Many UCSD international students joined forces today to volunteer at San Pasqual Reservation. It was both an educational and fun-filled day, as we learnt a great deal about the history of the Native American Indians. I was slightly disappointed with the fact that not much culture or art were on display (I was for a moment expecting to see teepees and feather hats).
The reservation is an area of land where the natives could live in with sovereign policies. This meant that they in essence had their "own government", having their own rights and ownership of buildings, property, water systems, etc. It was interesting to hear that they don't need to pay taxes either. A large casino was under construction in the reservation, which will be a potential source of income for many future residents of the area. I was surprised at how desert-like the community was, yet some households had slick cars (a Mustang was seen, I must point out).We took part in a community project which resembled "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", as we formed production lines, rolled wheelbarrows, shovelled woodchips, placed bricks, flattened out gravel, all on our way towards revamping a playground and re-creating a patio for one of the main buildings.
The coming week will have my first midterms. These are sort of like in-course tests of New Zealand, but since most classes have them (plus they are worth more), they are treated and dreaded almost like final exams. Pressure is on however, as I have realised that grades that I obtain here at UCSD may actually matter in the long run. With so much to see and do though, and time going by as fast as ever, I will have to become a master juggler.
That night, we had a party at I-House themed "Blinded by the Lights". Sunnies intact, it required skill at times to weave through the densely packed host apartment with limited wavelengths of light seen. A fun night it was. Word on the street is that next week's party is "Australia Day"...interesting. 
Yesterday was a bittersweet day, as jubilance from a hard-fought victory in the fun soccer game between I-Housers (wow do some girls have skill here!) was subdued by the news that shocked most San Diegan football fans. The San Diego Chargers, who finished the regular season of the NFL with the best record, armed with one of the best running backs ever (LaDainian Tomlinson), narrowly lost to the New England Patriots in a playoff match.
On Sunday, I moved into International House, one of the newest, savviest and most socially-adept hostels at UCSD. Together with two other NZers who have my back at I-House: Mohit, fellow bioengineer from Auckland and Alice, the most outgoing Kiwi girl you could imagine, we represent the land of the long white cloud. Bronwyn is another Kiwi girl who came in this quarter, living off-campus. International House residents are a great mix of friendly people. 50% of us are American and 50% are international. The perfect mix, in my opinion. The apartments are single-sex, and there are three main buildings - Kathmandu (where I stay), Cuzco and Asante. My roommates are: Toby (American), Dennis (American-Filipino) and Francesco (Chilean party-boy). There have been a few parties already at I-House so far (unsurprisingly one in our flat), and although it feels as though part of me is 16 again (the drinking age is 21 here), it is only a small barrier to having just as much fun (if you know what I mean).
Lectures began on Monday and the first week has just rocketed past. What I have noticed is that lectures are strikingly similar to those in Auckland, but since the quarterly system is implemented here, the lecture material goes very, very fast. People work unbelievably hard here too, as everyone does their readings and seems to be actively involved a lot more during discussions. UCSD is currently ranked as the 7th best public university in the States, 2nd best in bioengineering and 1st in neuroscience. Seeing that my major is bioengineering, and that I am also taking a neuro class, I better put my work hat on firmly before I start falling behind after a mere one week.
Because the campus is so damn big, skateboards, bikes and even scooters are quite the common means for expedited travel from location to location. Loyalty is a biggie here, as many people own a UCSD hoodie, use UCSD labelled folders, books and even mugs. I am always surprised by the next UCSD labelled item I find. For meals, I get to choose from a variety of cafes on campus, and I pay by using my pre-charged meal card. However, prices here (especially food) are more expensive than back at home.
The past few days have been great in the sense that I have explored the campus, one of the many beaches, and learnt a heck of a lot about American culture through my host family. I've done lots of walking here, but it is such a common sight to see people of all ages, races and fitness level either cycling, running or walking around the neighbourhood. Notable things I have seen since I arrived that I must mention are: fit tanned ladies walking their overly groomed and neatly trimmed dogs, so many houses with large masts holding American flags, the fact that 90% of cars in La Jolla are post 2000 (I've seen a few state-of-the-art Mustangs, Corvettes, Porsches, Ferraris, Humvees already), some with little fluttering American flags (some even with Chargers flags), how most dinner conversation topics will inevitably lead to politics (coming from experience with host family), how conversationally driven and socially open people can be (as a consequence of the Freedom of Speech?). I truly am experiencing first-hand, the American stereotype...it's great though.
