Orinda Adventures

With my first Sunday off, Zak and I drove north to Orinda and visited St John's (Orthodox Church), which was a lovely Antiochian service that reminded me a little of St Athanasius in Santa Barbara (oh, how I miss thee :( ). Fr George was a very kind man, made us feel welcome and at home. I am falling in love with the Church again; after (how many? too many) months of irregular attendance, these free Sundays already have me settling back into the quiet space my heart's been longing for. Christian Community. Just the words make my core melt a little. It's like finding a new kind of home each time I cross another threshold. Hello, iconostasis. You are a breath of Serenity, to me.

After Church, Zak and I headed to Tilden National Park (straddles Berkeley and a couple other northward, Bay area places) to take a ride on...


A STEAM ENGINE RAILROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mmmk it was a train with a bunch of children on it and we THOROUGHLY enjoyed the circling tour of trees. As the train wound through the national park, I couldn't help but grin. The conductor even said "ALLL ABOOOARD!"

It was just like Disneyland.

Only it was only $2.

And there weren't any princesses.

Except me.

Oh, and a 2yr old girl who was dressed up as Jasmine. I also made friends with a little boy wearing a frog backpack.

I couldn't think of a more perfect way to spend this Sunday. On to more great adventures!

Oh, and Zak and I visited THREE cafe/coffee shops for Perfect Cup. Check em out! :)