Sometimes the starving student craves not just food, but engaging entertainment. While there probably aren’t any UCSD students who are truly starving, options for entertainment beyond movies and clubbing seem limited to the lazy researcher. Too often, cost puts the most fascinating exhibits and events out of a student’s reach.
Balboa Park hosts a cluster of small, Mexican colonial-style buildings, right across from Pan American Plaza, which offer a weekly cross-cultural party for the curious and thrifty. These cottages, originally built for the 1915 Pan-American Exposition, are occupied by groups that represent over 30 different countries and ethnic groups.
The International Cottages don’t seem like much when you walk through them during the week. They are simply small houses with the names of various countries listed on the rafters. But from noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday, these cottages open their doors and share the traditions and celebrations of their representative countries with the public. They’re fun to tour, with many cottages serving traditional snacks along with music and information about their group and heritage. The cottages also take turns running a lawn show in the center of the complex, which features music, dance, traditional costumes, arts, crafts and ethnic foods — all free of charge.
It’s usually a good idea to bring some change to give the donation boxes, just to keep the volunteers happy. These cottages are a welcome escape from the monotony of studying and class, if you’re willing to make the hike to the park.
