Did the culture thing today. The museum, history walk and art gallery. The museum laid out the history of Santa Barbara. Here follows a brief synopsis. The area was first inhabited by the Chumash Indians, then the Spanish came along, the Franciscans built their Missions and set about converting the Chumash to Christianity. Not long after the Mexicans secularised the Missions and then California joined the USA.
There has been a lot of enterprise in the area. Before Hollywood it was the centre of the film industry, Lockheed opened their first factory here and it has connections with space exploration.
The area has also suffered from many earthquakes, the most notable being the one in 1925. This all but destroyed the town and it was completely rebuilt in the Mediterranean style that survives to this day.
Some early adobe buildings survived and have been restored. The oldest is El Presidio, the fort that was built to protect the Mission. Others are still used as homes, offices and shops.
As we strolled around , we came across a school celebrating The Day of the Dead, Dia de Los Muertos. Lots of singing, dancing and exhibits of children's art work. Very colorful.
The art gallery was surprisingly good for a small place. There was a photography exhibition by Divola, and art exhibitions including Delacroix, Monet, Van Gogh, Chagall and Degas.