Stevens Admissions: Katie's Blog

Farmers Market

Farmers Markets are really common out here.  On Sunday I ventured out to the local Farmers Market in my neighborhood expecting to see a few tents set up with some people selling fruits and veggies.  Boy was I wrong.  There were SOOO many booths, with so many different types of foods.  The majority of them were even giving out samples!  I got try try foods that I had never even heard of before.  There was every thing from fruits, veggies, dipping sauces, homemade pastas, freshly made smoothies, vegan desserts, dried meats, etc.  It was so nice just to spend an afternoon strolling around my neighborhood sampling the local cuisine.  California sure is showing me a good time :)

 

Vegan Fast Food!!

So apparently in California, they have fast food places that are all natural/vegan!  I stumbled upon a fast food restaurant today (with a drive-through and all) that is strictly vegan!  I can't believe it.  They have all your expected fast food items - burgers, wraps, ice cream, even chili fries - except that everything on the menu is 100% vegan.  I am in love!

Happy New Year!

Thanks to all the friends I've met at Stevens Institute of Technology, I didn't have to be alone for New Years as I start my co-op placement in San Diego.  I took a train up to LA and met with a friend who attends Stevens and was home in CA for the winter break.  It was such an amazing trip! 

I took an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner up the coast to LA, and the views were incredible. I could see tons of gorgeous beaches and the few people brave enough to put on their wetsuits and search for the perfect waves.  I can't wait to try surfing!!

 Since I am a vegan, my friend had no idea what to feed me once I got to his house.  So we made rolls!  (Basically, sushi without the raw fish.)  We went out and bought plenty of fresh veggies: carrots, avocado, cucumber, jicama, etc.  We then sliced them all up and rolled them into the rice and seaweed paper.  It was such a fun, cultural experience! 

 

For New Years, we left the gorgeous 80 degree weather and drove up into the mountains to about 8,000 ft. I was totally surprised to see ski areas, people having snowball fights, and most surprisingly - a frozen lake!  We stayed in a cabin that was built completely by my friend's family.  The views were incredible, and I never would have expected to have seen that much snow in California!  

On a different note - tomorrow is my first day of work at my last co-op through Stevens!  I am so excited to discover what I'll be doing and meet all the people I'll be working with!