I assume many people enjoyed reading Jack London in their adulthood (I did and to me he and Mr O. Henry were more quintessentially American than even Mark Twain). The images of the Golden Rush and larger-than-life protagonists seemed so alluring but distant, especially from places like the Evil Empire. The good news is that for an SFBA resident many legendary places are within a 2-hour drive, be it garages in Palo Alto, El Dorado County or the capital of our republic.
The other Sunday we went to the latter for half a day. It was a little nice joy ride with a few colleagues (not each of them had been to Sacramento before despite years spent in the area, they say it is typical here in the US where many state capitals are quite smallish towns located in relatively remote corners).
The first striking thing is that the area is so rustic along the river. Boundless fields and orchards are abundant. One can barely believe his eyes - one thing is to know that fact that CA is a significant agricultural state and another to actually observe it so close to the Bay Area.
The city itself is nice and clean but somewhat lacks in the sightseeing department. Due to self-evident historical circumstances one cannot expect European-style historic marvels or even a half-decent art museum. This is one of very few things I am missing here. Old Sacramento is not particularly impressive. It was certainly a mistake to allow parking inside of it - the view is hopelessly spoiled by cars and one cannot truly imagine himself back in 1865.
On the other hand I thoroughly enjoyed visiting California State Capitol. The edifice itself feels like a museum. Instead of a wall it is surrounded with a park known for its orange trees and squirrels. Every second tree turns out to be magnolia although they do not carry any semblance to each other. It was Sunday but the building was open to visitors - must be something about the people's right to see their representatives.
As you might imagine, the most popular place inside is the governor's office. Each and everyone takes a picture of himself next to the doors with immense letters above them (go Arni, go! :) - as a matter of fact, it still feels funny to know that Mr Schwarzenegger is our "Governator", one hell of a state indeed). Looking at portraits of previous governors I was surprised (sounds totally stupid, but somehow I was) by the fact that The Gipper was a governor of CA.
As you might imagine, the most popular place inside is the governor's office. Each and everyone takes a picture of himself next to the doors with immense letters above them (go Arni, go! :) - as a matter of fact, it still feels funny to know that Mr Schwarzenegger is our "Governator", one hell of a state indeed). Looking at portraits of previous governors I was surprised (sounds totally stupid, but somehow I was) by the fact that The Gipper was a governor of CA.
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