Last week was filled with the perfect combination of relaxation, fun, live music and outdoor activities.
Monday was spent working hard by the pool *cough cough* after a big weekend in SF. The week was correctly predicted as the hottest on record for the school year and it did not disappoint. A healthy dose of reality TV and essay writing was the perfect way to ease back into classes and by Tuesday I was ready for action.
After submitting my essay and getting back into class routine we had our weekly trivia fix. This week was especially exciting as it was Harry Potter and Star Wars themed. To my family's dismay I was terrible at the Star Wars trivia and we placed third overall for the night. A commendable effort though as the nerds of Isla Vista came out in full force for the evening.
I couldn't stay out too late on Tuesday though as I had committed to Lisa and Richard that I would join them for some sunrise SUPing on Wednesday. Whilst hearing my alarm go off at 6am was not ideal the trip was incredible and one of my favourite things I've done at UCSB. Isla Vista was beautiful and quiet as I walked down Del Playa to Lisa's house and the morning sun perfectly back-lit the campus.
As veteran SUPers we all suited up to head out and it was glorious and warm by the time we hit the water. I only fell off once and actually managed to get some GoPro footage along the way. The water was perfectly calm at high tide and while we lazed around and watched the day begin a seal came and swim around us. We also had a whale sighting off near the Platform Holly oil rig and it felt pretty amazing to relaxing with friends, having so little time left in IV.
The best part about sunrise SUPing is the fact that after your daily exercise and meditation time you can head back to campus in time for breakfast and kick start your day for the second round. I went off to get some brunch at Carillo and then onto the pool for a leisurely day of reading and hanging out.
After a very relaxing Wednesday it was time to get into some actual work and Thursday was busy again with classes and assessment to do. Thursday night I also got to see Dad and Alice for dinner as they were back in town to see me for some birthday celebrations. I also was able to catch up with them for a birthday dinner on Saturday which was a fantastic way to start the weekend and start off a wonderful birthday week.
On a side note: This week was also the Norwegian Independence Day celebration! Although I wasn't able to march with them it was awesome to witness the cultural celebration and learn a bit about Norway's history and society. Everyone looked beautiful dressed up for the event.
Harder Stadium was packed with students enjoying the amazing Santa Barbara sun and a surprisingly cool day after it hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday and Thursday (37/38 celsius). Local Natives were perfect for the festival day vibes and after some crazy crowd heat Richard, Cassie, Mattias and I went back for a swim after the acts were over.
Extravaganza was such a quintessentially American college experience and a fantastic way to finish up a week of enjoying friends and the amazing Spring weather.
Nina
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