wilderness adventure | new castle, va

two weekends ago, i attended an outdoor adventure with the international student center on campus with the intentions of getting to "camp" (we stayed in a cabin, but this is as close as i can get to camping since no one i know likes real camping), canoe, zipline, and spend some time in self-reflection against the backdrop of the appalachian mountains. in fact, i was most looking forward to going off on my own and reflecting. i spent the first hour by the lake and on small trails trying to claim one as the place where i'd spend the rest of my weekend in contemplation.

 

 

 

... and then this happened, and i realized that what i thought i would learn by processing internally was taught through my experiences with these amazing people from all over the world.

the trip was absolutely amazing -- one of the best trips on which i've ever been. the whole time was spent in exchanging our stories and how each of us was so unique but also so much more similar than we imagined. from that point on, we were all pretty much attached at the hip.

this group of people is just ridiculously awesome, and i know i have made new friends for life.

in pursuit of:

becoming a resident tourist

going camping and hanging around a fire with cool people ( from my autumn bucket list)

linking up with esther and nicole

el rodeo south main | blacksburg, va

this past week and the upcoming weeks will be are hell.
so many school deadlines, commitments, and requirements all stacked on top of one another and holding on for dear life some crazy game of jenga.

but it feels amazing to have that as a complaint and it's even better when you can sneak away from work for an hour or two to hang out with cool people who've treaded the waters you're about to enter or are there holding your hand and their breaths in preparation to go under with you.

i didn't order food at el rod's when i and my cohort members took a study break there this past weekend, but i can attest to the deliciousness of the chips and salsa. those who did order were impressed, and plates were thoroughly cleaned. and the drinks were AMAZING.

the 12-ounce mango classic margarita for $5 = heaven.
my cohort member/musical soulmate got a 32-ounce pitcher-like contraption of blue moon for $6.

the rest of the time was spent taking selfies ("usies" just sounds too douchey to me...) of our tired faces both inside and outside of the restaurant once closing time came, and looking through them today just reminded me of how grateful i am to have found support, intellectual stimulation, and true friendship.

in pursuit of:

becoming a resident tourist

linking up with nicole and esther

hahn horticulture garden | blacksburg, va

since this is my second go-round at virginia tech, i am really determined to make the most of blacksburg this time!

on our first day of class, i dragged my new fav brian to a part of campus that is usually passed by as it happens to be in the shadow of both the basketball coliseum and the football stadium. we went for an art gallery but were sort of disappointed by the few pieces that were on display. plus, what can hold a candle to the natural beauty of blacksburg???

cue crappy iPhone pix...

we had an amazing time, and he only got mildly annoyed when i tried really hard to capture a bee pollinating a flower (even though bees scare the crap out of me).

this garden really is a hidden gem on campus, and though it is small, it's both charming and romantic.

1 outing down and 40 to go!

in pursuit of:

becoming a resident tourist

linking up with esther