The only thing better than a vacation is an unexpected vacation...
This week, thanks to the @%@$#%$# Indian Consulate in SF, which would not attest a document without it being "Apostilled" first, I had to plan an urgent trip to Sacramento. If ever there is an award for "being most bureaucratic" it should be given to them for keeping red tape well and truly alive. Mailing documents was not an option since I needed them immediately. I either had to drive up or take the train.
On a side note, I feel that Amtrak is a really under-appreciated means of travel in the US. I don't know why they are only now considering a high speed rail line between bay area and LA. I travelled from LA to bay area by the coast starlight 2 years ago. It was such a luxurious ride compared to being crammed like sardines in the economy class of a flight! But it was slowwwww. 10 hours! Thats unforgivable for a commuter train. Maybe they want to slow down our fast-paced lives and force us to open our eyes to the sights around, if only for the duration of the journey.
So there is was... cursing the Indian consulate, I booked my train ticket to Sacramento
Santa Clara station was not really a station... just a platform on one side of the tracks. Even google maps got it wrong! Telling me that I should jump the fence from Lafayette St to get to the station is really an Apple maps kind of goof up.
The train took off from Great America Station and headed straight north into the bay, cutting through the salt pans(?). The journey till Hayward was nothing worth noting about, I spent the time trying to find the cafe and the best seat. Past Hayward the scenery got interesting...
Oakland announced its arrival by the wall-to-wall graffiti on both sides of the track. It's there everywhere; abandoned buildings, junkyards, underneath bridges, even on the sides of freeways! First you see the Raiders stadium on your left. Then start the junkyards and scrapyards. Either the train goes through a bad neighbourhood, or Oakland is the scrapyard for the bay area. The contrast between San Francisco and Oakland was never more obvious than here. The SF financial district was looming in the background, like white collar looking down on blue collar. The station itself though was in a very nice beachfront area called Jack London Square.
As the train left the industrial neighbourhood of Oakland behind, the scenery improved dramatically, with good views of Oakland and Golden Gate bridge. Just past Emeryville, there was a very beautiful trail on the left. Location data tells me that was San Francisco Bay trail close to Vik's Chaat (Mental note made). After Richmond the train hugged the shore briefly, before veering inwards. The calm bay waters were replaced by flat plains and rolling hills.
An hour or so later, I was getting down at Sacramento. Took the light rail to the notary office. My work there was done in 15 mins. 3 hrs of travel for 15 mins of work. They really should open an office in Bay area.
With 2.5hrs till the next train back, I decided I could squeeze in a visit to the State Capitol at least. After all it was only 3 blocks away. The building itself was majestic and pristine white. How much taxpayer money must they be spending to keep it that white? Why not have a dash of color? As it is white as a color has been tainted by its association with politicians.
This week, thanks to the @%@$#%$# Indian Consulate in SF, which would not attest a document without it being "Apostilled" first, I had to plan an urgent trip to Sacramento. If ever there is an award for "being most bureaucratic" it should be given to them for keeping red tape well and truly alive. Mailing documents was not an option since I needed them immediately. I either had to drive up or take the train.
On a side note, I feel that Amtrak is a really under-appreciated means of travel in the US. I don't know why they are only now considering a high speed rail line between bay area and LA. I travelled from LA to bay area by the coast starlight 2 years ago. It was such a luxurious ride compared to being crammed like sardines in the economy class of a flight! But it was slowwwww. 10 hours! Thats unforgivable for a commuter train. Maybe they want to slow down our fast-paced lives and force us to open our eyes to the sights around, if only for the duration of the journey.
 |
| This |
 |
| vs This! |
So there is was... cursing the Indian consulate, I booked my train ticket to Sacramento
Santa Clara station was not really a station... just a platform on one side of the tracks. Even google maps got it wrong! Telling me that I should jump the fence from Lafayette St to get to the station is really an Apple maps kind of goof up.
The train took off from Great America Station and headed straight north into the bay, cutting through the salt pans(?). The journey till Hayward was nothing worth noting about, I spent the time trying to find the cafe and the best seat. Past Hayward the scenery got interesting...
Oakland announced its arrival by the wall-to-wall graffiti on both sides of the track. It's there everywhere; abandoned buildings, junkyards, underneath bridges, even on the sides of freeways! First you see the Raiders stadium on your left. Then start the junkyards and scrapyards. Either the train goes through a bad neighbourhood, or Oakland is the scrapyard for the bay area. The contrast between San Francisco and Oakland was never more obvious than here. The SF financial district was looming in the background, like white collar looking down on blue collar. The station itself though was in a very nice beachfront area called Jack London Square.
 |
| Oakland Raiders stadium and the start of graffiti |
Junkyards and graffiti.
As the train left the industrial neighbourhood of Oakland behind, the scenery improved dramatically, with good views of Oakland and Golden Gate bridge. Just past Emeryville, there was a very beautiful trail on the left. Location data tells me that was San Francisco Bay trail close to Vik's Chaat (Mental note made). After Richmond the train hugged the shore briefly, before veering inwards. The calm bay waters were replaced by flat plains and rolling hills.
 |
| By the sea |
 |
| And the hills |
An hour or so later, I was getting down at Sacramento. Took the light rail to the notary office. My work there was done in 15 mins. 3 hrs of travel for 15 mins of work. They really should open an office in Bay area.
With 2.5hrs till the next train back, I decided I could squeeze in a visit to the State Capitol at least. After all it was only 3 blocks away. The building itself was majestic and pristine white. How much taxpayer money must they be spending to keep it that white? Why not have a dash of color? As it is white as a color has been tainted by its association with politicians.
 |
| California State Capitol with a dash of color |
 |
| The Rotunda inside the building |
State Senate with the antique look.
The corridors were covered with oil portraits of past Governors. Old boys club style.
 |
| Ronald Reagen (1967-75) |
 |
| Current Gov. Brown then (1975-83) |
Reagen decided to go for photo-realistic effect. Now I am not aware of California's political history, but I guess Gov. Brown wanted a clean break from his predecessor in all respects! I wonder if he gets to choose one more portrait when his finishes his current term.
The vast garden in front of the Capitol seemed unaffected by the current drought conditions. It was lush green, with oranges hanging from trees.
I must mention here, the old lady volunteering at the information desk was a big help. Very chatty! Gave me the tourist maps and the tour guide info, as well as "what to see in a rushed visit" pointers. She also told me all about her son who is an Engineer living in San Jose. I wonder why. Maybe she was just bored sitting there all day long. Hmm.
All in all, a good trip!
PS: This is my attempt at photo-blogging. This blog needs some life!
The vast garden in front of the Capitol seemed unaffected by the current drought conditions. It was lush green, with oranges hanging from trees.
I must mention here, the old lady volunteering at the information desk was a big help. Very chatty! Gave me the tourist maps and the tour guide info, as well as "what to see in a rushed visit" pointers. She also told me all about her son who is an Engineer living in San Jose. I wonder why. Maybe she was just bored sitting there all day long. Hmm.
All in all, a good trip!
PS: This is my attempt at photo-blogging. This blog needs some life!
