A very quick tour of the Bay.

This past weekend my best friend stayed with me for four days. We had a lot of catching up to do and A LOT of sightseeing. It was reminiscent of our days in Portland. We both lived in the city at separate times and in very different areas, however, we were able to be tourists in the tiny city-forest. However, the main difference of the Bay and Portland is: the Bay ain't so small.

Each day consisted of mini road trips that I felt were necessary for her to experience. Although I haven't spent much time here, there are things and places that I love. Often times while experiencing these new places alone I found myself wishing I had a specific person with me because certain people enjoy different things in your life. For instance, Berkeley. Oh, be still my heart. I love Berkeley. It is my place of choice up here. It's gorgeous, mellow, and FOOD. Small specialty markets, stores, and great food everywhere. It had Devon written all over it. Although we explored the industrial part of Berkeley more than the foodie, we found ourselves in a different sector of Portland. If any of you are familiar with NorthWest 23rd street, that is precisely like 4th street in Berkeley. It's a strip of restaurants and shops masked by industrial buildings and a railroad. I love that vibe, so much.

However, I am digressing a bit, because before all of this we were in Oakland. I adore Oakland. The absolute best jewelry shops and knick-knack stores are here. Creepy things and handmade metals linger these stores. I felt the most at home here. Everything was cute and I wanted my life to be spent off this little area off Telegraph, but it is the only area truly like this. Though this is not a reflection of most Oakland, as Berkeley is, it is still one of my favorite hidden gems in the Bay.

The following day was an eventful one to say the least. Muir Woods. Muir Woods is gorgeous. It's a little taste of the natural beauty. However, before I ever experienced Muir Woods, I experienced Forest Park in Portland. I am a bit biased because I do love Muir Woods, but exponentially prefer Forest Park. There is a mellowness and a calmness to Forest Park. I guess once you name something a national monument you lose that intimacy with nature. However, it's still a lovely sight to see. I was spoiled beforehand so I have become picky. After that we ventured into Napa. This is farm to table foodie galore. If you want good produce, it's all about Napa, baby. Plus it's one of the most stunning drives. Vineyard after vineyard and no hint of settlement, just vineyards and farms amongst rolling green hills.

At this point of our trip our phones were near dead so our Napa experience goes practically undocumented. But we landed at the Oxbow Public Market. It's like all the markets that are popping up in my homeland of Southern California, but better. I could tell the markets down South were trying to be what Oxbow is. Oxbow has the resources and refined taste to be one of the most beautiful markets. I mean, as a 5-year vegetarian, I still had to admire the meats they displayed. It was a place that took their food seriously and my god did they have the best ice cream I've ever had.

Dev's last day here was spent in the city. I feel like it's obligatory to have a San Francisco day out. I mean, that's what the Bay is known for. I view San Francisco as I view L.A., I love it, but I don't have that kind of energy. It has some of the coolest things, really hidden under the dirt, but it's compact and full of traffic. It's such a small city with too many people. I like solitude a lot. However, we spent the day in Mission district. An area that is very like us. It was a beautiful day that we spent walking the specialty shops, visiting the original Paxton Gate (though we both agreed we loved the quaintness of the Portland store more), eating, drinking, and laying in Dolores Park. It was also a way for us to experience our time on a nice BART ride. I really do love me some train riding!

                 


After our long days out, we spent the evenings in the kitchen together. The longer I've been here the more I've had a home cooked food revelation. And I mean, my best friend is a chef. So what better than having mellow nights with great food. Dev's time here was short, but it was exactly what we needed. Quality time adventuring with someone we feel completely ourselves with. I am grateful for this last shebang in the Bay. It makes me excited to visit because a piece of me has realized how much I've learned and grown here.