There are a lot of activities (of course other than research and studies) I have
been involved in during my stay here at UCSB.
Cooking:
An art which every graduate student has to learn. Though for a lot of them it
starts and ends with Maggie and Top Ramen, I have indulged in a little more. A brief
list of recipes include:
- Bise BeLe Bath
- Pudhina Pulav
- Menthe Soppina Bath
- Varieties of Chitra-anna
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Varieties of Dosa
- Palak Paneer
- Varieties of Palya, Masale Saaru, HuLi
Hikes:
Santa Barbara is in an extremely picturesque location. It is between the sea and the hills
thus having numerous trails all around. Trails to top of the hills give a great
view of different parts of the coast line. The hikes I have been to include:
- Gaviota Peak
- Mcmenemy Trail
- San Ysidro Peak
- Cold Spring Trail
- Montecito Peak
- Rattle Snake Trail
- Inspiration Point and Seven Falls Trail
- Three Pools Trail
- Gaviota Wind Caves
- Broadcast Peak
Trips:
SB is conveniently located between LA/SD and SF and very close to many world famous places
and national parks. The places I have visited include:
- Universal Studios, Disneyland & Hollywood walk of fame
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- San Diego - Zoo & Sea World
- San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe
- Las Vegas and Bryce Canyon National Park
- Big Sur (along the Pacific Coast Highway)
- Lake Cachuma, Solvang, Lake Casitas
- New York (US Open 2010), Niagara Falls, Mohonk
- Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend
- Death Valley National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park
- Zion National Park, Arches National Park
Others:
UCSB has very good recreational facilities and activities to be involved.
I have been involved or tried the following:
- Racquet sports - Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, Squash
- Swimming
- Bowling, Pool, Carom
- Cricket, Soccer
- Volunteering for Raagmala, Asha and India Association of SB