I know I probably could have done better with the title, but as my final vacation before college comes to an end, I only find it fitting to sum up some pretty amazing things I’ve done this summer. And of course, because I couldn’t possibly leave Tufts out of a post, there’s some pretty amazing things coming up next month too (AKA moving in).
I’ve mentioned before that I’m an avid traveler and this summer I’ve stayed true to my word. After graduation, the tearful goodbyes to friends, and the celebration, I gave driving a try. Let me be precise and state that I learned how to drive in a manual car that resembled a toy in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For those of you who wonder what the big deal is, perhaps you would fancy a simple outline of the process. The whole course consists of two lectures, one written code test, 12 hours of lessons, and the road test. A bit short of the driving test requirements in the US I’ve heard. Miraculously, I obtained my license (completely legally might I add) in the three weeks after high school was over. But don’t worry, I promise I won’t be cruising down the roads of Medford anytime soon.
Following the rather amusing adventure, I traveled to Australia with my best friend for ten days. It was nothing short of a breathtaking experience. We stopped in Sydney first and managed to walk one hour in the winter rain just to be tourists at the famous Opera House. Lucky for us, the weather played in our favor in the end, since we pretty much had the place to ourselves. In Melbourne we rummaged through so much winter clothing, I could probably let you know what each store has in stock. As you can imagine, we came back with suitcases that barely made the weight limit. So, if there were three words to sum Australia during the winter they would be: cold, freezing, and windy. That’s just the warm-weather accustomed girl coming out of me. But really, I recommend both cities to anyone who’s willing to make the long plane ride there. It’s completely worth it.
To round my summer off, I’m currently in the northwest of France living on the beach and living off of delicious baguette. As tradition goes, every two years my parents rent a place in the countryside big enough to house any friend or member of the family who wishes to come and visit. Although I would like to admit otherwise, I am participating in very stereotypical French activities. One day I’m off in the sea fishing for shrimp and crabs and the next I’m searching, catching and preparing snails. I will openly admit that I do not ingest any of my findings though, something that does disappoint a majority of my French relatives.
In even more exciting news, I’m Medford bound in almost two weeks! Before I head off to the States, I actually have to start thinking about what to bring and maybe what I can physically pack in suitcases that I can put on a plane. There’s a list about three pages long composed of items I need to purchase to be the typical over-prepared freshman in college. And I’m way too excited to see how it’s all going to come together. When I received the email with my rooming assignment I started frantically searching for information and clues about my dorm. I also know/knew that my roommate is awesome. Having the same favorite color will definitely make the meager interior designing a lot easier. But before move-in day on August 28th I’m participating in the FOCUS pre-orientation program designed to engage in community service whilst meeting other freshmen. Why is pre-o going to be awesome? Because they sent me a questionnaire asking me why Tarzan didn’t have a beard and because the organizers photo-shopped their heads on the Powerpuff girls and call themselves MaSH. Yeah, I’d say I’m pretty psyched for this new beginning. And it’ll be a pretty great way to wrap up such an eventful summer.