Week 1

Week 1: Settling In to San Jose

We arrived in San Jose last Thursday amid piles of luggage and a cat carrier. Our travel out here went smoothly despite my stomach virus (yuck!). The only slight blip is that the cargo carrier that transported Nicodemus appears to have put him in the refrigerator. (He was not happy to be half frozen.)

Nye has really been enjoying the process of exploring the neighborhood. He and Arch discovered the local candy store right away. Powell's candy story is legendary. I'll let Nye fill you in on the legends. There is a Mexican market a few blocks away. We've been enjoying sweet breads almost daily. Maybe you're sensing a sugar theme here, hmmmm.

We explored a tiny bit over the weekend. Because of the rains we didn't get to out hiking as we'd hoped. Instead we went to the Tech Museum. Nye declared that "awesome" so we decided to become members. We also had a play date with former Park Slopers Michaela and Charles Bennington's children Ivy and Julian. Ivy goes to the same school as Nye. I think it was nice to have at least one familiar face on the first day.

We signed Nye up for school the day after we landed. He is attending the Hammer School which is a Montessori elementary school. (Picture above) The school has a huge outdoor play area, some gardens, and tons of resources in the classroom.

Nye started school this Monday. One difference between his New York school and here in CA is that he has to wear a uniform. It's basically blue button down shirts and blue pant. Still that meant we needed to go shopping for the right school gear right away. Seeing Nye button up "dress shirts" each morning is kinda fun. He looks so grown up!

Arch has begun to explore downtown San Jose's museum and gallery scene. There are also art galleries in some of the neighboring areas and of course San Francisco. Still lots more exploring to do.

I'm back to work. So far that seems to be going well. It is a great staff of people who are very professional. I feel like I can contribute there as well. Overall it's a pretty mellow work environment. Best of all I have ready access to sun light!!

As week one draws to a close we're happy to report that Nye is finally able to sleep in his own room. He has a brand new bunk bed. (Not too high.) Underneath he has a little desk, a bookshelf, and some drawers for storage. The whole set was delivered and installed today. That of course pairs very nicely with the wonderful star projector night light that was a gift from Henry and Jillian. It's super cool! Nye enjoys the nebula and watching to see if stars collide.

We're planning on going on a hike this weekend and then to show Nye his first glimpse of the Pacific. We can't wait to explore tide pools and hike among redwoods.

Sending our love to you all!

Sara, Arch & Nye

First Impressions

We are officially a bi-coastal family at least for the week or so. (Can't wait till we're all together here!)

"Q" and I have taken up residence at 840 Meridian Way, apt 102. The apartment has two bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining room, kitchen and deck. There are exciting new things like a dish washer, finally!

The apartment is part of a larger complex that includes laundry facilities, pool, hot tub, work out center etc. I can't really begin to think of this as a home because its all too much like a vacation rental or long term stay apartment compared to what what we've had in NYC.

One to the things that will take a while to get used to is that so many of the homes are landscaped with citrus fruit. I pass houses with oranges, lemons, and grapefruit hanging from their trees. I can't help but wonder if the fruit is edible and what happens when say grapefruit drop all over your yard? Still I'm endlessly enjoying the view of all this wonderful fruit in the landscape.

I guess in a way it is only right that there be some many fruit. As I understanding Silicon Valley was mostly orchards and farms before it was transformed. Many of the streets still pay homage to with names like cherry, prunelands, and fruitland.

It feels like spring here. It's cool and rainy some days and warmer and sunny others. The magnolias are already starting to bloom. Thyme shrubs (yep that's right they're landscaping out here!) are in boom. I'd like to tell you what else but frankly I'm out of my depth since so many of the plants are new to me. I'm looking forward to learning the natural history of a whole new region, and of course feeling like a novice.

I've only had a little time to explore but we live close to the Los Gatos Creek preserve. There is a wonderful long bike trail that leads right up into the foothills. We're about 5-7 minutes from downtown too. I've located some of the basic things we'll need including a school we hope to send Nye to, some parks, grocery store, etc.

I started work on Monday at the Children's Discovery Museum. I have to say I really appreciate the staff, director and pretty much everyone I've met. Their hearts are in the right place and they are aspiring to create wonderful exhibits and programs for the community.

The museum is located next to the Guadelupe river. There is a wonderful bike/nature trail that leads right through downtown San Jose. The museum is a bright purple building (the color of the hills at dusk) that was designed by Ricardo Legoretta who also designed Papalote in Mexico City which we visited last fall. I've been helping out with a new exhibition scheduled to open tomorrow night. It's fun to jump in at the tail end as a laborer.

For now it is mostly "Q" and I in the empty apartment rattling around. Arch, Nye and I have been keeping up to date using Skype. It feels more fun than phone calls. Nye can make faces and a little eye contact. (Who knew video phone calls could be so fun!)

I fly home -- which is to say Brooklyn -- on Valentines day. Can't wait to see my two "guys." Soon enough we will all return to sunny CA!

Wow we're really moving now!

With boxes in every room we're sure that this is really happening!

Here is what our schedule looks like:

Wednesday the 4th – Sara flies out to San Jose (first time on Virgin Airlines - whooo hooo!) While there she works to find Nye a final school situation and some other crazy logistical items i.e. like a bed!

Monday the 9th – Sara starts the new job (Yeah!!)

Friday the 13th – Sara takes the red eye back to New York. (Sara hates red eyes :( and really who likes these time warping flights anyway.)

Sunday the 15th – a high point Sara and Arch go to see the Lava performance and Nye does an overnight at Babu and Tata.

Monday the 16th – trucks arrive and take all the boxes away. Yeah a box free life in an empty apartment. It will be just like camping, but we'll still be in Brooklyn. Way cool, no?

Thursday the 19th – Sara, Arch and Nye fly off into the sunset or some approximation thereof. California here we come. (It will be an empty and then a box filled apartment for a while but still we're looking forward to it.)

What we're also looking forward to are lots of visitors and lots of adventures. You can read about some of our adventures here. And if you're up for a trip to CA (Which is way more appealing than Brooklyn right?) please let us know when to expect you, as you're always welcome!!!!

Sara, Archil, and Nye (SNAP Press)

Contact info for the short term:

Sara DeAngelis, Archil & Nye Pichkhadze
840 Meridian Way
Apt 102
San Jose, CA 95126

Sara's cell: 718 578-8269
Sara's e-mail: saradeangelis@earthlink.net