The Voice of East Bay Living

Have you seen those beautiful gondolas gliding across Lake Merritt like swans? Last week I took a ride in one of them.  Fashioned after the original 1800 century gondola and complete  with crew singing Italian songs, it is a magical experience. Setting sail from the dock at Lake Chalet and cruising around for an hour while sipping lovely beverages is once again another magical  amenity of the Uptown Oakland scene.  Here's a sneak peek at what next week will bring: Visit  GlassSabine.com Contact Team Glass Sabine at ssabine@grubbco.com

In the heart of Oakland is another real jewel-Lake Merritt.  In 1870, this magical tidal lagoon  was declared the first wildlife refuge in the United States.  Indeed it is a natural haven for all kinds of birds including Canadian Geese, Herons, Egrets, ducks and pelicans. These wonderful birds feel totally at home and put on a wonderful display of their daily life and habits. It is a great place to meet and do a Walkie-Talkies as my  friends call it - 3.1 miles around the lake. At night , the combination of the resident gondola gliding across the still waters and the 3,400 bulbs of lights that form a necklace of lights around the lake, create an alluring nocturnal environment.