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soniaI biked over Grizzly Peak this morning, in November sunshine so warm that I didn't even need my jacket for the usually-cold final descent into Claremont canyon. While Berkeley bathed in glorious sunshine, the Bay hid under a blanket of fog with the Golden Gate Bridge towers and San Francisco skyscrapers peeking out. I love the experience of climbing steadily past cute North Berkeley houses and gardens, with these spectacular views off to the side.
From the top, you can see a panoramic view of the Bay and surrounding cities spread out at your feet. By the time I got there, most of the fog had burned off, just clinging in a line along the Bay Bridge.
I never stopped missing that ride during my years in Portland. I haven't done it in more than a year because of my ankle injury, so I was very happy to be back on that road and still comfortably make it up and over.
Last night I biked across town to a concert of the Iavnana Ensemble, a community choir of 40 local people dedicated enough to learn and perform Georgian songs, plus their teacher and a visiting singer who is one of the foremost American singers of Georgian music. And he's giving a workshop tomorrow for the general public, so I'm going to that.
Earlier this week, Zele, the Balkan and Georgian community choir I'm in, sang four songs as part of a concert and grief ritual for people who have lost loved ones. As I walked over to the venue, and then later walked home, I thought, "This is why I came back."
Last week visiting Ukrainian ensemble Kurbasy performed with Kitka, and then they gave a workshop.
I came back for the amazing performers who come to town, for the workshops and singing groups I can participate in, and for the spectacular bike rides and scenery. I miss the vibrant fall colors of Portland, and it's fun to visit friends there now and again, but I am very glad I came back to the Bay Area.
From the top, you can see a panoramic view of the Bay and surrounding cities spread out at your feet. By the time I got there, most of the fog had burned off, just clinging in a line along the Bay Bridge.
I never stopped missing that ride during my years in Portland. I haven't done it in more than a year because of my ankle injury, so I was very happy to be back on that road and still comfortably make it up and over.
Last night I biked across town to a concert of the Iavnana Ensemble, a community choir of 40 local people dedicated enough to learn and perform Georgian songs, plus their teacher and a visiting singer who is one of the foremost American singers of Georgian music. And he's giving a workshop tomorrow for the general public, so I'm going to that.
Earlier this week, Zele, the Balkan and Georgian community choir I'm in, sang four songs as part of a concert and grief ritual for people who have lost loved ones. As I walked over to the venue, and then later walked home, I thought, "This is why I came back."
Last week visiting Ukrainian ensemble Kurbasy performed with Kitka, and then they gave a workshop.
I came back for the amazing performers who come to town, for the workshops and singing groups I can participate in, and for the spectacular bike rides and scenery. I miss the vibrant fall colors of Portland, and it's fun to visit friends there now and again, but I am very glad I came back to the Bay Area.
It's a lovely thing
Date: 2025-11-09 04:04 pm (UTC)to love the place you live.
That bike ride sounds glorious.
Re: It's a lovely thing
Date: 2025-11-10 04:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-11-10 04:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-11-10 05:11 am (UTC)I hope your concert was great too!
no subject
Date: 2025-11-10 05:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-11-10 05:26 am (UTC)