Out for a Walk

[tuftears]

I've made the walk to Castro Street, a shopping district about six blocks away, but the last time I went, there weren't sidewalks so that left me walking along the side of the road. This seemed like a bad idea so I decided not to do that again for a while.

The other day, while my brother and I were driving along Central Expressway, he pointed out that there was construction being done on sidewalks at Shoreline. Soon I would be able to make the walk completely on sidewalks and with a much better degree of safety!

I've now made the sidewalks trip twice, so here are some pictures.





Here, you can see the newly added exit to the sidewalk crossing Shoreline. The weather has been great, nice and sunny out but not humid (go ahead and weep, Florida residents) so it's been quite pleasant making the trek.



The first time I made the trek, I saw quite a line of people in front of this store. "What's so great about this place?" I asked the lady in line. Apparently they do pearl tea. Maybe I'll try it sometimes. When it's not so crowded.



Every time I pass this building, I always wonder what's inside.

Today my curiosity was satisfied. They were having a fund raiser sale, so I peeked inside. Pretty much it's just a big empty space inside, meeting hall style.



I've mentioned the Crepevine before, but I gave them another chance today. The Santa Fe crepe is much better than the Philly crepe I had before; it's got scrambled eggs, chicken-apple sausage and a few other ingredients I forget, plus it comes with a salad. (or home fries or french fries, of course, but I need the nutrition)

Anyway, my intention was to go down there, take in some used books to Bookbuyers, then enjoy some brunch at Crepevine before returning home. Little did I reckon with...

SURPRIZE ARTS AND WINE FESTIVAL!

Yep. When I got to Castro today, the whole street had been closed off. Fun! I browsed down one side, thinking 'This can't possibly go very far, can it?'

I was so, so wrong. It went all the way to El Camino-- about 8 blocks or so. There were food vendors at the intersections, offering such delicacies as bacon-wrapped hot dogs and shaved ice.



J. Louise Eugene Leatherworks had some very attractive looking 'sling packs'. I persuaded her to demonstrate how it works; apparently it can be used as a sling-pack, shoulder pouch, two-strapped front pouch, et cetera. It looks pretty sweet actually, and I'm quite tempted to get one, I just need to figure out a good 'working size'.



These are outdoors tables; that post at the center is for an umbrella to give shade. This particular table distinguished itself by having a rack for wine bottles in the center, beneath a raised circle where one could presumably put hors d'ouevres, making this a perfect patio party table. Too bad I don't have patio parties! To the left and behind, there was a table with what I assume was a fire pit in the middle, perfect for toasting marshmallows in company.



There were several musical acts out and about. This one wasn't strictly musical; it was a person being very, very still. Had I not read the placard, I would have assumed that it was in fact a marble statue, some random piece of art. Incredible job.

I tipped him $1. Being out in the sun all day like that, that takes dedication. x_x



I noticed these twisted wire sculptures on my way back out. Seemed too cool not to take a snapshot.

There were various food sellers as well as alcohol vendors. I bought a bottle of ... *eyes dracosphynx* Well, he'll find out in a few weeks! I got one for myself as well.



And finally, the return home! Both times I've made this walk, I've missed this shortcut on the way out, and only found it on the way back. Weird! It actually appears on Google Map too. I have no idea why it's so difficult to see the exit from my side.

I don't know what the concrete things are, but I do know that this area is supposed to be near/over a creek, so perhaps it's an underground access.