Cali2010: Alameda

Okay, back to trip photos. So, when we went down to California last month, we decided to stay in Alameda for the first half of our trip, which is a mere 20 minutes away from San Francisco. Mostly because we have friends who live there and with whom we wanted to spend some time, but also because it’s a heck of a lot less expensive than hanging out in the big city. We got a giant suite with a balcony that overlooked a quaint lagoon (filled with ducks and so forth that love to be fed) for waaay less than a cramped little hotel room in San Francisco. Plus, we were renting a car anyhow, so any time we wanted to go in to “see the sights”, we could quite easily.

Alameda is located on a small island (next to Oakland) in the San Francisco Bay. Simply put, it’s gorgeous – Victorian houses, lush greenery, and a small-town atmosphere, filled with independently owned shops instead of “a Starbucks on every corner” (if you’re into that kinda thing 😉 ). It’s the kind of place I could imagine myself moving to – if getting a green card and finding a way to make a comparable income were an easy thing to do, that is. For those of you who have never been, here are just a few snippets to entice you.

The view from our hotel room, overlooking the lagoon.

Where we spent much time trying to get the ducks to come visit.

I wonder if they knew it was for some fine Trader Joe’s bread?

Finny did a puppet show for the various waterfowl (here – a goose and a merganser I think), and Max adored watching them.

Our friends Rich and Libby and a multi-purpose bug zapper.

Rich and Libby’s gorgeous back yard – including roses and oaks, stone pavers, and one terribly cute chicken coop.

Just a few of their menagerie – tortoise, chickens, and reef dwellers.

Rich and Libby’s daughter and our son got along famously.

As I said, many independents – like at the Natural Foods Market.

And Tucker’s Ice Cream, which offered some “super creamed” yums.

The “number 1” place for ice cream, which was evident by the waiting in line (as the kids tree gazed outside). Our boy’s happy face, along with a Polariod wall of many other satisfied young customers.

The Art Deco city landmark Alameda Theatre… so cool!

The kids loved the beach – you can see SF in the background.

And once again, we happened upon the Webster Street Fair.

Where we enjoyed the coolest pinball caravan, people watching, yummy street eats, and bargains on artisan merchandise.

Pinball caravan? Yup. Alameda has their very own pinball museum!

Where you can find machines from through the ages – here: Xenon, Dr. Who, FunHouse, and one cool “mood ring-esque” ball launcher.

There are also some yummy eateries – like “Viva Mexico”, where I remember trying taquitos for the very first time. Mmm, taquitos.

And my favourite aspect of all – the Victorian houses.

Apparently I have a thing for the green-purple combination. 😉

And so, there it is. A small sampling of Alameda, CA. If you’re ever in the neighbourhood, I highly recommend stopping by and hanging out for a while. Thanks, Al, for the wonderful time you showed us.