San Francisco
Our day starts early in the morning in the academic enclave of Berkeley, California. To get there, take BART (www.bart.org) to the Downtown Berkeley station. The station is located at the corner of Shattuck and University avenues. You will want to take a right on University and begin heading uphill toward the University of California campus. When you reach campus (a 5-minute walk), continue, on campus walkways, straight uphill. Many are surprised that a public university could have such a beautifully landscaped campus as Cal’s, with its neo-classical buildings surrounded by acres of eucalyptus and coniferous trees.
On your right, just before you reach a major cross-campus roadway (a 5-to-10-minute walk from the foot of campus), you will see the large neo-Greco life sciences building. Attempt to take a peek inside; it has been completely gutted to create a modern laboratory building. During its operating hours (M-Th, 8-10; F, 8-5; Sa 10-5; Su 1-10), several exhibits, including a fossilized tyrannosaurus rex, are free and open to the public.
When you reach the cross-campus roadway, turn right and head toward Golden Bear Plaza, the site of many student protests. Lock your bike here, and walk toward the street. You’ll find yourself on Bancroft at the intersection of Telegraph. Give yourself at least two hours to grab breakfast at one of the many cafes which dot the area, browse through the eclectic shops, and absorb the vibrant street life.
