A Sojourn: Part 2--California continued (again)

Our last full-day spent in California was particularly busy. We spent most of the day in one of the nation's finest locations: Napa Valley. It goes without saying that the area is littered with wineries, including the neighboring area of Sonoma (which is where the free tasting is if you ever go that way). We must have been the youngest people in Napa by a good 20 years, and that might be being kind. I almost felt like we were out of place among the seemingly much older geriatrics. But that is beside the point. We all decided to go to one winery for the each of us (three in total). Our first stop was at the Alpha/Omega winery which was fairly new to the area. I must say that this was a great note to start on because their wines were amazing. Being a new winery, I wasn't sure if their wines would compare favorably to the more seasoned veterens of the region, but we were not let down. The Rose' wine was particularly delicious and highly recommended to any visitor. The wine was so delicious, in fact, that Stan bought a bottle for his "down time". The host will also gladly partake in philosophical debate if urged (much to Stan's delight). I don't know if you want two philosophers drunk on wine to start the day, but it could be worse.
The second stop was not as eventful (my choice naturally) but the wines were still quite good and it was the only place that served any food with the wine, to which we gorged our faces. The site of a crumb-faced Stan being escorted out of a winery would be priceless to anybody. In case you ever visit, it is directly across the street from Alpha/Omega. The last visit, Sterling Vineyards, was the most aesthetically pleasing. You begin with a ski-lift ride to the top of a small mountain that overlooks the valley. That in itself was very nice. However, you also get to taste five very good wines. The first wine (Pinot Gris) was by far the best and we all got a bottle to remember the venture. I must say, that this excursion was actually one of the most pleasant experiences of the trip and there was really not a lot to complain about.
Once back in Berkeley, we made plans to meet up with my old law school friend and fellow liberated soul, Alberto. We had no idea where to decide to go since it is such a vast city. Ultimately Alberto suggested we meet in the Italian part of town at a bookstore where Bob Dylan and Jack Keruiac would frequently hang out. Being a fan of that kind of thing, I was easily engrossed the story of the place. Apparently those two men, along with other well known literary figures out stumble in and out of this store along with the bar next door (Vesuvio) where we went later in the night. On our venture through the Italian part of town, parking was--for lack of a better term--a bitch. Either it cost an arm and a leg to get into a garage or you had to fight off the locals with a crowbar just to get a spot in the street. Luckily we made it with only losing an eye and three toes; not bad if you ask me. Much to Stan's pleasure there were a number of porn shops and strip clubs in this area, so we were forced to lead him away from them in order to find where we were supposed to go for dinner. Although the 5 dollar "boobie and beer" special did sound appealing to us all. But that is neither here nor there.
After dinner, some chicken mcnuggets, and lies later (thanks dave attell), we made it to the previously mentioned Vesuvio bar to end the night. This was a particularly interesting time because Alberto and Stan really got into wooing ladies while slightly intoxicated. I think a budding friendship (romance?) emerged that evening. In either case, we insisted that Stan take it easy on his tactics toward the fairer gender, otherwise he would risk alienating himself forever except for the occasional slap in the face. In either case, Alberto gave him some tips and I think they plan to make it a regular event.
The next day, my travel buddy wanted to spend some time at a beach since she wouldn't feel complete without doing so in California. This is where we parted ways with our dear friend Stan because, as we know, he is no fan of sun, beaches, or life in general. We made our way to Half Moon Bay which was a beautiful site. There was a golf course right above the beach which made me depressed because it looked like a perfect place to knock some irons. As time wore on, I had had enough of the beach and let my friend know it. I was really in no mood after a few hours of a dog licking my thigh and a granola bar melted to my chest. Such is life though. Thus concluded our stop in the lovely state of California, and I hope to one day go back. Many more stories (much funnier one's) to be continued upon leaving the state and venturing back into the Midwest. Stay tuned.