i'll be there for you.

We go to college to learn, to better ourselves, to meet new people, to grow up and learn to stand on our own two feet.

My first semester at Cal was about assimilating to Berkeley, learning to live on my own and take care of myself. I was trying to figure out the pace of this school, and trying to figure out what I wanted out of my time here. And really, just trying to take the time away from home to find myself. I grew up a lot during fall, but something was missing.

This semester, I found what the fall was lacking--amazing friends. People I could call at two in the morning if I needed something, people who could understand what I was thinking just by looking at me. Friends who could finish my sentences and who would stand up for me if I ever needed. I had friends my first semester, but not like the ones I have now. The four people in the photos above--Katie, Johnny, Sam, and Morgan--they're four people who I can say with full certainty have changed my life, and I just wanted to put it out in the universe that these are four of the most wonderful, amazing, creative, kind individuals I've ever had the honor to meet. Katie and Johnny are CalTV folk, and I met Morgan and Sam on Birthright. Two of the most significant parts of my Berkeley experience, and I have come out of them so much better because of the people I met through them. They have been the best friends I could have ever asked for, and they became my family away from home. From drinking boba to cafe hopping, to exploring Berkeley's finest eateries, most of my best memories in Berkeley have come from having these friends this semester. Honestly, it's hard to remember what Cal was like before having all of these crazy kids in my life...but I can say that life at Berkeley would definitely not be as amazing without them.

bridges & balloons.

One of the best (and worst) things about Berkeley is the sheer amount of absolutely amazing eateries around campus. It's amazing because it's great having a variety of interesting and delicious places to eat; it's bad because it's not always the cheapest option and it's not good for someone trying to watch their waistline! Regardless, I love it.


Ici is a Berkeley staple and one of my favorite places in the city. It's a gourmet ice cream shop with a twist; not only does it have traditional flavors such as chocolate, but it also carries flavors such as lavender, black-pepper pistachio, rhubarb sorbet, and more, depending on the day! On this lovely day, my friend Morgan and I adventured over there to see what we'd find.


Though I was tempted by the black-pepper pistachio (which was AMAZING), I was boring and got the coffee-fudge swirl. It was so delicious, perhaps the best coffee ice cream I've ever had.


Morgan was slightly more adventurous and got a scoop of rhubarb sorbet and Meyer lemon. Both were delicious as well!


Morgan also got an affogato, which is vanilla ice cream topped by a warm espresso, and in the case of Ici, with candied orange peel. It was mouthwatering, and I'm looking forward to getting one the next time I make it over there. Even though it's a little bit of a walk to go all the way to Ici, it's definitely worth it, as I am reminded every time I go.

***


In other news, this picture is to prove to my mother that yellow nail polish does look good sometimes! At least, I think so. Also, hooray for accidentally wearing Cal colors...GO BEARS!


Here's Colin Meloy of the Decemberists doing a cover of Joanna Newsom's "Bridges and Balloons." I usually can't stand her, but this cover is one of my favorites. Enjoy, and have a good weekend!

talking in code.

Today was the day that students all over the state of California protested the budget cuts that are affecting us all. I would have participated, except that I had class, which uh, I kind of failed to wake up for. Yeah. I mean, it was bound to happen eventually, right? In any case, I slept through both the protest and class, oh well. I still was up in time to go to lunch with my friend Morgan, though! And boy, was I glad I didn't miss that.



This sign was hung over Sather Gate.





Pretty flowers in Memorial Glade.

***

So, we went to Gregoire for lunch and Masse's Pastries for dessert. Are you ready for this?



Morgan got the grilled chicken patty with sautéed chanterelles & gorgonzola dolce in pantofolina.



We got an order of crispy potato puffs to share.



And I got the 3 cheese potato soup.



Morgan was content.



Dessert was dynamite! Ha. But really...it was amazing. It was some sort of pastry with a passionfruit filling...I don't actually know what was in it, but I know that it was delicious and I loved it.





IT WAS SO GOOD GUYS.



I also got some cookies to go...a green tea macaroon, a chocolate macaroon, a lemon shortbread cookie and a cappuccino chip cookie.


Mmmmm.



***

So we were full and with time, so what did we do? Walk all the way up to the Berkeley Rose Garden, getting lost/finding adventure on the way. I live on Southside, so I never take the time to explore North Berkeley, but I'm so glad that I've been venturing out there a bit more. The houses are gorgeous, and as cheesy as it sounds, walking around them made me feel as though I was in a fairytale land. It also reminded me of back home, because Marie and I would often drive through the Burbank/Glendale hills and look at the houses up there.







Lots of pretty things on the way.



We arrive!



The view at the top was breathtaking.



I cannot WAIT to go when the roses are in full bloom, the place is gorgeous without them so I can't imagine how it'll be when it's filled to the brim with flowers. It's also really peaceful there.







I thought this memorial plaque was beautiful.



I love overcast Berkeley days!



I ran into my nemisis...he ran away. I win...AGAIN.



As if I didn't feel short already?



Super overcast, gorgeous.



There were police all over campus because of the protest, just making sure that everything stayed under control.



I got home and treated myself to an AMAZING macaroon.

***

I got back and cleaned my room, and now I'm about to start working on my Atomic Age midterm. Tomorrow is Friday and I actually have plans other than studying this weekend, so I need to try and be productive today! Today was a really good day (despite missing class, oops) and again I am reminded to stop and look at how amazing everything around me is. Taking some time to explore, eat, and be with a good friend is a nice break from studying all the time, and it was exactly what I needed this week.