Sleazy Socials and Surprisingly Summery Soirees

This weekend was actually so beautiful it prompted my attempt at an alliteration title. The days continue to get warmer and the nights more temperate however a realisation that it is midway through the quarter has people feeling a chill. The warmer nights have meant one thing though, and that is that everyone's social calendars have filled to the brim with new activities.

It has been a wake up call for everyone this week as to how quickly this quarter is flying by. Kaitlyn picked up her cap and gown on Wednesday and is counting down the days she has left of classes.

In typical Isla Vista fashion the week began with some serious study consideration and a number of late nights at the library. I am one of the lucky ones who have midterms over quickly but it also meant many cram sessions in the lead up to a stressful Thursday. I beamed as I wandered out of my SOC179 midterm at 5pm, ready for some wine and relaxation with friends.

The evenings activities panned out perfectly as I biked down to Sands with Mattias for a picnic on the beach. Unfortunately due to some windy conditions we couldn't picnic next to the waves but we did find a pretty spot on the bluff. Maggie and Mattias were super prepared and brought wine, cheese and crackers for us all to enjoy. There were a few new faces at the picnic too, one Swedish and one Norwegian girl who were super lovely. The weather was so nice that we stayed out until about 9pm, enjoying another incredible sunset and some waves from the surfers passing by. Instead of ending the night there we headed back to the Norwegian house on DP to hang out and welcome the weekend.

Everyone took Friday nice and slow as we rolled into the weekend. Instead of studying Mattias and I rested our hungover heads at the Carillo pool, listening to music and swimming around. After a few hours poolside I had to wrench myself away and head over to Girvetz for a EAP pre-departure meeting. Although most of the students weren't heading to Brisbane it was still lots of fun to talk about Australia and get excited about heading home. It is going to be tough leaving behind this crazy incredible lifestyle.

Losing track of time at the meeting I had to run from campus back to the dorms so I could get to Jacqui's in time for a surprise 23rd. The lovely Cassie had no idea we all were getting together to have a a night of feasting and mingling in celebration of her birthday. The food was amazing, as per usual and featured none other than vegan San Choy Bow, icecream cake, chocolate dipped strawberries and summer punch. The surprise was a huge success and it was so nice to catch up with the exchangers. 

Viv, Kellie and Lisa

Pre-surprise mode

Saturday was another glorious day and instead of sitting inside, we ventured out to explore the Chilla Vista festival happening in People's Park. It was a really fun, low key event with some great IV bands and delicious food samples from the food co-op. I watched some people make fresh vegan smoothies by riding a bike and some funky tie-dye techniques by the savvy Isla Vistans. Before we left we also caught a group of guys do the Haka and a dance troop perform some Polynesian dance routines. All in all it was a really fun afternoon.

Yet the festivities didn't finish there. After a major fail by our group with the surprise, we ended up having two parties for Cassie over a weekend long celebration. The party Cassie had organised herself was 'Sleazy' themed and we all put in our best efforts to bring out the classic 70s sleaze in our costumes and dance moves. It was such a fun party and an awesome theme for an exchange group as we had sleazy from around the world. The best costume by far goes to Richard, one of the Austrian guys who looked like a mix between Abba and Ron Burgundy. 

Dancing the night away to Cassie's sleaze playlist, I couldn't ask for a more fun and loving group to have in our international community. I'm so excited to spend the next few weeks making the most of the short time we have left together. 

Nina