On Friday, May 11, students will have an exciting opportunity to learn a little more about Southern California fashion with an event called “Eye Candy: A 2012 fashionable preview of local designers and artists”.  The event will be hosted at Typhoon Saloon in Pacific Beach and will showcase an enormous array of entertainment including a fashion show, music, and cocktails.

Guests can enjoy drinks while watching the fashion show, which will feature models wearing the newest summer trends. The models will walk the runway to music mixed by a local DJ.

There will be a VIP reception starting at 9:30 with a hosted bar and sneak peak of the night’s events. For more information, visit the event’s website.

We hope our fashion-loving students have an opportunity to attend this exciting event!

Supermodels usually walk the catwalk, but this weekend, world-famous supermodel Christie Brinkley will grace a different stage–the theater–in a production of Chicago. Brinkley will perform at the San Diego Civic Theater from May 8 to May 13.

Brinkley is one of the world’s most successful supermodels. She has been featured on the cover of over 500 magazine covers, including three Sports Illustrated covers, and has had a contract with Cover Girl cosmetics for over 25 years.

Chicago is the longest-running play in the history of Broadway: it has been in production for 15 years! It was made into an Academy Award-winning movie, also called Chicago, which starred Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere. The movie and the musical feature song, dance, and a story of two women on death row for the murder of their lovers. The 1920s setting and costumes give the audience a feel of America almost 100 years ago, at a time when jazz music flourished.

The show will take place at the Civic Center Theatre, a stunningly beautiful theater located in downtown San Diego. It is just a short cab ride (or approximately 10-15 minute walk) for students living in CISL’s residence halls; for students staying in homestays, the theatre is located just half a block from the Civic Center trolley station. Tickets start at $20.00.

For more information, visit: www.broadwaysd.com/

Useful vocabulary in this article:

Catwalk (noun): Also called the “runway”. This is the stage that models walk on.

Example: “She first walked the catwalk at 16.”

Grace (verb): To be seen, usually on the cover of a magazine, on stage, or on a TV show.

Examples: “She graced seven magazine covers last year.”

Flourished (adjective): Grow or develop in a healthy way

Example: “The business flourished after we moved to the new location.”

                Note: “Flourished” is the past participle of the verb “flourish.”

Participants can choose from many different tours. Would you like to learn more about the city’s Latin American cuisine? Sign up for the Latin Food and Culture tour, which takes you through The Mission district. Do you prefer pastas and pizzas? The Italian Food and Culture tour through North Beach might be for you. Or, are you more of a Chinese food lover? The Chinatown tour would certainly be your choice!

Each tour consists of three hours of walking and eating your way through the city’s restaurants. The guide, chef Chris Milano, introduces the tour group participants to the flavors of each district. Tours include introductions to some of the most interesting restaurant owners and workers in the city, history lessons of San Francisco’s districts, and visits to local markets. Each guest leaves with a souvenir and some recipes created by Chef Milano. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and to learn of San Francisco’s culture and cuisines. And it is a great way to practice your English listening and speaking skills!

Tours are $79 per person and can be booked at www.foodieadventures.com.

This annual event, which celebrates Earth Day on April 22, is the largest free environment fair in the world. Impressive! Each year, roughly 700,000 people come out to participate in the event to celebrate clean living and respectful use of the Earth and its resources. The event is on Sunday, April 22, from 10 am to 5 pm.

This year’s event features delicious foods, art exhibits, and three stages offering plenty of entertainment. The Children’s Stage will have children’s stories and shows throughout the day, while the “Moon Stage” will have music by local artists. The third stage, the “Folk Music Stage”, will host some of the city’s folk artists.

After enjoying some local music, check out some local artists at the eARTh Gallery. This year’s gallery will showcase works by artists who used recycled materials or showed depictions of “Endangered Spaces” in San Diego County. The artwork will be presented next to the Children’s Area in the Pan American Plaza (close to the Auto Museum).

When most people think of fairs, they they of “fair food”, which is unhealthy processed foods and LOTS of sugar. But not at the EarthFair! This event features all healthy, delicious, and natural foods at its Food Pavilion. Try some delicious vegetarian dishes and enjoy lots of flavor (and no guilt!). Make sure to also check out the local vendors for some great gifts and fun souvenirs.

Fore more information, visit the EartFair website at http://www.earthdayweb.org/EarthFair.html.

Radka was kind enough to share her experience (and photos!) with us. Thanks! We hope that your first baseball game was a wonderful experience!

CISL: What was your favorite part during the baseball game?

Maybe, pauses were the best part , because our seats weren´t on the very good place. (We love the 7th inning stretch!)

When was game in its half, we left our seats and walked in the stadium. It was great that we could enter in all sections.

CISL: Did you eat anything? If yes, what did you have?

Yes, I ate hot dog and drank coca cola.

CISL: Did you buy a souvenir?

No, but they gave T- shirts on the entry = we have a souvenir [for] free

For the rest of our students who did not get the chance to go to the Padres’ Opening Week, don’t worry! We have another CISL trip to the ballpark planned for Friday, May 18th at 7pm. Tickets must be purchased by May 11th and are $11.

One of our students, Rena from Japan, spoke with us about her experience rock climbing. This was Rena’s second time rock climbing, so we think she is a professional! Even though this was her second time rock climbing, Rena admits that she was a little nervous because “I’m not good at exercising.” Oh no! Her friend took some great photos as she climbed. She might not think she is good at exercising, but she sure makes it look easy!

The real question after any extreme sport is “Would you do it again?” Rena admits that after rock climbing, she was “very tired because we use [the] power of our entire bodies!” but she also says that she would definitely go again “if there is a chance.” Don’t worry, Rena: there will be! CISL San Diego goes rock climbing about once a month, although students can always book a session on their own if they cannot wait until the next activity.

Will Rena’s next rock climbing adventure be different than this one? Rena says that “I have to train body to climb more smoothly.” Let us know if you go back, Rena, and if you rock climbing skills improve. And thanks for sharing your experience with the CISL Blog!

Yesterday marked the Opening Day of baseball in San Diego, and many of our students celebrated by going to this year’s first Padres baseball game.  (Go Padres!)  One of our students, Changtaek Lee from Korea, answered some questions about his experience at the game and shared some photos as well. Thank you, Changtaek, for talking with us about your baseball experience! It looks like you and your friends had a great time.

To all CISL students: don’t forget that CISL often offers tickets, and that these tickets sell out quick! Check the activities calendar to see if there is an upcoming game, and reserve your tickets as soon as possible!

Have you gone and watched a Baseball game before?

-> Yes sure. I’m crazy about baseball. Before I came to America, I’ve always watched baseball games and sometimes I’ve gone to stadium.

What was your favorite part during the baseball game?

-> I like all kinds of parts in baseball game but 7th Inning Stretch time is the best. We can listen to rhythmic music and get a gift in this time.

In Korea, there is ‘Kiss Time.’  If a cameraman focused on some spectators who look like couples, they should kiss together.

All other people encourage them to kiss again and again. I hope I can get a chance some day.

Did you eat anything? If yes, what did you have?

-> I ate nacho chips and a slice of pizza with coke. I usually eat that kind of foods but today, those were more delicious than I expected.

I think that’s because I ate with my friends in Petco Park.

Did you buy a souvenir? If yes, what was it?

-> I bought an authentic jersey. It was kind of expensive but that’s ESSENTIAL item to baseball nuts.

Would you recommend to other students (or your friends) to go to a Baseball game?

-> Totally. Not only watching baseball game but enjoying all kind of things. We can eat so many foods and drink a beer.

Also, It’s very funny to cheer our team with other fans. Even if our team loses today, it’s definitely okay because that atmosphere makes us overjoyed.

So I always think that a baseball park is kind of an entertainment park. That’s why I love baseball.

San Francisco Activities

Monday, March 19, 2012

Bowling at the Yerba Buena Gardens

4:30 pm

Admission: See the Activities Coordinator for prices

Website: http://www.skatebowl.com/

Yerba Buena Gardens Bowling Alley

With a playground, a carousel, an interactive museum, an Ice Skating and Bowling Center and much more, the Rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens just might be the coolest place to bowl. Join CISL SF on Monday for an afternoon of bowling at this incredible location!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Wine Tasting at Pe Yale Wine Bar and Lounge 

4:30 pm

Website: http://www.peyale.com

21 and over only

Sip wines from around the world in this beautiful wine bar and lounge. Not a wine lover? Pe Yale also offers a wide selection of domestic and imported premium beers, not to mention a delicious menu of small plates, including the Charcuterie Plate of duck pate, molinari (aged dried Italian sausage) and prosciutto and the Beef Skewers with a cashew and sun-dried tomato sauce.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Live Jazz and Rock: Burritt Room 

5:30 – 8:30

Admission: Free (21 and over only)

Website: http://www.crescentsf.com/#sanfrancisco

Located in the old lobby of the 100-year-old Crescent Hotel, the Burritt Room’s vintage decor, brick walls, and chandeliers give the venue a romantic feel that was described by one journalist as “a set of a 1940′s Nior Film.” Enjoy live jazz and rock music from this location alongside great company!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Nightlife at the Academy of Sciences

4:45 pm

Admission: Free for Premier Students, $12 general admission (21 and over only)

Website: http://www.calacademy.org/

Every Thursday night, the Academy of Sciences hosts “Nightlife,” where “music, creatures and cocktails come together.” Guests enjoy drinks while exploring exhibits and aquariums featuring exotic animals from around the world.  Each week features a live band or DJ, and a unique theme: on March 22, the theme will be “Tattoos.” Guests can view tattoo exhibits, get henna tattoos, and learn about the art of tattooing around the world.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Bicycling at the Golden Gate Bridge

11:00 am

Admission: $25 (plus $10.50 for the ferry)

Start your weekend off right with a little exercise… and enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the city at the same time! San Francisco is proud to be rated one of the country’s healthiest cities. With fun exercises excursions like these, it is no wonder why San Franciscans are so fit.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Classical Revolution at Revolution Cafe

7:30 pm

Admission: Free

Websites: http://classicalrevolution.org/ and http://hearitlocal.com/#!/sf/as_music-venues?detailID=2181

Soak in some culture with a little classical music at the Revolution Cafe, which hosts live music events seven days a week. Classical Revolution began in 2006 as an organization aimed at making live chamber music accessible to the public. In the short time since it was founded, it has performed over 700 times at more than 90 Bay Area venues. Pretty impressive!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Live Jazz: Cosmo Alleycats at the Le Colonial

6:30 pm

Admission: Free

Websites: http://www.myspace.com/cosmoalleycats and http://lecolonialsf.com/

The tile floors, tall shuttered windows, and palm trees of the Le Colonial restaurant decor are reminiscent of the French colonial era in Vietnam, and its menu–designed to “evoke the flavors of Vietnamese cooking as well as the airy elegance of French Colonial Southeast Asia”–reflects the fusion of these two cultures as well. Join CISL SF on Tuesday for an evening of live music and delicious fusion cuisine.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

City Hall and Asian Art Museum 

4:30 pm

Admission: $10

Website: http://www.asianart.org/

The Asian Art Museum–Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture–one of San Francisco’s premier arts institutions—houses an impressive collection of more than 18,000 Asian Art treasures spanning 6000 years of Asian history. Join CISL SF as we travel back in time and learn about the culture-rich heritages of the East.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Hiking to Lands End and the Cliff House

4:30 pm

Admission: Free

Explore the hiking trails of Lands End park, which is a park on the shoreline just next to the Golden Gate bridge (and located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.) Many of the park’s trails were once railroad lines, and some lead to a memorial for the USS San Francisco, a Navy vessel which was active during World War II.

San Diego Activities

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

World Famous San Diego Zoo

1:30 pm

Admission: $8.00 for CISL students; $5.00 for bus fare

Website: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/

They certainly call it the “World Famous San Diego”  for a reason! The San Diego Zoo is home to over 4.000 animals, including tigers, elephants, hippos, reptiles, and hundreds of birds. In addition, the Zoo is one of just four zoos in the U.S. to house the rare Giant Panda.  We will meet at CISL San Diego at 1:30 pm and then take the bus to Balboa Park for a day of exploring animal species from around the world. CISL students receive a discount on tickets and pay just $8.00 for admission.

Friday, March 23 – Sunday, March 25

Las Vegas weekend trip

Los Angeles weekend trip

Are you interested in exploring Las Vegas or Los Angeles? Join CISL in a weekend trip to either of these cities! Transportation and hotel costs are included in the trip. See the Activities Coordinator for more information on the itinerary for each of these trips.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Bowling

1:30 pm

Admission: $2.00 per game per person; $3.75 for shoe rental

Meet new students, practice English, and have some fun at CISL’s bowling activity on March 28. Students meet at the school at 1:30 pm and then head over to the bowling alley for a few games. Make sure to brush up on your bowling vocabulary before this activity!

We hope that all of our students have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t forget: you must wear something green, or you will get pinched!

San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Events

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Balboa Park: March 17, 2012 

Saturday, March 17th, 2012 is the 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Balboa Park. The event is hosted by the  Irish community and  features over 120 parade entries including marching bands, floats, local Scout troops, police and fire department units, dancing groups, equestrian groups, rollers skaters, and–of course–bagpipe bands! For more information, visit the official website here.

ShamROCK 2012 in the Gaslamp: March 17, 2012

This event, which hosted over 20,000 party-goers last year, is one of the biggest Irish celebrations on the West Coast. 2012 marks ShamROCK’s 17th anniversary and is guaranteed to be a good time for anyone who loves live music and dancing. The event will be held from 2pm until Midnight and is only for ages 21 and over. Purchase tickets and learn more about the event here.

St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run, 2 & 4 Mile Run / Walk in Mission Bay Park: March 17, 2012

The St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run and 2 & 4 Mile Run/Walk in Mission Bay Park is more than just a chance to exercise: it is also a chance to show off your Irish-themed running costume! The event begins on Saturday March 17th, 2012 at 7:45am. Domino’s Pizza & beer will be served, and a special award for the “Best Irish Theme” running costume will be given. The race benefits the Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. Learn more about this fun event here.

Saint Paddys Pub Crawls San Diego: March 16 – 18, 2012

Be part of something BIG! Knowing that the bar scene in San Diego is one of the best, the producers of the World’s Largest Pub Crawl are looking to recreate history this coming year with their Luck of the Irish San Diego pub crawl. This event is only for adults ages 21 and over. Learn more information here.

Hooleyfest San Diego: March 17, 2012

Many bars in San Diego will serve green beer and have live bands, but none of the bars is as popular on St. Patrick’s Day as Hooley’s. Each year, the bar hosts “Hooleyfest San Diego” at the Rancho San Diego location. The event features live bands, a beer garden, and traditional Irish food; in addition, Hooley’s offers shuttles to and from the festival and a free ride home to those who live within a five mile radius of either location. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 on the day of the event and $30 VIP. Learn more here.

San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Events

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival: March 17, 2012

On  Saturday, March 17th, 2012 from 10am – 5pm, the 161st Annual San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival will take place in the Civic Center Plaza. The Parade is set to begin at 11:30am at the corner of Market and Second Streets. Over one hundred colorful floats, Irish dance troupes and marching bands will begin their trek to the Civic Center Plaza.

In recent years the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival has grown to attract an estimated 100,000 people. Admission is free, and the streets are guaranteed to be packed! For more information, visit the even’ts PR page: www.sresproductions.com/sfstpatricksday.html

Taverna Aventine: March 16, 2012

On Friday night from 5-11pm, Taverna Aventine will shut down Hotalling Alley for DJs, food trucks and alcohol. The event–now in its sixth year–is known by San Franciscans as the most highly anticipated block party in SF. Note: the event is for those ages 21 and over only. For more information, visit Taverna Aventine.

California Academy of Science Irish Exhibit: March 15, 2012

On Thursday evening at 6pm, the California Academy of Sciences will dedicate its Thursday evening exhibit, NightLife, to Irish-themed arts. Attractions include an Irish step dancing performance, an exhibit about four-leaf clovers, Irish beers and whiskey cocktails at the museum bar, and a talk with the eco-friendly organization SF Environment about their definition of what it means to be green. Admission is $12. For more information, visit the California Academy of Sciences.

“Beggars in the House of Plenty” at the Phoenix Theater: March 19, 2012

Would you like a glimpse into the life of Irish immigrants a century ago? On March 19, The Phoenix Theater will host a reading of John Patrick Shanley’s “Beggars in the House of Plenty.” The drama portrays the struggles of an immigrant Irish family living in New York’s Bronx neighborhood. Tickets are priced from $5-10 and the show begins at 8 pm. For more information, visit  The Phoenix Theater.

The San Diego weather certainly has not disappointed this weekend, and it looks as if next week will be beautiful as well! Need some ideas for after-class activities? CISL San Diego has several fun events planned for this week, and the city of San Diego is offering some entertaining options as well.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Concert at Spreckels Organ Pavilion

2:00 – 3:00

Admission: Free

Website: http://www.balboapark.org/calendar/event/2012-03-04/yale-whiffenpoof-concert-spreckels-organ-pavilion

Are you a lover of live music? San Diego’s Balboa Park–home to museums, tennis courts, restaurants, and gardens–also contains Spreckels Organ Pavilion, an outdoor theater with one of the world’s largest organs. At 2pm on Sunday, March 4, the Pavilion will host Yale Whiffenpoof, the world’s oldest and best-known college a cappella group. Admission is free.

Monday, March 4, 2012

New Student Orientation and Downtown Tour

Welcome, new students! Enjoy your tour of beautiful Downtown San Diego, and best of luck on your first week of classes at CISL!

Tuesday, March 5, 2012

Ferry to Coronado/Coronado Farmer’s Market

1:15 pm

Cost: $9.00 (plus shopping money)

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Beautiful Coronado Island is just a short ferry ride away from Downtown’s Embarcadero and offers beautiful views of the Downtown skyline. On Tuesday, March 5, CISL students will take a scenic ferry ride through the San Diego Bay and land on Coronado Island. Students can enjoy the shops and restaurants at the ferry dock and also peruse the Coronado Farmer’s Market for local fruits, vegetables, homemade jams and honeys, and crafts from local artists.

The cost for the ferry ride is $9.00 per student. Please bring a few dollars for Farmer’s Market treats! Students must meet at the school at 1:15 pm.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

“The Sky Tonight” at Balboa Park’s Rueben H. Fleet Science Center, Heikoff Dome Theater

7:00 – 8:15

Admission: $12

Website: http://www.rhfleet.org/site/astronomy/skytonight.html

Held the first weekend of every month, “The Sky Tonight” is a presentation of the San Diego sky, complete with a  planetarium show and mini-astronomy lessons. Admission is $12 per student, and the Science Center suggests that you purchase the tickets before the show as space is limited to 250 guests. Tickets can be purchased by calling the the Science Center at 619-238-1233.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Las Vegas Weekend Trip

Graduation

Students attending the weekend Las Vegas trip leave after class for a fun-filled weekend! Have fun! And good luck to all of our graduates!