Just returned from Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco. Unfortunately, this trip’s schedule allowed almost no time to stop and smell the roses. I didn’t even get a chance to partake in my usual San Francisco compulsions, among which are Anchor Steam on tap and cable car rides. (Alas, here is a link to the online edition of Of Cables And Grips – The Cable Cars of San Francisco by Robert Callwell and Walter E. Rice).

Attempted to gracefully order dim sum in Oakland’s Chinatown with a minimum of embarrassment to myself and tablemates. (I don’t speak Chinese. The waitress didn’t speak English. The challenging yet comical nature of the situation was enhanced by a menu consisting mostly of things I don’t eat — such as invertebrates and innards).

Attended an exhibition of artwork by Heisuke Kitazawa during a very brief “hit and run” visit to San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury district.

UC Berkeley was buzzing with newly arrived college freshmen. And freshwomen. (“Freshpeople”?). Moe’s book store on Telegraph Avenue is still there and busy, which is reassuring. (Yes, I left money).

Reinhard Kargl

Journalist and media professional currently based in Los Angeles, California. Focusing on science and technology.