One amazing benefit to traveling or visiting cities such as Berkeley is that your able to make small talk with so many different individuals. People who are of all ages, from all parts of the world, and have so many different points of views on life. I never fully appreciated small talk until I started reading The Fine Art of Small Talk written by Debra Fine. I always said I did not like small talk because I felt that they were meaningless until I learned that if we didn’t start with small talk we would never get to a real conversation. My kids laughed when I said I did not like small talk because apparently to them I’m an expert on small talk. I have almost forgotten to pay for groceries and I have left a bag or my wallet behind because I got so carried away talking with the cashier or the person behind me in line. When we lived in Sacramento and I had to cash checks I never used the ATM because I enjoyed talking to the security woman at the bank. Over time our small talks turned into fifteen to thirty minutes conversations and we knew so much about each other. We even exchanged phone numbers. Starting small talk is so easy. When your standing in the line and you see a fruit or vegetable you’ve never used ask the person next to you what they plan to make with it and how it tastes. We once learned about jackfruit that way. Small talk can make us laugh, put a smile on our face, or help us learn about others.
What are your thoughts on small talk?
Strolling through Berkeley
If you arrive early to Berkeley like we did then you might want to stroll through Lower Sproul Plaza or Pacific School of Religion. I haven’t had time to “people watch” in so long and Lower Sproul Plaza is a great place for that. I remember going to the mall with my best friend and sisters and our favorite thing to do was people watch. It is always more fun to participate in watching people when you go to such a diverse place as Berkeley. Hey, who knows maybe you’ll be inspired to try wearing something new and actually get the hair style you’ve always wanted but were not brave enough to do. If you get tired of “people watching” then you might want to do some “architecture watching” and get some inspiration from the beautiful Pacific School of Religion.
Sather Tower (also known as Campanile)
This tower is the most distinctive UC Berkeley’s campus landmark which you can actually take an elevator and walk thirty eight steps to the top of the tower and from the top you get a spectacular view of the entire Bay Area: San Francisco, Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz, Marin County, and Treasure Islands. This is the third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world so it is a pretty amazing tower which you do not want to miss.
Located at Berkeley, Ca 94720.
Eureka!
Do you like American food? Burgers? Craft Beer? Casual Dining? Then you’ll enjoy the taste and great quality of Eureka! Now if your not into burgers, don’t worry because they have tacos, mac n’ cheese, alfredo, nachos, duck, ribs, a variety of sandwiches, and salads.
We ordered a bone marrow burger which goes over a bison patty, kimchi burger, blues burger that had blue cheese with sautéed onions and mushrooms, and two fish tacos. We also got root bear floats to go.
Located 2068 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704.
Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive
It is hard to miss BAMPFA. As soon as you see it you will notice the thirty-foot-wide outdoor LED screen which plays films and videos. The architecture of BAMPFA is one you’ll want to go inside. There are two film theaters, four study centers, a reading room, art-making lab, and a café. If you love contemporary or historical art this is the place for you because here you can enjoy over twenty art exhibits annually. As you walk in you’ll be mesmerized when you see the art wall by Karabo Poppy Moletsane. She uses such beautiful colors and patterns when portraying the people of South Africa. On a busy day these steps serve as seats for listeners.
Located at 2155 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94720.
Lawrence Hall of Science
Now this is not only a wonderful hands on learning center for children but since it is located in the hills so high above you get a spectacular view of San Francisco Bay as well. This is a great way to spend a day having fun and learning. The kind of learning that doesn’t feel like work. Here you and your children will learn why shoe laces untie, how sticky mussels inspire medical glue, how gecko feet are made up of sticky toe pads and hang by toe hairs. Lawrence Hall of Science will leave everyone in awe of all that we learn by simply observing the world around us. There are many science and technology exhibits here as well.
Located at 1 Centennial Dr. Berkeley, CA 94720.
Thank you Visit Berkeley for hosting our trip. We share a new post every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Nicole
It looks like you and your family had amazing adventures in Berkley. Thanks so much for sharing, your children are adorable!
Nicola @ Happy Healthy Motivated
Berkeley looks like such an amazing place to visit – especially when it comes to food! Definitely going to have to add it onto my travel bucket list.
Miljana
I am in love with that gate architecture! And you are gorgeous family. Thanks for sharing this amazing trip!
Donna Ward
So funny I’m reading this – because I overspent time at the drugstore visiting with a couple of women and just enjoying ourselves! Loved the post 🙂
Beautiful images and family!
Sarah Bailey
Oh wow what an amazing looking place to explore, it seems like a lovely place to head as a family for sure!
kumamonjeng
I borrowed the audio book The Fine Art of Small Talk written by Debra Fine too. I am a shy person but this audio has taught me so many tips into how to engage small talks with others strangers and later became friends.
When I was studied in Japan University, I met few friends from UC Berkeley’s campus and last Dec, I was at California San Francisco. We wanted to have a look at UC Berkeley’s campus but not manage to because of time constraint. Few days later, we were at UCLA instead, few hours before boarding to our flight home to Singapore.
Love you pictures & food!
angie
college campuses are amazing they have their own personalities and seem to survive as a community inside of a community thanks for sharing
Tara Pittman
The science place looks so fun. My boys love doing science activities.
Britney Kaufman
Oh my gosh! Those structures and buildings look so unique and beautiful! What a great place.
Luci
That looks like a lot of fun for a family trip. The art is beautiful and the building remind me of Harry Potter.
Elizabeth O
It truly looks like you had a wonderful family adventure here. The photographs are fun and visually beautiful.
Geraline Batarra
What a fun and great adventure you had. looks like you really enjoyed your travel. We love traveling too and it is a great thing to have a quality time with the family.
Kristi Ann
Looks like such a fun place to explore! These picture are adorable! I love them all!
Holly Lasha
What an awesome trip. It looks like you guys had an absolute blast. Such fun!!
Megan B
What a beautiful campus! This looks like a very great place to be. I bet the weather was just perfect, too 😉
Evelyn, Path of Presence
I haven’t been to Berkeley or Eureka in quite a while and loved reading about your adventure. Sounds like another fun-filled day of adventure. I love how the clan goes everywhere together
Jennifer
Oh wow! I tried homeschooling my 3, but I could only do it for a year. I really admire anyone who can stick to it!! 🙂
Wendy Polisi
I have always wanted to make a trip to Berkeley. So many amazing people have changed a lot of lives there.
Athena
Small talk is definitely a lost art. In this age of social media and texting – people forget the basics of how to talk to one another.
Melinda
How fun! My MIL lives in Marin County and so we’ve been to visit her many times, but have never done any of these things! The art museum and hall of science look like perfect places to bring the family! Thanks for the recommendations! We’ll have to look these up next time we’re in town!
Blair Villanueva
Thank you for sharing this Berkeley trip. I never been there but thanks to your post, it feels like I’m travelling too!
Preet
That looks like a lot of fun for a family trip. My kids would love to visit the science place. All your pictures look great and this post would be so helpful for anyone planning to visit Berkeley.
Nathan Reid
Oh this looks so much fun! I am sure this is a perfect place to visit with family. The photos wants me to go there soon. lol!