I'm in Berkeley, and I just went down to the little corner store. Where the guy working there smiled at me. And chatted. Asked me how I was doing and MEANT it. Each time I've come to California, I've had to remind myself to unclench. Stop scowling. Smile, and be nice to strangers by default. Cause that's how they roll here.
The friend who I'm staying with bought a bike at the flea market on the way back from getting me at the train station (where I was greeted with lots of drumming, of course), so now I have a bike to ride around. It's come in handy, though I did pretty much fall off of it on the way back from lunch yesterday. It happens, but I felt like a dumbass, running across the intersection instead of smoothly making the lefthand turn like I planned.
I also have a puppy dog to pet and cuddle pretty much whenever I want. He's been my almost contant shadow since I've arrived, which is sweet but also strangely unnerving. I'm guessing it's because I give him treats and let him cuddle with me all night. He's my widdle snugglebunny, and kept me warm during the chilliness of last night.
The house is full of hippies who eat only organic food and/or get their sustenance from dumpsters and don't flush the toilet when there's only pee in it, but they are friendly, and I did grow up in a damn geodesic dome and all, so they are A-OK.
It's been cloudy here, but I was at another friend's house today further inland, and it was bright and sunny. I thought, "Now this, this is my California."
No wonder there are so many songs about it. No wonder.
Posted by thevieve at October 30, 2006 9:58 PM