by Nicolas Simon, Belgium
Ukrainian Refugees in Switzerland
by Silas Hug, Switzerland
EF Activities – Hike to Hot Springs
By Silas Hug, Switzerland
Cities I Would Like to Live In the Future by Lena, Germany
Transportation in Santa Barbara
by Emeline Agva, France
Coming to a new country all alone, even if you are a minor or not, even if you have your driver’s licence or not, whatever the country you come from, you will face the challenge of the transportation system in Santa Barbara. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about the public transportation in Santa Barbara, but, first, let’s start with the basics. What is the meaning of transportation? The literal definition is “Transportation is a system of taking people or goods from one place to another place.” In each paragraph I will bring up different issues and topics about it.
Every system has its own central organization and for the transportation system in Santa Barbara it is the MTD transit center. The location is in Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 and the Web site is sbmtd.gov. There you can buy your ticket, ask for information to the MTD reception. They will help you, and you can also see all the transportation that will depart within the coming hour. You can find the machine there for buying tickets. I believe there are 3 different prices for the pass of 30 days. If you are a minor, it is 42 dollars and if you are over 21, it is 52 dollars. You can also find a pass for 10 rides only. It would be cheaper for you, but not the most useful in the long term if you ride the bus often. You can also buy your ticket directly in the bus itself for 1.75 dollars, but be aware that if you give more money, they will not give you your change. In some buses you can also pay with your credit card.
As we say to pay your ride is really easy. The difficult part is to find your way home. Santa Barbara is a small city with other small cities around like Goleta or Carpinteria. The good aspect with the transportation system there is that they can drop you off anywhere, but that is also the worst part if you live far away. Why is it the worst part you ask me ? Simply because a twenty minute ride can easily become an hour and half minutes of ride because of the stop. The distance between the stops are so short that it can be confusing. For example : if I want to go to EF school from Goleta, I can take the 23 bus, but I will do sixty stops before arriving to my final location. You can, of course, shorten this distance by taking two buses, but when you change your bus, you take the risk of missing the second one. The other confusing things about the bus system is that a bus can change its route number after one stop without any notice. You need to know it before taking your bus. For example, one bus which starts with the 11 at MTD Transit Center, but at Hollister and Storke it changes to the 23. .
Sometimes, even if the trip is long, it can pass easily with a good driver. The drivers here are really important and they have a lot of responsibility. You can ask them about anything, and most of them will kindly try to answer to your question. For my first ride in a bus, the driver explained to me most of the things that I need to know. They also take care of different issues in the bus. If someone is disturbing you, you just have to tell it to the driver for the problem to be solve. One of my female friends had a problem with a male citizen. The driver reacted in the second and told to the man to get out of his bus.
We can conclude that the system of transportation in Santa Barbara has a lot of good aspects, but a lot of negative part, too. It must improve in some areas, like the amount time of the ride and more buses for the people who live far away from the city, but generally it is good.
The food in Brazil
By Renan Hirt
The variety of different types of food that can be found in Brazil is very large due to the great cultural diversity that can be found there,the result of this, is the appreciation by all over the world!
Brigadeiro
The Brazilian sweet, usually related to birthday parties, is very popular in other countries. One of the reasons that contributes to the success of the candy is the fact that it is very similar to a chocolate truffle. In addition to the traditional, there are also several derivatives of the brigadeiro in other countries, such as Oreo, and Red Velvet.
Brazilian Churrasco (Barbecue)
Although barbecue is not exclusive to our country, it is here that the meat is seasoned with coarse salt and served well pink. Here, the steak and the chicken heart were invented, not to mention the rennet cheese and the garlic bread. Furthermore, only in Brazilian steakhouses does the waiter go to the customer’s table to cut the meat.
Pão de queijo (Cheese Bread)
Cheese and bread, two darlings from all over the world, are joined through the oven and result in the famous Brazilian cheese bread. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this food has become known for its uniqueness.
Feijoada
Meat dipped in black beans, pieces of sausage in the middle, desalted pork and quality, feijoada is one of the best known Brazilian foods worldwide and the one that has the least changes in the menu so as not to take the essence of the dish.
Caipirinha
Caipirinha comes from São Paulo and is an alcoholic cocktail with cachaça, sugar, lemon and ice. Cachaça is also a Brazilian ingredient, which makes finding the original more difficult in other countries.
AÇAÍ BOWLS
Of all the fruits in the Amazon, açaí is perhaps the best known. Served as a kind of sweet ice cream, sometimes with granola on top, pieces of banana, condensed milk or strawberries, this is a very famous dessert, especially in the USA and Europe, here in Santa Barbara have some locations that have the famous açaí but i really recommend the Oakberry in Paseo Nuevo they have a really good bowls, everyone needs two try,here in California also is a famous dessert that you can find easily !
Evolution of French women fashion since 1900
By Jeanne Gautreau, France
1901 to 1920: La Belle Epoque
In the early 1900s, women wore corsets or garter belts to achieve the coveted S-shape figure. The corsets were so tight that some women had health problems and fainted at the slightest emotion. Dresses and sleeves were very long so the women’s bodies were hidden. Hats, parasols, train dresses, fans, gigots sleeves, lace, pearls, ribbons are trendy.
After the First World War, as women had to work, comfort became a priority. The corset was banished and replaced by the bra; skirts and dresses rose to just below the knee; women’s pants and low-cut clothes appeared. Fashion turned to more modernity; the size is redefined; the hips are highlighted; the silhouette of women is sublimated and feminized.
Coco Channel created the little black dress in 1926. Rhinestones and sequins were added to the clothes. Slimness and tanned complexion are the new canons of beauty. The 20s are also marked by the Charleston style – the boyish cut and the cloche hat.
1930 : Arrival of the trousers for women
Formal elegance and pre-war classicism were the hallmarks of the 30s. During the day, women wore mid-calf skirts; at night, their dresses played with clean lines, emphasizing the silhouette. Elsa Schiaparelli’s jersey jacket, Everlast’s elastic belt and more generally nylons made their appearance. The only playfulness was limited to the multicolored stripes on the shocking pink top of Schiaparelli. Some highlights appeared, such as shorts for women, the sculptural hat and worn sideways on wavy hair. The scarf is a favorite of the 30s.
In 1940, mass fashion developed and gave access to ready-to-wear clothing to the greater numbers. The style was redefined and sober. The suit became an essential piece, as did the plunging neckline in the back and high-waisted skirts. The cut of the clothes were even more fluid but preserved a marked silhouette. The Second World War ended the textile industry. Nevertheless, it did not prevent women from reinventing their own fashion with scraps of fabric that they made themselves.
1950 : The Emancipation of women fashion
The 50s marked the beginning of the post-war area. Women were looking for elegance, chic and femininity. To do this, French fashion was inspired by the United States in the middle of the retro chic period, with the arrival of the pinup, the rock-n-roll look, country music and the Grease phenomenon. This period is characterized by the pencil skirt, the dress with cinched waist, the clothes with polka dots, the short cardigans, the mini shorts, the bustier tops…
Channel marked the decade with its tight little suit in 1954 and the House of Dior with its Corolle dress – skirt 30 cm of the ground – marked waist, chest forwards and rounded shoulders. Dior dressed the high society with its style “New Look”. Marylin Monroe was the emblem of the time with her glamorous style, long gloves, Corolle dress or pencil skirt. Thanks to technical progress, fashion was trying new materials : polyamide and acrylic. This will allow the creation of ready-to-wear lines that will gradually integrate the Luxury Houses, until now dedicated to haute-couture.
1960: A symbolic fashion – the miniskirt and the metal dress
The first 5 years of the 60s decade followed the fashion of the 50s. From 1965 onwards, all working women were looking for comfort. Thus, it is no longer notable to be dressed to the nines or to be perfect.
Fashion was influenced by the “pop” and “yéyé” movements. No more going to the tailor, women were used to buying their clothes in ready-to-wear stores. The styles “yéyé”, “black jackets”, “mods” or “rockers” imposed themselves as symbols of a counter-culture.
Following May 1968, no more hiding behind skirts too long with dull colors. Women began to show their legs, with the mini-skirt, worn with summer and winter boots. The pants became unisex, the jeans were in full expansion. They dared new cuts, new materials. It is also the fashion of colored tights, the trapeze dress and the monokini.
Brigitte Bardot is the icon of the 60s, symbol of women’s liberation and voluptuous shapes, encouraging to be sexy.
1970: The liberation of women
The 70s were a time of rejection with the hippie movement that wanted a liberated body. The philosophy: bootcut pants, colorful psychedelic t-shirts and bohemian style. After the mini skirt of the 60s, women opted for a skirt mid-thigh or ankle. They bet on patterns and stripes, oriental and floral prints. The materials change: silk fabrics, jeans, suede. The clothing style of the 70s honors the very pronounced colors (electric blue, fuchsia pink, yellow chick…) and glitter thanks to ABBA and disco music. The disco style by excellence: scarf, fringe long and fluid dresses with floral prints. During this time, the styles of women and men were mixed; men had long hair and woman had boyish haircuts, pants and blazers. The punk style was accompanied by blue jeans with holes under the kilt, a studded bracelet and big Dr. Marteens boots. At the end of the 70s, the popularity of women’s fashion exploded thanks to the creativity of Diane Von Furstenberg, who invented the wrap dress.
1980: colorful fashion
The 80s were colorful. We remember this trend for leggings, sportswear and boyfriend jeans. Flashdance style, with a short top and a loose sweater. Fluo also marked the decade, and neon colors gave a very sharp look. In the 80s, fashion changed the face of the woman by giving her perfect measurements. Fashion also started to be seen as a way to belong to a clan. The watchword of the 80s remained “money” and “show off”.
The New Wave, which represented all the rage and that influenced the rock and the gothic trends, black is a wardrobe staple. During this decade, the US sports style started the trend of comfortable clothes such as joggers, sneakers, lycra clothes, elastic fibers and stretchy clothes.
1990:
The 90s marked a real turning point with anti-fashion influences. No more colorful styles, the brands turned to sweatshirt, jeans, bombers and a printed t-shirt. The clothing style was hip-hop inspired with the baggy and the low waist, minimalist and sensual lines. The fashion was accessorized with the fanny pack, the cap or the screaming scrunchies. We adopted the Californian style, of the pop icons, with short tops and wide pants. Some products made a comeback, such as bell bottoms and overalls. The grunge style took root with the brand Nirvana, with ripped jeans, vintage sneakers and plaid shirts. It was the arrival of hybrid looks between formal and casual.
2000 to nowadays – from the American sporty look to modernity
Fashion in 2000 as watchwords of an assumed style. Indeed, fashion was created everywhere and with everything, each piece of the dressing was a new way to create a fashion style. The look with the belly button highlighted, the elephant legs pants, the asymmetrical tops which gave a star look to Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, or J.Lo.
The 2000s are associated with the beginning of “brands” as an image; clothing is no longer the main thing; we gave more importance to brands. Another trend was created with the rejection of consumer fashion to excess.
To push consumption, brands were using stars because of their strong influence on clothing. Fashion became more and more international with globalization, which do not prevent some brands from keeping their signature identity.
Polish traditions
Nell molimard france
Slavic culture is mainly the origin of Polish traditions, and its main customs. Also Byzantine, Ottoman, pagan or even Christian influences. Its central position in Europe allows for a cultural mix. The roots of Poland are above all Catholic, hence the unmissable religious events of Polish culture.
The biggest celebration in Poland is Easter, it is not limited to one day but starts 40 days before, it’s Lent.Before doing Lent, there is an essential date in Poland: Fat Thursday. The tłusty czwartek is the day when you eat lots of Polish donuts. But also many other sweet
Easter is a symbolic holiday in Poland. Respecting the Polish tradition at Easter is important for many Poles and their descendants. The celebration of the Easter holidays does not end with the Polish Easter Sunday meal. Everything starts on Saturday with an end on Monday! Which will be described as wet. Like a procession, on Easter Saturday, Polish families walk towards the church. With their baskets filled with bread, sausages, eggs, salt, horseradish, cold cuts and pastries. Each element composing this Święconka has a symbolic meaning relating to the Christian religion. This blessed food can be eaten as part of the Easter Sunday meal.
The Polish Easter Monday tradition is marked by the Śmigus dyngus. This Monday is above all wet. In true tradition, Polish men and boys watered women and girls. This Polish Easter custom is no longer just for men. And the whole family can go there. In parts of Poland, the status of a married woman will protect her from watering. But it’s safe to say that no one will be safe from the water today in Poland. Even in some streets, or at the exit of the church, wet surprises can await you.
Since religious marriage has the same legitimacy as civil marriage, the couple often choose to celebrate the marriage in church.
Tradition has it that the festivities begin at the homes of the bride and groom where it is customary for parents to bless their children. The couple and their loved ones then proceed to the ceremony venue accompanied by traditional Polish music.
They then find their guests, friends, relatives who form a barrier when they enter the church. In order to cross it, the bride and groom must distribute vodka and cold meats.
Top 8 Activities in Santa Barbara
by Tessa Huigsloot (The Netherlands) and Selina Guenzel (Germany)
Are you going to EF Santa Barbara soon and are you curious about what activities you can do in this sunny city? Then follow our tips! We are Selina and Tessa and have been staying in Santa Barbara already for three months. These are our favorite recommendations as locals:
- 1. Visit State Street
State Street is the main street of Santa Barbara where you can find everything. Do some shopping in Paseo Nuevo, grab some lunch in one of the many restaurants, go out in one of the clubs or watch a famous sport game in one of the bars. If you want to buy some fresh vegetables, than visit the Farmers Market every Tuesday or Saturday!
- 2. Take a beach day
The weather in California is always amazing! So visit one of lovely beaches that Santa Barbara offers. At the end of State Street, you have West Beach and East Beach. The beaches are separated by Stearns Wharf, so you have a perfect view from both of them. The two beaches are really wide and clean. A perfect spot for a sunny day after a hot school day. Do you want to learn how to skate? Than you have the perfect opportunity to do this at the skate park on East Beach.
Other beautiful beaches are Butterfly Beach, located in Montecito and Hendry’s Beach in Santa Barbara.
- 3. Go on the adventurous whale watching trip or a romantic sunset cruise
Santa Barbara is not only beautiful from the land, but also charming from the sea! It’s perfect if you want to see some of the wildlife animals in the sea, like sea lions, dolphins and whales. The perfect time to see those animals is in September and October.
Are you looking for the perfect spot for your first date? Than we have an idea for you! The Sunset Cruise is a really romantic boat trip and it gives a gorgeous golden view of Santa Barbara. This amazing cruise is also perfect if you aren’t looking for something romantic.
- 4. Go to the mountains and do a hike
You can do a lot of different hikes in this beautiful city. There are hikes for every level, so you will find a perfect match. Our favorites are Lizard’s Mouth and the Hot Springs.
Lizard’s Mouth is a 0.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Goleta, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. The trail is hard to follow, but quickly becomes a fun boulder scramble. At the top, you have the greatest views of Santa Barbara, especially during sunset.
Hot Springs Canyon Trail is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located in Montecito. You have to put more effort in this hike than the first one, but it will be worth it! At the end of the trail you find the 7 rock walled pools in which you can take a warm bath.
- 5. Visit a typical American sports game of the High school, College or University
Sport is a really huge thing in schools in America. During every game there is a great atmosphere and there are cheerleaders who support their team. There are a lot of options from which sport you can choose. At almost every school there is: American football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, water polo and ice hockey. So buy a ticket and check it out!
- 6. East Beach batting cages
Are you looking for a typical American sport activity? Check the East Beach Batting cages! It’s a fun place for an family-friendly activity for baseball fans! There are batting cages for players of every type. The Select-A-Pitch baseball machines pitch balls between 40 and 80 MPH with adjustable height. There are also softball machines served up high-arc slow pitches and fast pitches offerings of 40 and 50 MPH. Further, if you are hungry, there is a really lovely taco place, East Beach Tacos. Every day is a good day to take a swing!
- 7. McConnell’s Ice Cream
Do you love ice cream? Than check out McConnell’s Ice Cream in one of the stores in Santa Barbara. McConnell’s is California’s Original & Finest Ice Cream since 1949! Banana & salted caramel, double peanut butter chip and Santa Barbara strawberry: every flavor that your heart wants. The ice cream is totally fresh and the flavors change a lot.
- 8. Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf of Santa Barbara is one of the most visited places. The Wharf has endured since 1872, making it the oldest working wooden wharf in California. It’s 2,300 feet long and has an area of 3.8 acres supported by 2,307 pilings. On the Wharf you can find a lot of varied shops, restaurants and a small aquarium! Also, it gives an amazing view over the water and Santa Barbara. The Wharf is also a perfect place to start a sunset boat cruise or try a traditional dish called Santa Barbara lobster.
re you already excited about Santa Barbara? We both love this sunny and friendly city and everyday we are surprised by this lovely place. You will not be definitely disappointed when you visit Santa Barbara.
Typical Dutch Dishes
Tibbe Teunissen, the Netherlands.
In my country we have a lot of typical dishes. We have a lot of typical dishes because we as society like to cook, so we improve and develop our dishes all the time. Seldom do people hear about the dishes I will talk about because they are only popular in Holland, furthermore we don’t eat that varied our most conventional dishes are most of the time with meat, potatoes and vegetables.
Let’s start with the first dish.
We call this dish poffertjes, it’s like small pancakes and most of the people like to eat it with syrup and powdered sugar. I think it better than pancakes because the dough is thicker and the flavor is more sweet. The poffertjes are emerged from the France revolution, and after it became famous in the Netherlands.
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The second dish is also incredible popular in the Netherlands and we call it stampot, it’s a meal where you mix the potatoes and the vegetables together until it’s smooth and than you put some smoked sausage on the top. It’s a meal that came from the farmers many years ago because it heavy on the stomach and that’s amazing when you worked a long day on the field.
Drop it’s a very well known candy in the Netherlands, you have two species of drop salty ones and the sweet wants. Many people don’t like drop and especially the salty wants because it’s a big difference between candy and drop, people expect candy but this is something you never had before. We made drop from licorice root from Italy and that became the first pure form of the drop. The drop that we know now is by origin from England, only we put sugar with it. The first drop is made 300 years ago, so it’s a really old candy.
The popular doughnut that everybody knows it’s made by dutch people we also eat this a lot in Holland and after that it went to America. There are the possible origin of the doughnut, and one is that Dutch American people made it from another popular dough dish and that’s how the doughnut born and i also believe in this story.
In short, we have a lot of typical dishes in the Netherlands, but we don’t eat that much varied food. Dutch people like heavy food and when we make candy we like it when it’s really sweet.
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