the trip

[lauralh]

So. Santa Barbara. The first thing I thought when the plane touched down, though, was "Wow, it looks just like the airport in Iguazu." Adobe and stucco I suppose looks the same all over Latin America, and Santa Barbara isn't bucking the trend. As we drove around the neighborhoods, I definitely saw a few homes that were traditional European-type (or American-type as the case may be), but they were in a minority.

First thing getting off the plane, all I wanted to do was sleep. But I perked up a little at the mention of food (late night dining, advantage CA) and we went to a brewpub for beer and dinner. I had the best rosemary-garlic fries with my "wrap", but after a pint and a half I was feeling the pull of bed. So I collapsed in the spare bedroom and slept joyfully till oh, 9am, which apparently is prime piano-practicing time. I forced myself to stay asleep till ten or so, at which point I showered and dressed.

It was actually a little bit crappy out. Not so bad, but half the sky was a deep grey and the rest was patchy cotton that the sun barely shone through. Nick washed his car and then we headed towards the shore. Walked around a bit, had some lunch, then drove around the small suburbs of Santa Barbara. We finally stopped in Montecito and had coffee. I always am slightly amused at having Starbucks when I'm not in Seattle, but the gingerbread latte is bomb.

Afterwards it had started to "rain", so that curtailed any sort of fun plans. We just went to CompUSA. Which is hilarious if you're me. I attempted to talk Nick into buying me a camera (or possibly an iBook) to no avail. Well, what can you do. (My own camera's so-called rechargeable batteries are basically on their last legs, and so I'm not sure what choice to make in that regard.)

When we got back, nikesstorm was already there, all dolled up real purty-like. We ushered her in and hung out gabbing for a while till it was about time to get ready and go to Bacara. I must say it was utterly fabulous. Talk about rockstar. Well, less rock, more symphony, but you know. High class pimpy, if you will. One of those restaurants where they "skimp" on portions but more than make up for it in utter decadence. Cocktails, wine, appetizers, entree, dessert. And a very small soup with a lovely saffron taste. (How I miss saffron.)

Next day was beautiful, so we drove up into the mountains (4000 feet) and just looked at the entire area. A lot of people were taking advantage of the clear skies to go hang-gliding, something I've been dying to do for years. We eventually drove down, back on the good ol' 101 and hit a small mexican place. These places look like chains but only, I think, Baja Fresh is. Anyway they have the corn tortillas that are so amazing, and totally one of the best reasons to go to California. OK so I like food, sue me. We went to the pier after and that pretty much rounded out the day, as I had to get on a plane at 4:30.

Although my camera kinda died I did take a few pics, so I'll post those tonight.

Comments

[bewing.livejournal.com]

# As we drove around the neighborhoods, I definitely saw a few homes that were traditional European-type (or American-type as the case may be), but they were in a minority.

It depends on which neighborhoods you hit, but the Santa Barbarian city code requires that any building that can be seen from the Mission (did you see the Mission?) must have a red tile roof. And that kinda dictates the style of the rest of that building. In general, the style of the place is supposed to recreate the Mediterranean coast of Spain. They stick to the style a little bit more than most Calif cities do.

[bewing.livejournal.com]

Oops. I just read you other post. So you DID see the Mission!

And yeah, it is kinda fucking cute. ;)

reality cheque made out to CASH

[drisrael.livejournal.com]

what is up with being photographed SUCKING DOWN FLAVOURED OXYGEN in a SKETCHY OXYGEN BAR in motherfucking SAN FRANCISCO after getting WASTED ON SAKE.