It is weird to think that we only have one more day left here in San Fran. Today we were up and ready to go tour Berkeley Pacific School of Religion. Yet, the rain had a different plan. It was just a light drizzle back here at the Hostel, and we were all geared up for that (at least some of us were, if you were wondering dresses and tights are not good for rain weather). We took the BART to Berkeley and learned very quickly that the weather in the Bay Area is drastically different block to block. It was a literal downpour there. We started to walk to the school, but had to take shelter in a small coffee shop. We warmed up with hot drinks and waited for the rain to die down. The rain defiantly did not slow down! In fact, it rained harder and harder, and the wind was pretty strong.
Luckily Nancy called us a few cabs and we found our way to our destination in warm dry cars. My cab driver happened to have a girlfriend who he claimed was 'Woman of the Year'. He even showed us pictures of her. Whether or not this is a true fact, we could not tell you, but he was a charming young gentleman.
Berkeley Pacific School of Religion is a beautiful place, with warm and welcoming people. They apologized quite a lot about the rain, but we are from Minnesota so we understand outrageous weather! We had a wonderful lunch with students and staff and had some pretty cool conversations. We took a mini tour from a young lad named Wesley who went to graduated from the same school as Fancy Nancy. We only saw a few buildings- the ones we could see while staying dry.
After our mini tour we gathered as a group and reflected on our week together. We chatted about- what we have seen, how it has impacted us, and what we can continue to do upon returning to snowy Minnesota with what we have experienced. We talked about how this trip has made us excited to share with others at home our experiences, as well as bringing us (as a group of 12) close so we can continue to reflect together back home. After all, we are on this trip together, experiencing it together.
After reflecting we got a quick glimpse of the library, and learned about Harry's obnoxious consumption of bananas, I think it was something like- around 11 in one sitting (I do not guarantee that, however it was something close to that). Nancy was smart enough to call more taxis for rides to the BART to get back to the hostel.
This time my cab driver happened to have many deep insights into life and the hills around Berkeley Pacific School of Religion (which is on what they call 'Holy Hill'). Addie asked him what he thought of the hills, he responded with a very deep answer. He explained that the hills were a metaphor for life- sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, no matter what always enjoy the ride. He also is a new actor. He has a new show coming out on the Discovery Channel, its called 'I Almost Got Away With It' (I think, my memory is a bit foggy- probably due to the rain). Although his character gets killed off, he seemed pretty proud and excited for it. He was a funny man.
We arrived at the BART and took our ride back to 'our part of San Fran'. By the time we got back to the hostel we were all tired from the rain. Everyone took some time to take a nap, or at least relax a bit. We cooked dinner together, which was a blast. Taco Thursday. It was probably the fastest meal I have cooked in a long time. It took us about 15 min. to get everything ready and then we ate. It was a good meal, we got a few laughs in and of course- maybe even a few back rubs (those tend to happen all the time, which might possibly be one of the best things on this trip).
We wanted to do something fun and a few of us (Harry and Michael) wanted to do something daring. We walked to a tattoo parlor called 'Let it Bleed'. Some of us tried to get Nancy to get a tattoo but she kept claiming 'it was not her thing'. Harry and Michael had a little 'bromance' going on. They bonded over holding each others hands while they got inked. It was a fun time, the tattoo artist was a nice man who did a quality job.
We came back to the hostel just chilled and chatted for a bit, then got ready for bed. We have a big day tomorrow. Half of us are serving at St. Martin's (hopefully seeing Kevin), while the other half will be at St. Gregory's (seeing Sara Miles). Lets all cross our fingers for nice weather- after serving we will have dinner out together somewhere at Fisherman's Wharf, with a bit of sight seeing and shopping.
I'm sure we are ALL (especially Michael) looking forward to singing "It's Friday, Friday, Friday.. Gotta Get Down On Friday, Friday, Friday" all day tomorrow (if you don't have even the slightest inclination on what I'm talking about YouTube- Rebecca Black's song 'Friday" and you will understand)!!!!! Along with it being High Five Friday.. man tomorrow is going to be a quality day.. I can tell already.
xoxo,
C.Sipe :D
P.S. When San Fran's sidewalks get wet... they get extremely slippery. So if you plan to go to San Fran, or have a friend going, let them know to bring good shoes or always be careful when walking. I looked like a fool a few times today slipping and falling, and Lothy had a comical slip yesterday at a crosswalk.
P.P.S. Have a wonderful Friday! Give High Fives to everyone.. it will brighten everyone's day! Guaranteed.... (99% at least). :D
Hi 5's to every one!
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