living in Berkeley From 1973-76, the last 3 of my 4 years in grad school at UCBerkeley, I lived at 1943 Cedar Street, 2 blocks from Chez Panisse. In fact, Chez Panisse at the time was not yet well-known, and was located down the street from its present location. I remember well the pool at Strawberry Canyon and the lake in Tilden Park. But most of all I remember my evening strolls walking up the hill in North Berkeley on Spruce St. or on Euclid St. As I ascended, I saw increasingly magnificent views of the SF Bay. And each house had a different personality. I would often set out at 10 or 11 PM, after finishing my work for the day, with the goal of reaching the reservoir at the top of the hills, just at the entrance to Tilden Park. I can still see clearly in my minds eye the water fountain next to the resevoir, as well as many of the houses, twists and turns in the roads, parks and gardens (Indian Rock Park and the Rose Garden)
in North Berkeley. There was a house on Arch Street, not so far from the campus, where chamber concerts were regularly held. Do they still do that. For me at least, it was indeed a magical place.
Looks great! You seem to have taken a beauty - I particularly like the view of the apartment from the street. Your kitchen, though, looks as though it needs a stove or something to cook on!
I've joined ZipCar in London - and yes, I can use my card where you are - and in New York and all over the world. Took my first drive last weekend - worked like a dream, but it's difficult to book the exact right times. You get charged for what you book, not for actual times.
Good luck! Tessa
You Bring Back Many Memories Hi Hilary,
We're also having beautiful weather in Paris, but alas no bay views. Suggest you visit the North edge of campus where there are five seminaries.
Pacific School of Religion was my home for four years and has a lovely neighborhood. It was called "Rabbit Hill" because the seminary wives were always pregnant. Your apt is adorable. How fortunate you are to be there. I'll be in California for 6 weeks between Nov. 3 and Jan. 14 (two trips). Let's get together.
Cheers, Mary
hilary, you are amazing what a wonderful description of a fantastic journey ... i am so amazed by your energy and love of adventure hilary ... thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. bisous!!!!
US health care issue Hi George,
You bring up a good topic and I intend to address it in a future blog entry. 'Have lots of impressions of the political scene here. And the health care issue is certainly a devisive one. It seems to be a pretext for a backlash against Obama. As you know, I'm a "liberal" in the U.S. sense--maybe not so far to the left as my fellow Berkeley residents, but the SF Bay Area is certainly a place in the U.S. where I feel at home.
Homesick Hi Hilary,
Your Oceanside beach scene make me homesick. I'll be in San Diego from Nov. 3 -26; and La Jolla from Dec. 15 - Jan. 14, 2010. Let's try to get together. The Paris Writing Group misses you.
Best,
Mary
What about the US folks. Thanks for the splendid travelogue. Question though. Now back in the USA what do you make of the body politic and the public mood. Here in Manila I read the report of the massive ultra right demo of thousands against the socialism and communism of Obama. Are they really as stupid as they sound?!
You do get around! Hilary - an impressive journey. I followed much the samish route last May - San Diego, Phoenix, Santa Fe (via Albuquerque) but I didn't get to denver, where my last 'missing' classmate was. I am fascinated by your photos of Salt Lake City. Must visit some time. Keep posting - it's always fun to see your pictures.
Hilary Kaiser--a writer, blogger, cross-cultural trainer and retired academic-- shares her travel adventures with friends and family around the world. (See also www.hilarykaiser.com and www.hilarykaiser.wordpress.com). Author of "WW Voices: American GI's and the French Women Who Married Them" (a paperback and ebook available on Amazon.com and Smashwords) and "French War Brides in America."... full info
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fantastic!
i really enjoyed your photos and writing hilary ... you sound wonderful and i am so happy you are having such a fulfilling time ... bises