Angel Island State Park

Last Friday, I spent the whole day on Angel Island State Park. It's another island in the San Francisco bay that I've always wanted to go to, but never had a reason - or time - to do.

It was for a fam (familiarization) trip hosted by our company for the SF Tour Guide Guild. They were all very impressed with the trip, from the time they checked in that morning, to the time they disembarked that afternoon. They said everything was very well put together, very elegant and extensive, and that they were spoiled. All I said was, "That's how we roll!"

Like many of the tour guides there, it was also my first time at that State Park. I saw a couple of familiar faces and old colleagues as soon as we got there, so I already felt comfortable. I had to put on the "host" cap and made sure our guests were entertained. I was left to take care of things by myself due to some last minute things in the office that made my boss and another colleague stay behind. Overall, it was a success!

Angel Island was beautiful! We took a tour of the original Immigration Center, had a catered lunch, and off we went to do activities.

The Immigration Center was interesting, and I learned of how early immigrants were treated upon entering US soil (spoiler alert - Asians were treated the worst!)

After that tour, we came back to the dock and we walked to the picnic area. There were beautiful sceneries by the docks and the marina (Ayala Cove), and a little tiny beach where people dipped their toes in and just played in the water. The picnic areas were very serene and just wonderful.

After a great lunch, and some business talk, everyone headed back for their chosen activity of the day. I wanted to take the tram tour around the island, but I had to take care of sign-ups and such. By the time I was done, the tram was gone! A bit disappointed, I decided to go for a quick bike ride - and I say quick because after a few minutes of riding, mother nature called so I had to go back. I couldn't very well take a potty break in "mother nature" so I just hung around the marina. THEN, I found out there was an extra Segway for me so I jumped at the chance and joined the Segway tour! I was like a little kid!

The Segway tour was a lot of fun! It felt weird at first, for like 5 seconds, and then it all felt natural. Like riding a bicycle for the first time, and it was so awesome that I didn't want to get off. My group and I actually took our time wheeling around the dock area, chasing each other, before deciding to "park" it. I swore that I would definitely do that again!

After getting our goody bags, we rode back to the pier, with desserts and champagne onboard to end the day.

What an amazing and fantabulous day for me! One that I would like to do with my Bulilo Face, so we've decided to do a staycation this Saturday since I got free ferry tickets. If the weather cooperates. And if we don't get too lazy to wake up early in the morning.

(Pictures are up on my Facebook, for those on my friends list.)