for Vacation: Alameda, California, May 2006
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We had cause to hang out in Alameda during our vacation, with day trips aound the bay area. Alameda is an island southwest of downtown Oakland and a ferry ride across the bay from San Francisco. Berkeley is north of Oakland, and San Rafael, another day-trip destination, is north of San Francisco. --Jerry Politex

This is my favorite photo from the trip, Union Square in San Francisco. I simply sat down at a table and "found" it in front of me, although it may look posed to some. (All photos by Politex, with a Nokia 6680 cellphone, unless otherwise noted.)

The art deco Alameda theater, presently closed, is off the main street in Alameda. I like the facade better than San Francisco's treasured Castro theater, but I haven't seen the interior of either one. I enjoy the architectural irony of the Mission church in the distance.

Alameda mainly consists of California cottages, craftsman bungalows, and many beautifully restored victorians. The speed limit in the entire town is 25mph, which gives you time to look at the houses as you go by. I took a photo of this one because I might copy the fence at my house in Austin, Tx.

Talking about craftsman bungalows, here's an outside view of Chez Panisse in Berkeley. Alice Waters, its 60's activist founder, has become an "American Master," according to the PBS documentary, with her emphasis on fresh, organic food served simply. The arts and craft interiors of both the restaurant and the cafe (our choice) are mellow: dark wood, red brick, and copper fixtures. The thoughtful preparation, excellent service, and culinary influence makes Chez Panisse a world destination for carnivores and vegatarians, alike. (photo by tastingmenu.com)

A perfect way to finish off an evening, any evening, is to visit The First And Last Chance Bar, down on the Oakland waterfront. The bar's been there since 1883, pretty much as you see it. A literary landmark due to its connections to Jack London, the 1906 San Francisco quake slanted the floor pretty badly, so watch how you walk up to the bar. The night we were there, the bartender was put out because a few drinkers in our crowd decided to take their schooners of beer outside behind that log cabin with grass on the roof. Beer in substitute plastic containers and an extra tip resolved that contretemps and we continued the business at hand. (photo at kqed.org)

Next: Our Vacation Continues!



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