Saturday was hot for Oakland so I decided it was time for a change of scenery. I wanted to stretch my legs and it was a day of walking around the city. I was so thankful that it was an adventure I was ready to take on. Feeling almost back to normal (after months with long covid).
We took the ferry back home.
It is so warm today! Not really looking forward to the 100 degree weather. Trying our chances at traveling to S.F. where it will be a bit cooler.
Emma has been listening to Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery daily and it is set in Venice. Thinking about travel and boats is a constant for me as we are transported to their watery landscape of gondolas traveling the canals. We received round trip ferry passes from the summer reading program and were eager to use them. The ferry is quite unlike a gondola but it is so fun none the less.
The sea lions have begun to return to Pier 39 (from the Channel Islands where they mate) and we were able to view about 250 of them piled on the docks. There is also a sea lion museum sponsored by the nearby aquarium. I read Emma ocean themed books that feature sea lions while she did a marine life puzzle. There were posters all around about how omitting single use plastic can be the biggest help keep the oceans cleans. Look, I told her we are already doing our best work by trying to reduce the amount of plastic we buy! Now if I can just convince her that straws are not as fun or necessary as everyone seems to make them. ^_^
wet ferry window
Today we went to the MOCHA (Museum of Children’s Arts) space AND rode the ferry! Fun times. ^_^
Emma made a book at the open art class. We filled it with many blank pages so that she could continue to draw in it in the future. I was very excited that we could made relief prints for the cover. I loved the printmaking class that I took and always want to practice it more.
We received passes for the ferry from the summer reading program. Emma held on to my ticket for me the whole time. And how cute is this vintage dress that I ordered from Etsy?! I love it so much on her!
We pointed out all the passing boats and went under the bridge. On the bus ride home (which goes directly to where we live) we drove over the new Bay bridge and could see the old one off to the side.
While in S.F. we ate lunch on a bench and people watched, bought blankets at Target (really ready for cold weather now!) and checked out public art in Soma.
This piece is entitled “Human Structures” by Jonathan Borofsky.
I remember walking down this street a lot as an art student and being so happy when I saw this sculpture between the tall buildings. I knew Clover would appreciate it since its colorful and so large in scale.
These three fellows are also nearby. They were made by Ugo Rondinonemy and are my favorite. Emma said they were monsters. ^_^
(This last picture was taken several years ago, which is why the landscaping is sparse ^_^).