From March 8th -12th, I visited Catherine and spent a few days in her beautiful Berkeley, California life. If you know me, you probably know about my friend Catherine. And if you don’t know me, then I feel sad for you because then you are not familiar with Catherine. Safe to say she’s awesome… smart, funny, caring, and always down for a good adventure. 

For the beginning of my Spring break, I decided to take a little leap and pay her a visit in Berkeley. After a bus ride from Burlington, VT to Boston, MA and then a night time plane ride to San Francisco… boy oh boy was I exhausted. This exhaustion was partially my fault as the jumpy excitement I felt kept me awake on the plane ride. 

But after only about four days in the Bay Area, I can confidently say that I love fell in love with the place and will most definitely go again. I know in my short time here, I haven’t even made a dent in all the wonderful things that there are to do in both Berkeley and San Francisco. But that excites me… there’s still so much to explore.

So here’s some highlights from my adventure in Berkeley and San Francisco. Also, it was my first time in California! Momentous moment.

1. The views are like nothing I’ve ever seen before. We lucked out with a few clear days. We could see over the SF Bay, Catherine pointing out the various landmarks and cities.
2. California record stores are immaculate. I’m talking two stories. Used records, new records. Vibes are so retro that you feel like you are transported back to the 70s with a kiss of nineties grunge… I can’t completely explain. Catherine and I both purchased some records, a mix of second-hand and new between the two of us.
3. Obviously, I soaked in all of Catherine’s amazing energy. She’s a busy girl but she has such gratitude for life. She is possibly the world’s most mindful and present person you will ever meet. She sees a tree… she climbs it. She lives every moment in full and absorbs every morsel of the wonderful life she lives. I needed some of that energy and I carried it back with me into the busyness of college life. She also taught me a thing or two about the whole apartment style living.
4. The weather… the sun!
5. California Poppies… top tier flower. A beautiful orange color with a silky, almost plastic appearance. They dotted the hills that Catherine called “The Fire Trails,” adding pops of vibrant color contrasting the lush green slopes.
6. Berkeley is filled with wonderful Asian cuisine. Though I only got a taste, what I had was delectable.  
7. The Moffitt Library ID checkers are not to be messed with. Catherine had a class there and I had been attending her classes with her on that Monday. We knew that only students were allowed in the library, so we decided I could flash my plain brown wallet… it looks like an ID, right? Didn’t pass the test… the woman at the door shot me down hard. Well, my little moment of deviance landed me on one of the campus greens while Catherine was in class so I can’t say I’m upset. More outside time is always welcome.

What a wonderful visit with a wonderful person. You’ll be seeing me again California!