Winter Break Memories

While this post is about my experience during the Winter break, I must thank my friends who made it worthwhile. This break was my first away from home. Normally, I would have traveled back to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with my people. The friends I made both at I-House and beyond helped make my holidays memorable.

Hiking and Benevolent Berkeley Breeze

Before school officially closed for break, I had an evening walk with a resident friend to clear our minds from the rigorous academic work. We strolled slightly up the Berkeley hills, encountering friendly squirrels, wild turkeys, and many birds and insects. I love the squirrels, in particular, and the trees surrounding I-House are home to many. I do not only perceive them as cute but also quite fearless. I like their colorful fur and how it blends with tree trunks when they play hide and seek. The evening wind wasn’t rough, but mild. I could feel the benevolent breeze caress my skin. The hills, the clement weather, and the call of flying birds retreating from the setting sun reminded me of my home in Nigeria. I stood to watch the sunset. The golden and glorious ball sinking down below the horizon brought nostalgic moments for me. This was my favorite part of the day. The day arrives with a lot of hustle and bustle, work and stress. The evening and sunset remind us of all of the need to take a break from everything. I could see and hear the birds disappear into the clouds. Life could be so simple and sophisticated still.

Well, the winding paths of the forest could be misleading for first-time hikers, I warned my friend, so we made sure we didn’t go farther into the woods. At the end of the walk, we ended up taking deep breaths to take in as much fresh air as we could. Sunset is a time of reflection and a time to count blessings. Studying and living in Berkeley are a big part of my blessings.

New Year’s Eve and Colorful Fireworks

The last day of 2022 was a rainy one. The rain ran down my window, tap-tapping on the glass. I could sit all day listening to it. Just that it was terribly cold, and I and other I-House residents wished it would stop raining. Many had plans to go to San Francisco to see the fireworks and count down to the new year. I had jokingly sung a nursery rhyme, wishing the rain to go away. Maybe it helped because the rain stopped just before evening. The cold remained, but the Universe somehow listened.

A resident who stayed a few rooms away came knocking at my door. We had a little chat about the San Francisco fireworks. The challenge was how to get there. Fortunately, we met other residents who were ready to go. We gathered at the Great Hall. As usual and owing to us being residents of I-House, it was a communal thing. The residents with diverse perspectives and accents provided a  mix of exciting chatter. If I weren’t a part of the group, I would wonder where this unique set of individuals from diverse backgrounds came from. This is a true definition of diversity.

Outside, the cold hands of the night gripped us. The warmth and homely feel left me each time I stepped out of the comfort of I-House. I’m sure most residents felt this way. Thankfully, we all had our warm jackets. The debate now shifted to taking BART, bus, or Uber. We settled on taking the bus. The first bus ride to downtown Berkeley wasn’t smooth. The next ride to San Francisco was calmer. The welcoming Bay Area breeze was sleepy. Anyhow, we navigated our way through the streets to the point where the fireworks were on display. 

The countdown to New Year began a few seconds to midnight. The crowd joined in the long-awaited chant to welcome the New Year. When the fireworks went off, the night sky was lit up with beautiful colors. The luminescence from the fireworks awed the observers. This continued for about half an hour. The crowd dispersed after the show, and we found our way back to I-House after a nice stroll through the streets of downtown San Francisco.

The New Sproul Kitchen

During winter break, the Dining Commons closes, but the Sproul kitchen and lounge were remodeled and reopened for the few residents who remained at I-House to enjoy. 

The new Sproul kitchen is much more than a kitchen. The dining is a miniature version of the bigger dining hall. There are two televisions and cooking utensils made available for all residents. There is a communal feeling when different residents cook at the same time. One can get new cooking ideas or help with making a meal while interacting with other residents. The kitchen had a generous stock of common groceries and spices, so residents could help themselves. I had the opportunity to taste some delicacies from other countries when some residents shared their meals with me. I had chicken soup and Injera (from Teff, grain grown in Ethiopia) made by residents from Mexico and Ethiopia, respectively. I also cooked some meals for myself. So far, I have celebrated a birthday with a close friend in the kitchen and watched movies with many residents.

San Francisco Road Trip

Looking to find inspiration for some writing, I was delighted when my friends invited me to join a road trip to the outskirts of San Francisco. The drive through town was relaxing and soothing as the sleepy sea breeze blew. We gradually drove through the ever-busy streets of San Francisco into the green spaces and mini forests surrounding the neighborhood. We visited three places; Lands End, Twin Peaks, and the beautiful Golden Gate Park, which was the first stop.

For me, Golden Gate Park was the most remarkable place I saw during the road trip. From the serene park, we could see the Golden Gate Bridge. Although the park was very far from the bridge, the iconic red steel was clearly visible. The surrounding trees, well-tended lawns, and flower gardens provided a safe haven for holiday seekers. There was the Conservatory of Flowers which housed exotic plants and flowers. Along the path, beneath shrubs birds made nests. There were seats placed in strategic locations in the park. One could sit, breathe and take in all the beauty around. This scenic beauty and the quietness would pass as a good writing spot for budding writers. After a long walk, we drove to Lands End.

The white foams of the ocean washed the shores of Lands End. Literally, the name suggested that this is where the earth ended. Indeed, the only thing standing between the land and the ocean were the rocks, aged and strengthened by the consistent waves. I could see the ocean current crash into the rocky promontories. The sound was exhilarating. Sea birds fly, navigating their element. Their cries, natural, call out to the raging sea storm. There was a small forest up the peaks which had a hiking trail winding through the green pathway. The roots of trees protrude through the lonely path, looking to grab people’s feet. Sometimes it seemed the ancient trees spoke to me through the blowing wind for their branches swerved with the combined force of the ocean wave and hill wind. I fell in love with the tranquil wood. In my mind, I wrote poetry, the kind that words cannot express. Walking through the forest brought warmth. It was an escape from the busy and concrete streets and cities.

The drive to Twin Peaks was short. We had to hike up the hills to get a better view of the city. The hills broke into several peaks, and from one of the peaks one could see the magnificent skylines of San Francisco. The quiet evening was incessantly disturbed by the unnatural sound of flying aircraft. The approaching evening introduced neon lights and car lights emanating from long lines of traffic, streetlights, and buildings. San Francisco was delightful, her sea breeze cold but refreshing. I recommend these places for weekend rest. Although the drive back was longer owing to the traffic, I was grateful for all the beautiful things out there.

Now it is almost resumption time and we have welcomed over one hundred and fifty new residents for Spring 2023. It is good to see you all and I hope everyone had fun and some rest. I am happy to welcome the old and new residents. Have a great semester!