Russkie Berezy

One of the things I love about Berkeley is that there are all kinds of trees and plants growing here. Not sure about proper English name for this tree but in Russian we call them Berezy. I did not see them anywhere else in US. They remind me of my home :)

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Not even sure what all of that means. And, honestly, don't want to know. Scary :P

Ashby

Today I decided to explore my neighborhood along the Ashby Ave which goes perpendicular to my regular path along College Ave. Well, it turns out that there is a hospital a few minutes away from my house. That explains all the sirens at night. Glad to know it is not because the place is so crime-ridden.

Also I was happy to discover the Wholefoods Market and Berkeley Bowl Market in the walking distance from my place. I guess I won't die from hunger here :)

Overall I really like the neighborhood I am living in. It has all kinds of restaurants, cafes, several grocery stores, couple of spas, several clothing stores, at least three wine stores and a belly dancing studio. Everything that a modern girl can possible desire :)

I had my morning coffee in this little place on the intersection of Ashby and College:

They lured me in with... um, donuts. Chocolate glazed donut and a cup of coffee for 2.03$ only. Sure, it is not very healthy, but who cares :)

Plus I could seat outside and watch the street:

Weird names

You can see a lot of strange things while walking around in Berkeley. For example, what does Rasputin have to do with music and video? From my Russian history course I don't remember him singing or dancing...

Or what Hindu deity Krishna has to do with copying? I am not even talking about "The original" on this sign.

Okay, okay, Shakespeare actually had something to do with books. Still, what a weird name for the store...

Office coffee

That's how I drink coffee in the office. No big choice here, regular or decaf only, but it's fresh, hot and free!

Foggy morning

Evil eyes

Berkeley is a queer place. For example, those evil eyes over the front door of one of the houses... So welcoming. I really hope I did not get cursed while taking this picture :P