Arrival in California

Arrived safely in California after two long flights (well actually that was 2.5 weeks ago but i have only just worked out how to do this blog thing!). The large hangover, from the Putney send off - cheers the Londonites, seeing me through the first flight nicely -even slept straight through the safety briefing! On arrival in Minneapolis, navigating immigration was actually fairly straight forward relative to other trips and the official was even quite pleasant - surely unheard of! The whole travelling process was made so much easier by being collected at the airport by one of the new housemates! Great views of San Francisco by night as we crossed the bay bridge to Berkeley.

Last week I met the new boss and various colleagues at UC Berkeley or Cal as it is known here. The campus is fantastic, a real mix of new and old and some 60's architecture. Apparently, the old and the very new are earthquake proof and the others well they might fall down but i doubt they would be missed the 60's obsession with concrete hasn't really passed the test of time (some parts of the UEA campus in Norwich are testament to this!). Fortunately, i will be based in one of the old safe buildings so no need to panic when the allegedly overdue cataclysmic earthquake strikes! The view from the roof, which i can access from my office, is great - the golden gate bridge, the SF bay, Marin Headlands and Alcatraz are all visible although its not the best idea to spend to much time up there since thats were all the fume hoods vent to!

Spent a week apartment hunting since the current housemates are leaving Berkeley at the end of the month and found a great place sharing with two grad students, Anna and Julia, in downtown Berkeley in an area called the 'Gourmet Ghetto' near all the food and bar action! Talking of bars, you'd be pleased to hear that not a drop of Budweiser has been anywhere near me since i got here, the microbrewies are good and in plentiful supply - quite a relief i can tell you! I am looking forward to expanding my local knowledge of both bars and beers after i move at the end of the month!

Taking the next few days off, to relax before i start work proper next monday, and heading to Lassen Volcanic National Park for a spot of hiking and camping!

Laters

Dave