January 26, 2007

We had somehow missed the memo advising that there are no more internet cafes in the United States.

After a fruitless search, ten minutes online at Kinkos had kicked us in the teeth for $16. The computer lab at Santa Barbara Community College was free, but we had felt the hard glare of the suspecting librarians and didn't stay long.

Other than these small worries, Santa Barbara's not a bad place to be in January, and the white robes, king size bed, jacuzzi and complementary afternoon wine and cheese at the West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel made it even that much better.

The hotel room, located across Cabrillo Blvd from the marina, had been a Christmas gift from my parents to help with the transition from condo living to the top bunk of a VW van.

We were an easy walk from the trendy restaurants on the sun-kissed, pedestrian friendly State Street, including Paguccis (the first night) and All India (the second).

With jaunts to the Santa Barbara Mission, Westmont College, and the home of the Gauchos - the University of California-Santa Barbara campus, three days went by awfully fast.

Key Facts & Figures:

-West Beach Inn: $126/night