The Visiting Scholars decided to take a road trip to Santa Barbara. Twelve of us (two couldn’t join) rented a van, booked a hotel, and set out to discover California. We drove for five hours, stopping at a charming little Danish town on the way.

For a very politically and culturally diverse group, it’s quite amazing how much we love being around each other and how we manage to get along. We often argue about politics, we discuss the news in each of our countries, and we’re around for each other when something bad happens (death of someone’s grandmother, break-ups, Mumbai attacks, etc.)

We don’t take ourselves seriously, less so the world around us. As a group, we love making fun of the Americans, the French, the Chinese, and especially the Indians. (We love the Brits: sexy accent and all that.)

I’m told that there has never been a VS group like ours. We’ve integrated into the J-school magnificently, and so, after almost killing off the program, due to the success of this year’s scholars, the J-school is putting more money and resources into it.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions about the program and want to apply. Recommendations from current scholars will be given special consideration, so if I know you or your work, I’m happy to help.

Walking down the street, three of us start singing in unison, “Dude, that’s like, totally awwwsome!” burst out in laughter, and don’t notice the two teenagers walking behind us.

Uh, oops.

“Free Burma!”

Cheering.

“Free Tibet?” says someone looking at Chinese scholars and half raising a toast.

“Free Kashmir?” says someone looking at me and winking.

Silence.

“Free Burma!”

Cheering.

“It’s okay, you can have a drink. The Sri Ram Sena can’t come here and beat you up.”

“I’m usually very charming and sophisticated. It’s HIM. He brings out the gutter in me!”

“Show me, show me,” she says running towards him after having a photograph taken.

“Yes, Mridu, here… why don’t you take a look at the back of my film camera,” he says rolling his eyes.

“I’m so grateful that I got to meet all you wonderful people and learn so much about all these different cultures.”

“I’ve never felt a part of a group where everyone had a common belief system. I’m so grateful that I’m part of this.”

“I’m so grateful for your friendship.”

“I’m so grateful that none of you have American accents.”

*simultaneous cheering and applause*

“Where’s the paparazzi?”

“Over there.”

“Tell them to get over here so we can pose for them.”

“Your name sounds like the French word for shit.”

“Oy, I might be brown, but I’m not that brown!”

“You put that camera down right now or I will take it away from you. And eat your food!”

Photographer (meekly): “Yes, ma’am.”