I made it to work just in time to board 1 of 4 massive tour buses which were taking us across Golden Gate and up to Belvedere Tiburon in Marin County. The city was blanketed in a dense fog, still at 10am. It was my first trip across Golden Gate, and all I could see was the road, which admittedly made me a bit nervous. Within minutes of getting across, blue began to peak out from behind the fog and soon we were in beautiful blue skies.

We passed a few of the guys who had decided to bike over (~15 miles) and proceeded down a narrow, curvy road, not at all intended for buses. In fact, we found that we couldn’t even turn in to the entrance of the park so all the drivers had to back the buses down to the parking lot and back them out when we left later that day.

Each seat on the bus had an AKQA branded picnic blanket wrapped in a plaid ribbon, supporting the theme, AKQA Highlands. I had a sentimental moment as it was really my first possession that carried the company logo. *tear* :)

I spent the bus ride over and most of the day with Antonio, who is honestly just always full of surprising information. The guy can do amazing things with a hulu hoop and goes to the most random events, like World Hoop Day and a concert that had barbershop quartet singers wearing cloth diapers. It’s not hard to make conversation with this guy.

It was a tough day for me. I really don’t have my “band of brothers,” so to speak, and the closest I do have weren’t at the picnic. I met a lot of people though and feel I did well at mingling. I had a good time. It was so beautiful and certainly inspiring to get off my lazy bum and take some day trips with Holiday. It was maybe 75-degrees and just perfectly clear.

My group won the trivia contest, so we get to pick a day for having omelets. It was that or a massage, which I’m sure would feel great but I find the whole idea of a stranger giving me a rub down a little weird and awkward, especially at work :-/

The bus ride home was nice. There were a couple guitars and some guys played some tunes for us the whole way back. I had to film McGoorty singing Dock of the Bay though. It was just too appropriate of a song to not record. So funny. I’ve loved this song since I was really little, and never thought about it being about SF. Now, here I am…I can walk a block whenever I choose and literally be sitting on the dock of “the bay.” And I did travel 2000 miles to make this dock my home. I love it here. I really do.

It was a nice, relaxing day. I’m definitely exhausted from all the time in the sun though. Radiohead is tomorrow! I get to take my new blanket and soak it up for all it is sure to be.

All Photos

Prettier photos with people…by a fellow AKQA’er

PS I’m in love with Vampire Weekend and so very, very excited to see them at Treasure Island.