On returning to the Bay Area to visit friends and family for the holidays, the first thing that struck me was the traffic. It was around noon on a Monday and Highway 101 was packed in the southbound direction. Luckily, I was heading northbound.
In the two months I had spent traveling the southwest (Southern California desert, Utah, Arizona) I never encountered any traffic. I didn’t miss it one bit.
From the Saratoga foothills, looking east.
The Bay Area has a little of everything: culture, shopping centers, great restaurants, surfing, and work. Even in this economy Silicon Valley has managed to still appear prosperous in comparison to other areas of the country I’ve seen. (Sadly, I saw many more abandoned buildings and homes in the southwest.)
Plus, they have some cool, weird stuff. And some really big stuff.
The Largest Monopoly Board, at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose.
World's Biggest Monopoly Board
Large animal sculptures outside of Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. (Next to the giant Monopoly Board.)
Giant bunny statue near Monopoly Board.
Giant hawk statue near Monopoly Board.
Not-giant fox statue near Monopoly Board.
The World’s Longest Braid of Garlic (216 feet) at Garlic World in Gilroy, California, the Garlic Capital of the World.
World's Longest Garlic Braid - 216 ft
More Garlic Braid
I can attest to Gilroy being the Garlic Capital of the World as I lived down-wind of it for years. Of course, it might have just been this braid we were all smelling.
I bet the giant hawk keeps all the giant rats away.
Love the bay area… my Uncle lives in San Jose. Beautiful area.
I guess there must be giant dice to go with the giant Monopoly board, but it would take a crane to roll them.
bluzdude’s last post ..Super Dreams: Attending Super Bowl XL
I think the giant hawk is waiting to eat the giant bunny.
I lived in or near San Jose for 30 years. Ask your uncle about the garlic smell from Gilroy!
Yes, there were two massive die, but the photos I took of them came out crummy.
Did you happen to see any giant bandaids? I could really use one right now.
HM
hiker mike’s last post ..Keep your eye on the prize
Ruh-roh. I heard the hike has been hard on your feet. I hope you are warm and safe.