The Great Amherst Adventure: A Semesterly Ritual

Prelude to Adventure 🎒

I don’t know why, but lately, this has turned into a hiking blog. This post won’t be all about hiking, at least.

So, the semesterly Amherst trip was on the horizon. I missed Evan, my high school buddy, and decided it was time to go back up there since it was his Columbus Day break, and we had our 2-day fall break, thx NC State. The allure of the quaint town, the crimson leaves painting the landscape, and the nostalgic air was too much to resist. Plus, Evan and I have a pact of meeting every semester to reminisce and make new memories. It’s like a little tradition that we uphold religiously. But who knew this trip would turn into an unscripted comedy, full of laughs, dogs, and, unexpectedly, a dive into Ukrainian history!

A Flight of Fancy...Not! ✈️

I packed my bags, grabbed my camera, and off I went. The second I stepped foot into the airport problems started happening. Since I'm a broke college student with minimal resources I decided to fly Frontier there and Breeze back. Frontier made me pay for carry on at the gate for my backpack. My school BACKPACK. So, after that fun experience and going negative on my bank account I got in the plane. The plane was delayed 3 times while I was in it and it took us more than 2 hours to take off.

The problems didn't end there, the second we landed the gate was occupied so we had to wait, in the plane again, to get off. Luckily I didn't have anyone sitting next to me so I just slept. My 3 hour trip turned into a 7 hour one. However, thankfully, the rest of the trip didn't follow the same vibe.

Warm Welcomes and Wagging Tails 🐾

Arriving at Evan’s place, I was greeted by not only him but a furry four-legged creature. Evan was dog-sitting for our friend Joey, and I was instantly smitten with the little canine.

But before I could get too carried away with the dog cuddles, Evan reminded me of our plans.

First on the agenda was a hike up Mount Watatic. Yes, it seems my life is spiraling into a series of hikes, each one offering a new perspective, both literally and metaphorically. The trek was as refreshing as always, with the crisp autumn air filling our lungs.

Our next stop was Northampton, a town brimming with lively vibes and eclectic shops. We roamed around, explored a few quirky stores, and indulged in some local delicacies. The laughter echoed through the streets as we reminisced about our high school days back in Ukraine.

Now, speaking of Ukraine, Evan had a Ukrainian history class scheduled, and I decided to tag along. It was amusing to sit in a classroom discussing the history of Ukraine while being miles away from it, being filled with nostalgia.

The night was young, and downtown Amherst beckoned. The streets were lively, and the local joints were buzzing with energy. We met up with some old pals, shared laughter, stories, and created memories worth cherishing.

Evan recently joined AXP, a frat, and I had the chance to meet some of his new brothers. It was a cool experience, getting to know them and sharing a couple of laughs over pizza and cold brews.

He also got me to try a bunch of local brews. He is a big IPA guy. My favorite one was G Fresh. It had a tinge of grapefruit and was kind of playful on the tongue.

Epilogue: Bittersweet Goodbyes 🌅

As the weekend rolled to an end, I was filled with a sense of contentment and joy. The bond with Evan had strengthened, the memories created were etched in time, and my bond with the dog was unbreakable. I refuse to go into detail on how my flight was also delayed on the way back...

Every trip to Amherst has its own flavor, its own set of tales, and a new joke to laugh about. This trip was no different. It was a blend of the old and the new, a celebration of friendship, and a reminder of the beautiful journey that life is. Until next semester, Amherst!

Till the next post – as always - keep exploring and keep creating✨🔍