Cake Occassion

As annoying as it may be to wake up to the sounds of a three-year-old running and stomping upstairs at 9am, I took consolation in the fact that it was SUNDAY. This was the first day since I've been here that I haven't been mapping out bus/train routes, going to school, or hustling around town looking at apartments. 

The past few days have been particularly hectic, starting on Tuesday where we had two long days of orientation, followed by a three-day digital storytelling workshop for the design students, which culminated in a reception and screening of the 40-some videos on Saturday night. By the time all was said and done, we were at school yesterday for a little over 12 HOURS!!! But it was awesome to see and hear everyone's unique stories and styles of work. Would you like to see my video?? 

Click here.

So today, being that I had the whole day ahead of me, and nowhere I HAD to be, I had a leisurely breakfast, got ready for the day, and strolled over to St. Patrick's Church for Mass.

Walking along Mission Street, I headed toward the church. Once I had gone a few blocks further east than I had ventured in past days, I noticed something in the distance....Bloomingdales!!! Speaking as someone who has never purchased anything at Bloomingdales and whose budget clearly will not allow for that in the foreseeable future, you may wonder why the sight of their sign was so exciting. It's because in the rather desolate-looking area where I am currently staying, I have not seen any mainstream stores or shopping options other than Walgreens. 

Bloomingdales was a sign that I was entering a more upscale/touristy/commercial part of town. So after Mass, I began to wander around, looking at the different stores. I even came upon an upscale multi-level mall called Westfield. Most of the stores were too rich for my blood, but I did have lunch in the food court and picked up the most delicious mini chocolate cake EVER from the bakery at a market called Bristol Farms. 

This little unassuming 3" round chocolate cake didn't do much to grab my attention other than the fact that it was labeled "flourless chocolate cake." I'm not a big plain-chocolate-cake fan, it's usually too dry and airy, and this one wasn't even frosted. There were many more exciting-looking options, but since I'm on a gluten free diet, this was about the only thing I could have from the bakery, so I decided to give it a shot...Wow!! They really need to rethink their labeling system. They should call it "So-amazingly-fudgey-and-delicious-you-can't-help-but-finish-it-in-one-sitting-(flourless)-chocolate-cake."  It tasted like a rich and moist brownie blended with chocolate ganache. 

After leaving the mall, I found a Ross down the road where I was able to pick up a warm sweatshirt, which I've had my eye out for since I got here. Friday and Saturday were unusually hot, but when the cool bay breeze starts a-blowin' I'll be ready!