part 1 of this trip, you’re going to want to read that here!
After the dinner on Tuesday night, I went straight to bed. I didn’t practice, I didn’t stay up to visit, and I’m so glad I didn’t!
The next day was sure to be a whirlwind, and I knew I needed every bit of rest that I could get especially knowing that I would be setting the alarm for 5:00am the next day. (Of note, my alarm goes off every single day at 5:00am, but I have to tell you… it never gets easier to set it.)
The next morning, I made the decision to rock it out with big curly hair…Rockstar hair, if you will….
Yep, that only happens if I literally curl every single piece, but it was worth it. Super fun. Note, as the night goes on… you’ll see it transform quite a bit, but it was great at 6:30am!
After a quick breakfast at 7am where I nibbled on a weird muffin, I came back to the room to obsess practice for the competition. With a performance time of 9:26am, I had a lot of time to obsess practice.
I have to say… it went REALLY well. I hit all the key points I wanted to share, and didn’t even go over on time! They say all you can really do is your best, so that’s exactly what I did!
I was super psyched about the competition as was my travel companion Jessica and we decided to use our free time exploring San Francisco a little bit. I have no idea where the boys led us… but we walked around a little and got some fresh air, which was awesome.
Quickly, our free time was up and we were due back at the hotel for the announcement of the finalists… and my girl Jessica took the trophy and won some SERIOUSLY cool prizes + an opportunity to compete in the finals! So excited for her!!
After the luncheon, it was time for our excursion… and what’s more San Franciscan than a Trolley Tour??
I figured this would be an amazing way to see as much as possible in the city in a short period of time, and I was right! We got to see all the hot spots: Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, North Beach, Lombard Street… just about everything! PS… It was the coldest trolley ride I’ve ever been on in my life! (And the first, but seriously COLD!)
By now, you’d think this day was winding down… oh, but it wasn’t at ALL! Next and final stop, Alcatraz! Our company had arranged for an amazing event to wrap up the day…. a live concert by Neon Trees on Alcatraz!! We all bundled up and boarded the boat for the island.
The boat drove around the bay a little bit, which was awesome because 1) I love water, 2) It was just such a beautiful night, and 3) it helped us to create crazy beach waves. Yes, a boat trip is the real way to create those waves… who needs curling irons when you’ve got a boat??
One thing that still surprises me is how incredibly gorgeous the property was. I mean, isn’t this one of the most scary prisons of all time? Doesn’t look like it to me…
We had an opportunity to tour the facility before the concert, and I think this might have been one of the best tours I’ve been on. Part of it was led by a tour guide, but when they switched us over to the audio tour, that’s when it got real.. creepy.
I think the fact that it was dusk contributed a bit too, making the prison walls look extra green and lighting yellow… Spooky is the word I’d use. As you listened to the audio tour, you heard from inmates sharing their tales of Alcatraz… and they even built in prison-like noises which made it extra real. The group as a whole got pretty somber during this part.
After the tour we were off to a meet and greet with the band and to dinner. Now, for those of you who might be wondering… last meal was at noon, and it’s now about 8:30pm. Yes, STARVING… but we quickly ate and headed upstairs for the concert!
The concert was amazing! The opening act was Jake Miller, who I didn’t really know of until this night. The headliner was Neon Trees who had a few songs I knew (Everybody Talks, Animal) and kindly played a cover of Human League’s Don’t You Want Me. They put on a great show overall… loved it! We were super close and right up there on the stage… unheard of for a big name band, and so fun!
And… while Jess didn’t win the Ultimate Rockstar title and while I didn’t either, I had a blast visiting with amazing friends new and old and had a fantastic time on The Rock! I will tell you, I hit the bed at about 2am after we rode the ferry and the shuttle… which for this girl is incredibly late. Especially after dancing like it was my job, apparently.
Someone at work sent me this pic on Monday morning. In case you are wondering, it’s not often that I dance. But when I do, it’s usually accompanied by me singing. Yep, double threat… and now it’s captured on film. You’re welcome.
Amazing, amazing day, and more to come regarding this wonderful week in Northern California. Stay tuned!
Have you been to Alcatraz? What’s your favorite thing to see in San Francisco?