A death-defying ride along California's infamous Highway 1 landed the bus in beautiful Santa Barbara, thankfully no worse for wear. We sampled the lifestyles of the rich and famous with a little window-shopping along State Street upon arrival, but it was ultimately the thrift stores that drew the bus folk in. My tight personal budget forced me to forgo an amazing shiny teal jumpsuit. Likely to make my list of lifetime regrets. After our foray downtown, we headed to the hills and the lovely home of Andy Fisher '03 for the night. Twelve meatloaf and mashed potato-induced comas later, the bus was ready for another day in Cali.

The bus paid a visit to Discovery Camp in Galito Park down by the beach. Our presentation to the kids was greeted with such insightful questions as "Why don't you run the bus on squid oil?" Something to think about for you Department of Energy bigwigs who frequent our site, I know you're out there. Bussers got a little taste of California celebrity as our new BFF's Veronica and Destiny collected every one of our email addresses and promised to write regularly. Still waiting for those letters girls.

Lunch was at Freeb!rds World Burrito. Now the perfect burrito is an elusive creature. The number of variables to contend with (ingredients, blending their varying temperatures and flavors, the tortilla, the wrapping job…) makes it nearly impossible to attain. That said, I'm going to have to say that Freebird's particular breed of burrito is serious championship material.

Satiated, the afternoon was spent walking the coastline down to College Point where you can see the Pacific for 270 degrees (total guess) around you. And we saw dolphins!

We were treated to an amazing Italian dinner by our ever gracious host Mrs. Fisher at Via Vai. How amazing you ask? So amazing that our gluten-allergic Sunshine threw all caution to the wind and ordered lasagna. Sure he spent the next 24 hours in the fetal position, but I bet he'd tell you it was totally worth it.  

There was no question as to how to top of such an amazing day. With barely enough time to digest, we were off to Q's downtown to partake in their spectacular '80s night. It was unclear how seriously Santa Barbarians(?) take their themed dance parties, but there was no question on the part of the Big Green Bus. Tube sucks, short shorts, aviators, headbands, and popped collars met Madonna, Pat Benetar, Journey, and the great MJ for a marathon rock out session. Following our synchronized dance routine to "Ice Ice Baby", I'm pretty sure that Q's management was ready to hire us on to replace their go-go dancers. Because really, who wants a couple scantily clad femmes when you can have a gaggle of sweaty college students screaming at the tops of their lungs? I'd take the latter any day. Can't wait to see what Los Angeles has in store for us.  

- Viv