Date: 05 December 2008 05:11:39
I am here in San Jose -- and having a most wondrous time. The friend I am staying with and another friend [also currently staying with him] picked me up from San Francisco airport. We were then dropped off at the Caltrain station while first friend went back to work. We went to San Francisco and walked alongside the harbour, stopping at Ghirardelli Square for lunch and, of course, some dessert at Ghirardelli's. We then went to Fisherman's Wharf and saw the sea-lions, as well as some giant seagulls!, and then caught a tram to Union Square. Working friend then met us at a Japanese restaurant for dinner, but not before I, as only I can, made a fool of myself.
For some reason, why not feeling overly jetlaggged, my brain was obviously not working 100% as in a shop I asked a woman, "Was kostet das?" Why I moved to German I have no idea. I then, realising my error, came out with, "Sorry...what costs this?" Again, why? I eventually recovered and told her I could speak English -- I was just a bit tired.
The next day it was down to downtown Palo Alto where friend 2 was having a facial. I took the chance to get my money order for the deposit for my next holiday, again embarassing myself by asking a policeman where the Post Office was only to be pointed to a building across the road. I had fun once I got in -- there was a toddler there I played peek-a-boo with. I am such an adult.
Getting back to my friend, it turned out her facial had been postponed. We made our way to Stanford University, taking a look around the campus, as well as the beautiful chapel and going up the Hoover Tower for some great views. Friend 1 rang and said he would meet us for lunch, and his uncle, a Bishop in the Assyrian Church of the East, came too [I have met him before]. We had a wonderful Chinese lunch, and it was a joy and blessing to see His Grace again and share a meal.
It was then back to Stanford, this time to the Art Gallery the uni has. There was a special exhibit of works, including those of one of my favourite artists, Albrecht Dürer, so we had a look in. Wow. An extensive, and broad, collection of works from a variety of eras and cultures. We spent a good many hours there.
That night [Wednesday] it was catching up with some more friends of my friend, who are friends of mine too, at a wonderful Persian restaurant I think I have been blessed to visit almost every time I have come to San José. It was then back to their place, after a coffee, for talking and my numerous [poor] attempts at Guitar Hero on some games console. Good fun, despite my inability.
Today I set off for downton San José on my own, pleased at the $5- all day transport ticket. I had a quick look around downtown, before setting off for the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum which is simply superb: such a fine collection, and beautifully presented. I had a quick look at a Rose Garden nearby before seeing a presentation at the Planetarium on the Mithraic mysteries which I did not enjoy that much to be honest: I would've preferred more astronomy. But it was alright.
I then went back to San José and after walking around a bit I went to TheTech Museum of Innovation for the Leonardo DaVinci exhibit -- which was well worth the US$25 admissioin price. Truly fascinating to see not only his works and thoughts but also those, including others from the Renaissance who came up with all manner of inventions at the time. Simply amazing to see and read about.
Then back to my friend's place for a salad and pasta dinner at home. Three very nice days thus far.
I hope and pray you are all well, and God willing I can read about your lives -- and bore you with more details of my holiday -- soon.