In this past trip I had 2 extra days beyond our adventure to Stinson (no complaints…two days is dreamy) to spend in the east bay and the city. I so craved to put on my walking shoes and walk for hours and hours and just soak in the world around me, armed with a camera or two of course.
The first day I wandered my favourite spots in Oakland and Berkeley. College Avenue, Rockridge, Atomic Garden (beware of the Prairie Underground Hoodies there), Bittersweet, Crossroads (I always find the best thrift scores there) then had lunch with the lovely Andrea at Cafe Gratitude (oh the I am Whole Bowl, I love you).
The next day I headed into the city for a full day of wandering. My first stop was the mission, specifically Clarion Alley which is this gorgeous alley of murals. It was a quiet Tuesday and unlike all of my previous visits to the alley, I had it all to myself (it is usually busy with lots of other folks and their cameras). I had always wanted to do some self-portraits in the Alley and this seemed like the perfect time.
After the Alley I kept wandering the mission, headed over to Chinatown and North Beach (where I found another Alley of murals to take photos in) and then met my pal Valerie for a final trip dinner at the wonderful Gracias Madre.
Happy Belly, Sore Feet, Happy Heart.
