Things to do, friends to make (Costa Mesa) (Long Beach, Irvine: schools, college)

[lolrence]

Sorry, I know these are rather general questions.

I arrived here from Singapore (below Malaysia) in the US about 2 months ago, as part of a job training program.

So far, I've been to a few places around the area (the beaches are absolutely spectacular over here ), and so far, I'm enjoying this place.

I'm an avid photographer, so are there any really scenic and wild places around Costa Mesa/Irvine that I should not miss seeing? Better yet, are there any friendly photographers here who are free for meet-ups and trips around the area and beyond?

Oh, and I'm really interested in taking up dancing classes. I've been taking a few classes back when I was in Singapore, which I miss having right now.. are there any good and relatively cheap (I've a rather measly allowance+training pay) dance schools to recommend?

Lastly, I would really like to make more friends over here.. whether it's for sports (would love to learn surfing while I'm here), going out for trips and generally doing things together.

By the way, I'm 23, Chinese, and I'm a rather adventurous guy.

Here are some photos I've taken around the area:





















Thanks, and I look forward to hear from you

[bhcompy]

For scenic/nature type stuff: Crystal Cove State Park is nearby(Newport Coast area), Laguna Coast Wilderness Park nearby, Limestone Canyon Regional Park is up El Toro Rd, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is right there as well, San Onofre(Nuclear Reactor) down the coast is an interesting photo op, off the coast of Long Beach at night there are some interestingly lit oil derricks and islands, etc etc

As far as dance, check out Orange Coast College. I'm sure there are some inexpensive dance classes there. You could probably find some information on sports there as well.