Welcome to the Bronx, the most unlikely place I ever thought I would call home. As summer progresses, I have more and more time to consider all the things I love and can't wait to return to in the Bronx and my lovely school, Fordham. So, here it is, an (in)complete list of all the things I can't wait until August 29 to see!
1. Vodka Penne Pizza
Unfortunately, one does not do well avoiding the Freshman 15 (or 50) with this heavenly dish right outside the Fordham gates. However, the delight of having both pasta and pizza in one meal makes up for the fact that after nine months of eating this almost weekly, sweatpants have become the new jeans.
2. The Bars
Whether it be The Blend (RIP?), Howl at the Moon, Blue Goose, or even little ole Mugz's, I miss my favorite little illegally run weekend haunts. What's not to love about sticky, beer-coated floors, constantly clogged toilets and watered down, overpriced drinks?
3. Arthur Avenue
Arthur Avenue is home to some of the most delicious pasta I have had in my entire life, and I can't wait to enjoy a billion calorie meal at Michelangelo's with all of my lovely friends. Also, there is always a special place in my heart for Estrellita's and its heavenly pitchers of sangria.
4. Prince Street Coffee Shop
Newly opened at the end of Arthur Avenue, this place became one of my favorite study spots during the last few weeks of school. It is a little bit of a trek, but the mint chocolate lattes make up for the walk. Also, 10/10 on the decoration front.
5. Saturday Morning Football Games
Getting up in time for the games is often an issue considering how late I like to sleep on Saturday's, but the team spirit is well worth waking up before 12 p.m. Also, they sell hamburgers there, and I like hamburgers.
6. The automatically extended wardrobe that comes from living with your friends
Who doesn't like having multiple other closets to shop in? Personally, I hate almost all of my clothes at the moment, so it's nice having a lovely group of people with great style to share with. Unfortunately, this does not stop me from spending far too much money shopping each semester -- that's something to work on this year.
7. Getting to sleep in every day
Without parents around and no 8:30 classes scheduled for as far as the eye can see, the world is my oyster in terms of sleep. Whether it be 11 a.m., 12 p.m., or beyond (it's been done), I get all the sleep my little heart desires.
8. Grille Salads and Smoothies (the only edible food on campus)
Fordham is not known for its delicious food. Quite frankly, it sucks. However, the only food on campus that even close to redeems the bad reputation are the Grille salads and smoothies. Living in O'Hare next year right above the Grille, I can't wait to eat my weight in balsamic-coated goodness without fear of food poisoning.
9. Unlimited access to the city -- Sunday morning brunch trips included
With the Metro North right outside the gates, getting to Grand Central Station is almost as easy as getting to FMH for class on time. With the city comes Sunday brunch, and I'm pretty sure I miss that almost as much as I miss my friends.
10. Photo shoots in front of the graffiti wall
It's late on a Friday night and you're headed out to the bars, when suddenly you're distracted by the brightly colored graffiti wall that is a staple for at least several photo shoots throughout the year. Somehow, each time you see it, it's almost as exciting as the first time. If there was anything basic about the Bronx, this is it.
11. Having friends around me at all times
During the summer, I much prefer being by myself than with other people. However, college has somehow altered by introverted tendencies to allow me to thrive on spending time with friends at all hours of the day (and night). I honestly miss having some of the most wonderful people living right across or down the hall from me. At least I know there's always someone around to listen to my stories of how many times I have embarrassed myself that day.
12. Late night trips to Rams Deli
Burgers. French Fries. Pringles. Candy. God bless Rams Deli and everything it stands for.
13. TJ Maxx runs (and all the unnecessary purchases that stem from it)
I cannot tell you how many mugs. face masks, coloring books and pajama sets that I have unnecessarily bought at TJ Maxx over the past year. However, I can tell you that I can't wait to do it all again. I would like to thank the Bronx for officially making me a Maxinista.
