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Fresno trip/move
Mar. 12th, 2006 01:15 pmI went down to Fresno Friday night in search of interesting places to hang out. Luckily, there wasn't any snow when I went over the mountains, but it was blowing rain. I've been dreading those conditions, but I made it okay; another fear bites the dust.
Early Saturday afternoon, I headed out to find Shinzen Japanese Garden in Woodward Park. MapQuest did me wrong, and I wound up heading out of town on one of the freeways, but I eventually found it.
Woodward Park is lovely. It reminds me a little of Golden Gate Park, only prettier. It seems incredibly well maintained; they charge admission to the park and the garden, and they seem to be putting the money to good use. And the Japanese garden is one of the loveliest that I've seen. It was overcast with a light drizzle when I walked around the garden, which actually suited the garden. I didn't hang around long because the point was to find places that I'd want to go back to.
It was raining harder when I left the garden, so I decided to skip the other botanical garden that I wanted to see, and go directly to the Tower District. The Tower District is the music/theater/arts/alternative district with some old 1930's buildings.
It started hailing when I was on the freeway to go to the Tower District. I was feeling pleased with myself; there I was hopping on and off freeways like a native in the rain and hail.
MapQuest's directions were good this time. On the way to the District, I saw a cute little house that was for rent, but I didn't get the phone number.
I liked the Tower District. There are a lot of little restaurants with outdoor seating under an awning, and people were sitting out there (people-watching?) despite the rain and cold.
However, the District was smaller than I expected--just a few blocks.
At that point, I was really damp despite my raincoat. I decided to check out one of the malls, Fashion Fair mall, and dry out. Apparently I wasn't the only one with that idea because the mall was packed, although the sun came out when I was driving over. I really liked the mall; it was very attractive with stores that I'd actually go to. I had dinner in the mall, and then left.
At that point, it was 6:00, and it was a little late to go anywhere else, so I left for San Jose.
On the drive back, I was asking myself why, given that I liked everywhere I went, I was still dragging my feet about the move. The problem seemed to be about burning my bridges in the Bay Area, so then it occurred to me that I should rent my Bay Area condo out rather than sell it. That removes my remaining objections.
I had planned to go up to Grace Cathedral today and walk the labyrinth. However, I'm feeling comfortable with where I am in the decision-making process, so I decided to stay home. (Besides, my middle-aged body is tired -;)) I need to do my taxes and bunch of other stuff. Time is going to be at a premium over the next few weeks.
Addendum: I spent some time looking in the phone book for music, Pilates, and yoga lessons. I found voice, piano, and guitar lessons, but no violin lessons. Online I found a good classical chorus in Fresno (but only one instead of the many in the Bay Area). So violin is the biggest problem; I might have to drive some distance to take lessons.
Early Saturday afternoon, I headed out to find Shinzen Japanese Garden in Woodward Park. MapQuest did me wrong, and I wound up heading out of town on one of the freeways, but I eventually found it.
Woodward Park is lovely. It reminds me a little of Golden Gate Park, only prettier. It seems incredibly well maintained; they charge admission to the park and the garden, and they seem to be putting the money to good use. And the Japanese garden is one of the loveliest that I've seen. It was overcast with a light drizzle when I walked around the garden, which actually suited the garden. I didn't hang around long because the point was to find places that I'd want to go back to.
It was raining harder when I left the garden, so I decided to skip the other botanical garden that I wanted to see, and go directly to the Tower District. The Tower District is the music/theater/arts/alternative district with some old 1930's buildings.
It started hailing when I was on the freeway to go to the Tower District. I was feeling pleased with myself; there I was hopping on and off freeways like a native in the rain and hail.
MapQuest's directions were good this time. On the way to the District, I saw a cute little house that was for rent, but I didn't get the phone number.
I liked the Tower District. There are a lot of little restaurants with outdoor seating under an awning, and people were sitting out there (people-watching?) despite the rain and cold.
However, the District was smaller than I expected--just a few blocks.
At that point, I was really damp despite my raincoat. I decided to check out one of the malls, Fashion Fair mall, and dry out. Apparently I wasn't the only one with that idea because the mall was packed, although the sun came out when I was driving over. I really liked the mall; it was very attractive with stores that I'd actually go to. I had dinner in the mall, and then left.
At that point, it was 6:00, and it was a little late to go anywhere else, so I left for San Jose.
On the drive back, I was asking myself why, given that I liked everywhere I went, I was still dragging my feet about the move. The problem seemed to be about burning my bridges in the Bay Area, so then it occurred to me that I should rent my Bay Area condo out rather than sell it. That removes my remaining objections.
I had planned to go up to Grace Cathedral today and walk the labyrinth. However, I'm feeling comfortable with where I am in the decision-making process, so I decided to stay home. (Besides, my middle-aged body is tired -;)) I need to do my taxes and bunch of other stuff. Time is going to be at a premium over the next few weeks.
Addendum: I spent some time looking in the phone book for music, Pilates, and yoga lessons. I found voice, piano, and guitar lessons, but no violin lessons. Online I found a good classical chorus in Fresno (but only one instead of the many in the Bay Area). So violin is the biggest problem; I might have to drive some distance to take lessons.
