Snippets and Snaps

When we visited the Old Sacramento waterfront during our recent visit to California, the history of the cobblestoned streets did not fail to impress. The train tracks with decommissioned trains are a testament to the times when the Sacramento River was an official thoroughfare for trade and travel. Even today, the Tower Bridge is opened to allow large ships to pass through the river.

The riverfront drive passes through several orchards. Sacramento is home to several stone fruit orchards and almond orchards. Sprinkled on both banks of the Sacramento River, these orchards make agriculture a major economy for California. During our trip, we also had the opportunity to visit one such almond orchard. We were impressed by the symmetry of the planting which made the orchards an extremely pleasing sight.

Locke is a small community on the Sacramento river. Also known as Locke Historic District, Locke is a unique example of a rural Chinese American settlement. Passing through the village of Locke, we had to take a stop. Before we knew it, we had spent quite a significant amount of time walking the streets, snapping photos, and being immersed in the uniqueness of such a settlement.

There are remnants of a by-gone era, small artifacts, broken pieces of junk that tells a story. To me, a story emerged of a resilient community, who, despite odds, persevered and adapted to continue living amongst hardships. As I walked through the sun-dappled main street of Locke, I could smell the recipes cooked in the past, the stench of the old streets, I could hear the clamour of horse-driven carriages, the clang of irons, and I could feel the still air ripple with the din and bustle of a thriving settlement.

Christmas 2023 was all about being deliberate, building relationships, and finding meaningful purpose. This Christmas break saw us travelling to the warmth of California from the wintry chill of Canada. We spent Christmas with extended family in Sacramento, and then visited San Francisco to spend some quality time together. On Christmas morning, we visited the Vedanta Society of Sacramento. The expansive grounds and the serene quietude left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after the mad rush of work all-year round.