Wicked!

As everyone living around Burlington has noticed, it’s been snowing like crazy the last few days.

Within one night, Burlington has become covered with snow again. When I woke up on Wednesday morning and saw the weather outside, I was hoping for a snow day. Shame that I had class that day, or else I would have gone straight to the mountains.

However, the blowing snow on Wednesday night reminded me of a nocturnal adventure I had with some of my friends last year. We were all from International House on 215 S. Prospect and decided to go sledding with trash can covers, a snowboard and whatever plastic we could find. We ended up on Aiken field at Champlain.

Aiken field has a really nice slope with some good distance. We spent an hour on that slope trying to see who would go furthest and ended up soaked. If anyone else is interested – a snowy night at Aiken field is quite fun.

If playing with snow doesn’t suit your tastes, try some hiking during warmer seasons instead. There are many trails around Burlington that have exceptional views and breathtaking scenery. At the start of my last semester, I went hiking with some of my friends at Mt. Mansfield, just opposite Smuggler’s Notch, which is another Ski Resort. Even for me, someone who rarely hikes, the trail wasn’t too difficult.

In particular, I found one spot on that hike to be my favorite spot. It was kind of a flat and wide field with a gradual slope leading down the mountain. During the winter, it was probably a spot where skiers and riders frequently passed by, as one of my roommates who was familiar with Smuggler’s Notch pointed out. Perhaps it was because of the breadth of the scenery that view offered, but the mountain was literally towering over a town.

A Warmer Burlington

While walking home from class, I realized something.

This year’s winter was terrible.

Even my roommates are inclined to agree that this year’s winter was not even close to what it should have been. It seems that all the storms that should have hit us went south.

For me, I can’t wait for spring to come. Warm weather here entails a few things. First and foremost is Red Rocks, a popular cliff-diving spot. On a hot day, Red Rocks is filled with people - everyone eager to jump into Lake Champlain. For those who seek challenges, there is a 76-foot jump and a 60-foot jump. Fear not if you a beginner though, Red Rocks has an excellent span of jump difficulties. The 40-foot jump is definitely the most popular jump out there, but there are lower spots that are quite popular too.

If cliff jumping doesn’t suit your interests, North Beach is an alternative popular spot for students. The beach is clean and offers a clear view of the sunset over Lake Champlain.
And let me tell you one thing: Lake Champlain has the best sunset ever. Anyone who has seen it will immediately agree with me. Over time, I’ve discovered some of the best spots to get a complete panoramic view of the sunset:
1. Waterfront – There are benches available on the boardwalk, or you can choose to sit on the grass. Great place to throw a ball around too.
2. Champlain College MIC Library has a balcony on the 3rd floor that gives an awesome view of the sunset.
3. From what I hear, some classrooms in Champlain’s Foster Hall have a very nice view of the sunset too. One of my roommates tells me that people have trouble focusing in afternoon classes held there.

If you are coming to Burlington, grab your camera, that’s all I have to say.

Greetings!

“讀萬卷書不如行萬里路”
In Chinese, there is a saying that goes like this:
“Rather than reading a thousand texts, one should walk a thousand miles”
In essence, it means that travelling and experiencing places is better than just reading about them.

This is my second year studying at Champlain College, a liberal-arts college located in Burlington, Vermont. For me, Burlington presents a completely different environment that I am used to. But I am truthfully enjoying it right now!
I want to share my experience to those who are considering studying abroad. It is a wonderful chance to try something completely different.

This being my second year, I have completely adjusted to living in Burlington. Burlington is quite a young and energetic city (however small it is). Perhaps this is because there are many students in the area, but the local residents are just as active in organizing events.
Students around here mostly take advantage of winter by skiing or snow boarding in the mountains nearby. The flagship store of Burton, the snowboard makers, is located nearby, so snowboarding is the hobby. It’s a great sport but personally I like skiing. I haven’t been able to go up the mountain much, but definitely will soon. Powdery snow is one of the greatest Vermont products!
Anyway, I hope my posts will encourage others to study abroad. Adjusting to life at Champlain College is easy. Burlington has just enough to be a unique culture, but it is also a city that keeps every individual happy.


Picture: A view on Stowe. Taken by Brian Mozill