Ramada Takeover: Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, California, the weather hasn't been nice in weeks, the locals tell us. The hotel pools are closed, because it's still winter here. But in what perhaps indicates the power of music and the human spirit, sunshine has now come to Santa Cruz, in the same moment that the Chinese bus containing three musical acts arrived. And beware, Ramada residents...we've taken over the place.



A visit to a local eating establishment (the word "restaurant" isn't quite descriptive) provided the waitress with company for the first time all day--"we've been waiting for you all day," she giggled at the visiting Israelis as they ordered their burgers, wings and chicken strips. On the phone with her manager, she noted that they hadn't been busy, but that then "30 kids just walked in." Everyone laughed at the use of the word "kids," except for one member of the group. He thought he heard her say "30 Jews just walked in," and strode over ready to defend the faith and the nation, if need be. But all was well, and the conversation continued as people chomped on fried and barbecued foods.



This blogger played a rocking game of Pac Man which really got her blood pumping, and between that and the bottomless Diet Coke, she's buzzing with fake energy that may or may not prevent a ten-minute nap. But even if she drifts off despite these odds, tonight she will awaken, for there is a show: Coolooloosh and Michelle Citrin will play Stevenson Event Center at UC-Santa Cruz tonight to celebrate the opening of registration for Summer 2008 Taglit-Birthright Israel trips. If you haven't gone on your free Taglit-Birthright Israel trip to Israel, register now!



Tomorrow we roll towards San Diego, with a big show coming up at House of Blues. Get your tickets now!