A VISIT TO A DREADED PLACE OF INCARCERATION
ABOVE : STUDENTS VISITING ALCATRAZ WITH THE GRAFFITI THAT WELCOMES TOURISTS DATING FROM THE 1969 AMERICAN INDIAN OCCUPATION . LEFT : ABANDONED BUILDING ON ALCATRAZ
' As part of the Tour B NASA Space Camp , I was filled with excitement and dread as I boarded the ferry at San Francisco ' s Pier 33 , embarking on a four-hour journey to Alcatraz Island , the site of the renowned Alcatraz Prison . The boat voyage provided a breathtaking view of the San Francisco cityscape and the famed Golden Gate Bridge , laying the groundwork for a fascinating visit to the former prison .
Upon arrival , our tour party was met by an energetic guide who brought Alcatraz ' s history to life . The trip began outside the formidable prison walls and watchtowers , which served as a reminder of the island ' s dark history . The ominous atmosphere was heightened by stories of failed escape attempts and the freezing , hazardous seas .
As we entered the jail , we passed through dimly lit halls , through rows of tiny , desolate cells that formerly housed famed criminals . The isolation cells , or ‘ the hole ’, had a terrifying air , mirroring the desperation of inmates who had suffered its limitations .
Learning about the incredible stories of renowned convicts like Al Capone and Robert Stroud , ‘ the Birdman of Alcatraz ’, was an enriching experience . Views of San Francisco Bay from the tiny windows provided an unsettling contrast to the otherwise spartan interior . Our visit concluded at the recreation yard of the jail , where we thought about the convicts ' few minutes of respite . The eerie beauty of the courtyard , complete with the ruins of the basketball court and gym , reminded the convicts of their humanity while they were imprisoned .
As I left Alcatraz , I reflected on the fascinating history and remarkable stories inscribed on the prison ' s walls . This historical journey left my appetite for captivating stories to grow , igniting a strong desire to explore more of American history .' LOUIE ZHANG - YEAR 9
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