An unexpected change of plans last night is the only excuse I have for finding 2 hairdryers in my luggage after arriving at Jan's house this afternoon. Geeze... I don't really even need ONE hair dryer let alone 2! Did I do that??
I HAD a plan for today that included one last inspection of my bags/gear before zipping them up and heading out... that didn't happen. My flights changed last night and instead of leaving at 5pm this evening, I was in a plane on my way to Oakland at 9:30 this morning. Needless to say, I didn't get to visit my dad, or have breakfast with the kids like I had PLANNED. Those will have to be first on my list when I get back home in March.
It was nice to arrive in Oakland and find 70 degrees & sunshine... AHHHHH! NICE!!!!! No snow... no ice!!!
Zubin, the driver who picked me up at the airport, pointed out different landmarks as we worked our way to Jan & Maxwell's home in Tiburon... we passed the Oakland Stadiums, Berkley campus, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Angel Island, San Quenton and an oil refinery that I can't remember the name of. That's alot of sights in the short drive to their home.
The tour of the house and property here, after a bowl of homemade soup was a fun treat. The acreage is landscaped with stone paths, oak trees, palm trees, grasses, gardens, patios and water features... it's beautiful! It overlooks the San Francisco Bay where Maxwell swims every day (every day that he's home anyway). Here's a picture of the oldest building on the property. It is now Maxwell's office right down at the water's edge:
Maxwell took us out to dinner here in Tiburon - wonderful food! It was a bon voyage dinner for Jan, Candi and me. One of Jan's friends, Kathy gave each of us girls a Ganesh - the Indian god of success (who looks an awful lot like ALF to me). Here's a picture of us with our orange Ganeshes: (from left: me, Candi, Kathy, Jan)
Today I left the familiar faces and places I am closest to; tomorrow I will venture outside the country, outside the continent to visit India - Holy cow, I better get some rest!!!
