Buddies to Berkeley
Judy arrived to begin our adventure at 7:30. We picked up Sharon, 26 degrees on the thermometer, then fetched Nancy at her kid's home in Roseville. First stop, Home Goods in Vacaville. Potty stop turned into shopping at Old Navy too, then hamburger lunch at Five Guys. It was a beautiful sunny day. We pressed on to the shopping district on Fourth Street near Gilman Street. What fun on the busy street and in the bustling stores. This place had the feel of neighborhood boutique shopping. I made some great Christmas gift purchases.
Next stop, our historic hotel, The Berkeley Women's Club, a Julie Morgan project completed in 1930. It is called her "Little Castle." It felt like we were staying in a mini Hearst Castle. Judy and I had a room on the 4th floor. Sharon and Nancy were overlooking the whole bay from their 6th floor window. On this clear day the view of the Golden Gate Bridge was spectacular.
We decided to do some more shopping at the nearby Icky Store, Ikea. It was Nancy's first visit, always an overwhelming shopping experience. I think of all the things I wish I'd put in the cart once I get home. This was a shopping Mecca with a huge theater complex and parking structures. That many means many dining options. We chose Buckhorn Grill, a chain restaurant. I had an awesome tri-tip salad.
Back at the hotel we explored the two public floors and main garden courtyard. The ballroom was empty as were most of the rooms. A theater production of Richard the LIonheart was the only major event, it had an audience of probably about 50. The indoor pool, the leaded glass windows, the arched concrete ceilings were noteworthy. This old building has been in continuous use and well maintained, retaining its original art and furnishings, it seems. The structural elements for seismic strength are another special credit to Julia Morgan. The wood grain designs formed into the concrete, then stained a dark color, have withstood the test of time. The tiles and light fixtures, the fireplaces and sculptures, the beautifully maintained garden areas were inspiring, a castle with a warm and homey ambiance. I was absolutely delighted to stay in such a lovely place. Each room was $110 with the special deal Sharon got from Living Social.
The sounds of the city drifted in our open window during the night, but I slept very well. In the morning we had a lovely continental breakfast in the dining room. After a driving tour through the Cal campus and up to Lawrence Hall of Science, we stopped at the North Face Outlet on Gilman. Judy got a cute down vest.
Another shopping excursion at Costco and the outlets in Vacaville broke up the drive home. The back of the car was filled. A friendly lady in the parking lot said, "Wow, I want to come to your house for Christmas." The sales were great and the shopping was so fun to do together. Lots of chuckles and giggles.
I'm grateful for safe travels and for the delicious BBQ salmon dinner Fred had for me when I got home. He got a nice massage that put him right to sleep.
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