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A Trip Through New England

Posted by Robby Ramdin in colleges, lists, travels on April 12th, 2007

Today my family and I embarked on a college search trip for my sister. We travelled East through New York, seeing Hamilton College and Colgate University (it is only a university because of five MFA students). We are spending the night at my grandmother’s, and continuing on to Williams, Amherst, and Hampshire in the morning.

A trip away from home for just one night is always interesting. What you pack is your absolute necessities–only what you foresee yourself needing inside about thirty six hours. There is no need to pack extra items, attempting to predict what you may need (like raincoats, bathing suits, paperclips, etc.); you can pretty much plan for whatever life throws at you.

The question then arises, what do you need on such a trip, and how much does that differ between people? For instance, my mother uniquely brought along some books out of which she reads passages nightly. These are what have accompanied me:

  • Luggage I only brought along my leather laptop bag, which has two large compartments and a smaller one on the front (as well as an area for papers, which doesn’t really count). For a single night, it provides ample space.
  • Clothes I barely brought along a day’s worth of close. For tomorrow, I have an extra t-shirt and long-sleeved tee and a change of socks and underwear. For the night, I brought a pair of athletic shorts, to be worn in addition to my t-shirt from the day.
  • Computer I did opt to bring along my computer, allowing me a platform to write in my blog. It’s also useful for keeping around directions and maps, just to keep us on the right track. I can also show off my pictures from Europe, should anyone be interested. I also brought along its charger.
  • Book I brought along Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential, which I have been working away at for a few months. Since I spend so much time doing less-than-intellectual tasks, I tend to read books for leisure at a glacial pace.
  • Journal I also brought along my little black book (a well made ruled Moleskine). I use it mostly for writing down anything the piques my interest, like quotes or little facts. It also provides a place to get my ideas on paper and make lists of things (one of my favorite activities). I also brought along a pen.
  • On My Body As the weather is supposed to be clear but a little chilly, I opted to bring my North Face Dilani fleece. Not only does it provide adequate warmth, but it also has a lot of pockets! I conveniently accidentally brought along a couple packs of gum (Orbit’s Mint Mojito and Citrus Mint). To complete my outfit, I wore my trusty Pumas and my new brown belt., which make for good casual attire that can blend in to slightly nicer settings as well. I also brought my wallet, keys, and cellphone, but those’re no surprise.

    • Well, there we have it: my first legit blog post. College hunting has been fun, but seeing the Colgate campus made Tufts seem more haggard. I guess you can make everything shiny and new if you charge $40,000 per year, but opt not to place your college in or near Boston. The coolest thing about Colgate is its now under contruction 24-hour study area that comes complete with a Starbucks. I can think of nothing better.

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