We are only at Wednesday but I'm already exhausted so probably for the best. After some near misses, locking myself out of the dorm building and getting lost a few times I feel like I'm finally settling in to UCSB student life. The prolific amount of people who bike around campus has meant that I am constantly doing circles to make sure I don't get hit. Bicycles have right of way so it's either stop walking or jump out of the way. By the same token I'm loving the campus vibe so it's all in good spirits.
In addition to acclimatising to a drop of approx. 15 degrees as the sun sets in the evenings I've also been enjoying wandering around on campus and meeting people as I ask for directions. Taking advanced level courses has meant that most students are not super chatty however at the same time everyone has been really welcoming and happy to help.
While killing time on the way to my class after lunch this afternoon I was able to observe just how standardized the student look is around campus. I feel like I missed the memo of an unofficial uniform consisting of Toms, tights of skinny jeans as pants, wavy styled hair (male or female) and a JanSport backpack. In addition optional accessories include a MacBook Pro and skateboard or bike. The comical element of seeing surfy Californian guys skating around on 90's-esque homemade boards never gets old.
Apart from a large amount of time people watching around campus the classes have been incredibly interesting. I'm taking two Anthropology higher level courses - one which explores World-Systems Theory and the other about the move from Agricultural development to Complex Industry. Both of them are great choices as they give numerous case studies of American and Mexican historical communities that I am not exposed to through the UQ syllabus. The third course I'm enrolled in is a Political Economy course which has been surprisingly interesting so far.
My roommate has been incredibly helpful in showing me around but it was also fantastic to chat to Lisa, Dennis's sister last night at dinner as she is a UCSB Alumni. While Dad, Alice, Cara and Dennis are in Santa Barbara we organised to have a dinner with Lisa, her husband Thierry and Dennis's Dad and stepmother. The food, company and view were spectacular! It is so exciting to be meeting new extended family members that are so welcoming and warm.
(Incredible flowers on sale at the supermarket!)
After a short stint with a terrible cold and runny nose I'm back in form and looking forward to exploring a few options for new clubs and orientation on friday. I met a returned EAP student from UCSB this morning so at least i'll know one person there!
I better get to sleep but I hope Australia is treating you well!
Nina
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