Have you ever toured Alcatraz? If you have, did the experience make a strong impact on you?
by 
Jodie44
ANSWERS: 14
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I have never, but I really want to go. I am obsessed with prisons, like how they are built and the subcultures. I have been to other state prisons and met with death row inmates... the experience is sobering.
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No, but I was really close to! I got up too late to get a ticket. :(
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I toured it in 05 and it was an amazing experience. More than anything else, though, was the feeling of, "OK, time to leave this part," when we walked out into the yard. Sent chills up my spine being out there. Can't explain it, nothing 'other worldly' or anything, it just felt like it was a bad place. As to the rest, I suppose it hits one the way it does because (a) it's old (b) it's kinda stark (c) not poorly lit, but not terrifically bright inside (d) there is a TON of info no matter what tour you choose so your imagination is not starved (e) it was cool and windy. I'd go back again, but for sure if you're headed to San Fran make a point to go and take the tour.
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I did back in '95. My mom and I went to SFO in January...it was damp and chilly, which made an even stronger impact. I had remembered watching the old "Escape from Alcatraz" movie (but don't remember "Birdman of Alcatraz" very well...although you saw where his cell was). The cold chill, the wind and the damp just gave me a stronger sense of foreboding. It's really fascinating to visit.
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Yes, as a teenager, and it made me determined to NEVER end up in one of those places. I went back when I was older, after the Native Americans took it over and then got thrown out again. It was still an experience I don't want to have, because I have a smart mouth and I know I'd end up in Solitary at least once!
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No. You can say I "toured" Leavenworth. If that's what you want to call it.
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I didn't go inside but I saw the island from the docks. It made me feel the isolation the prisoners must have felt.
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I went in 2001 with my class and well... it didn't really do anything for me. I don't know why, it certainly was fascinating, but it didn't bring up any emotions as such. Maybe because I was too used to prisons from all the TV I watch :) Now, IF I had seen an electric chair or something the like I'd probably feel different. The prison itself wasn't that exciting however. And I probably don't worry too much about prisons cuz I'm SUCH a goood boy LOL
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I toured it a long time ago when I was a young teen on vacation with my parents. I thought it was interesting, but it didn't have a strong impact on me.
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Yes I did. It was interesting. I lived in Northern, CA for most of my life. I toured there twice. On the tour, the guide put us in one of the solitary rooms just to get a feel of what it would be like there. It is complete darkness. One could lose their mind being put in solitary confinement. It is a pretty large prison.
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I took the first tour out to the island. The boat was about half full. The people on the boat stayed quiet taking in the scenes. The ride out to the island was amazing and strange. The fact about only reading and seeing pictures in books, now was becoming reality. Once on The Rock, you see downtown San Fransisco, San Quentin and the Golden Gate bridge. And you think that they had to travel pretty far to escape from the Rock. To actually witness and be in a part of US history was amazing. Tip: Buy your tickets on-line in advance. Save you a headache when you get there. Plus you don't have to stand in a long line to wait for tickets.
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I haven't, but I sure would like to :)
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Yes and yes. The solitary confinement in total darkness with a single hole in middle of cement floor. That did it for me.
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I finally got a chance to go when a group of german girls visited and i had to tour them around the city. Before, it was just some random rock that we would maybe sail around and use as an obstacle on a nice clear day. But now I know theres a bit more history to the place than that. it was a good experience, made me more aware of what it was before, but once is enough :P
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