Getting back into the IV groove took no time. First week was busily spent getting ready for classes, buying books, crashing courses and taking stock of everyone returning from their spring break shenanigans. All of the exchangers who jetted off to Mexico for spring break were delayed and finally made it back in the midst of an unlikely rainfall on Monday night. It was great to catch up among the first few classes together and see how the adventure panned out. Many who visited more historic areas of Mexico such as Teotihuacan, Puebla and Yucatan loved the crazy Mexican way of life and the local people they met. Some of the Scandinavian students also were confronted with a role-reversal of colour and racial profiling as they found their fair appearance stood out like a sore thumb. The girls who headed to Cancun for a more typical spring break trip also enjoyed their trip but had many more incidents of sickness and touristy incidents.
After getting settled back into the swing of things it was time for Deltopia weekend. As you can see from the photo of Wyatt above, we started the day the best way we knew how, getting a hearty breakfast at Carillo. The day followed with some relaxed and fast-paced drinking and hanging out. Starting the day on Del Playa at Tim's we could get a taste of what was to come, crazy crowds of people making the most of the beautiful Santa Barbara weather.
Taking a break after a big day of migrating through the Isla Vista crowds Joel and I went back to Manzanita for a pitstop and some dinner. Luckily for us the craziness really began as the sun set and we were able to avoid the brunt of the insanity to follow. Needless to say the the next day was a great opportunity to check up on the fellow exchange people who were caught in the middle of the chaos.
Achieving a surprisingly good night's sleep in the dorms Joel and I were then up early on Sunday to go shooting with the Excursion club. I was stoked to be able to get involved in a quintessentially American bonding past-time, venturing to a new part of the mountains for some target practice. The whole day was really fun and a great opportunity to get some sun and meet new people. I unfortunately wasn't quick enough to hit some clay pigeons but didn't fair too badly at the stable targets.
Platform Holly's first gig of the Quarter
Some other activities for the first two weeks back include seeing 'Her' at IV theatre, getting back to regular Trivia Tuesdays at Woodstocks, many coffee catch-ups, a surprising amount of reading and discovering some new places on campus. I also managed to catch Wyatt's band play a set on DP during last week and they were supported by quite a crowd!
To celebrate second week back Kaitlyn also asked me to be on her team for the Great American Challenge game with her rugby team. It was such a fun afternoon and it was great to see the rugby people again. Spring Insight was also taking place on Saturday where prospective freshman come to UCSB to gain information about college life and to sign up for clubs and societies. Whilst I didn't get involved with EAP it was great to see what UCSB has on offer.
To shake off the hangovers and enjoy the beach weather Kaitlyn, Caitlin, Karen and myself went down to Anacapa beach for the UCSB INDUS Holi Festival. The Indian festival is an awesome festival that celebrates unity and diversity and entails throwing multicoloured powder at your friends! Starting out with white shirts you enter the dancing crowd to immerse yourself in the colour bomb. It was such a cool experience and even though it took hours to get the colour out of my hair, was well worth it.
Caitlin, Kaitlyn, Me and Joel
Cassie, Me and Richard
I can't wait to see what the next few weeks of this quarter will bring.
Nina
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