September 19, 2022
The University of California, Berkeley, commonly known as Berkeley or Cal, is the first campus of the University of California system, established in 1868. Walking through its hillside campus, it reminded us somewhat of our alma mater, the University of Auckland, with its mix of old and new buildings, iconic clock tower, and similar number of students.
We are not sure if this is a Christo art installation or simply a building under construction.
One difference between Auckland and Berkeley is the size of the University’s football stadium. California Memorial Stadium, home of the Golden Bears, holds around 63,000 fans.
Another difference between Auckland and Berkeley is the existence of fraternities and sororities at the latter. At many American colleges and universities, students join fraternities and sororities as a way of meeting other students and making friends. Often these are housed in old mansions and buildings on or around campus. They are easily spotted by the Greek letters that identify which fraternity or sorority lives there. Berkeley’s were particularly impressive.
The town of Berkeley, itself, which surrounds the campus, reminded us somewhat of Greenwich Village in New York City, the home of New York University. It may have been the low rise, somewhat rundown, buildings of both neighborhoods, or the throngs of roaming students. Perhaps, it was just that both neighborhoods are forever linked in our minds as centers of 1960s student activism.
As we walked back from the campus to our hotel we passed through some very nice neighborhoods. Homes clad in natural dark wood shingles were particularly popular.
We came across this majestic redwood tree.
Other reminders that we were in Berkely were this bumper sticker laden Subaru
And this home with its rooftop cannabis plants.
Mal and Lauren 