A Rainy Delightful Day

My internal clock decided that 5:48 AM was the time for my eyes to open. They scanned the quiet room, noticing the sun shining through the window and Audrey sleeping soundly in the bed near me. I laid in bed forcing myself to fall back asleep, which thankfully I did, to be later properly awoken at 7:00 AM.

We met in the hotel lobby at 8 AM to break our fast. Instead of eating the classic free waffles and eggs concoction provided by hotel chains, we decided to eat at a nearby restaurant, Atmalogy. It gave me strong Bay Area hipster vibes. The building was a house turned into a restaurant, we walked up the stairs, through the balcony, and opened the door - a house indeed. The restaurant  was dimly lit with modern lighting fixtures; chalkboards for creative indulges; rustic furniture; colorful pillows; and adorned with a map of the world. The real embodiment of our hipsterness was the food we ordered - avocado toast, overnight oatmeal, basil berry smoothies, and lattes. Our breakfast conversation included our food choices (3 out of 5 of us are vegetarian), the slow construction of schools, and our future goals - a truly probing conversation.

Our healthy breakfast

After breakfast, we headed to Barnes and Noble to buy Vanderbilt merchandise before our tour of the campus. The store had a myriad of gray, yellow, and black hoodies, t-shirts, and pants that sported the Vanderbilt logo in 20 million ways. As you would assume, we struggled to choose.  After some small talk with an employee, Hawi the savior discovered that tour participants get 25% of their purchases.Thankfully, we hadn’t purchased our clothing yet, and set them on hold so we could get our discount once the tour has ended.

By the time we set our clothing on hold, it was time for us to head to the tour. We walked, which the day consisted much of, to where the tour would be. Entering the room where the informational session would be held, we saw  young, eager faces from all parts of the nation - one even from Canada - occupying the many seats. For one hour an admissions officer, Alison Key, discussed the history of the university, academics, financial aid, and demographics. It was definitely insightful to hear the perspective of an admission officer - who emphasized that Vanderbilt admissions looks for reasons to admit students, not deny them. Propagating the message that the Vanderbilt staff cares greatly for all students and is eager to find those who fit best in the Vanderbilt community. 

Exiting the tour

After the information session, we were separated in groups and were assigned to a student tour guide who would show us around the campus. To our delight, as we exited the building a raging thunderstorm rattled above us, dropping sheets of rain upon our dry heads. We scrambled to a nearby building to shelter from the weather and hoped that the storm would be over soon, so we could resume the tour. While waiting out the rain, our tour guide, Caroline, told us about student life. She told us how small class sizes permit great classroom collaboration with professors and students - and professors are willing to spend hours with you tutoring until you can grasp a concept. She told us how she recently trekked through Spain during May, immersing herself in a different culture while also getting credit for her Spanish minor. Caroline feels at home at Vanderbilt and surely loves the community and autumn trees.

When the tour guides realized that the storm was not letting up we ventured to a theater for an impromptu panel. Where we were free to ask any questions and were given answers from varying perspectives. The Ivy League Connection’s voices seemed to fill up the room the most, as we asked questions that I felt I learned the most from. I asked, “ If you could go back in time and be a freshman all over again, what would you have done differently?” They wished they would’ve been less afraid to get their feet wet; to make new friends; talk to their professors; and be involved in student activities. I will apply these words of wisdom to VSA and make sure that I make new friends, try new things, and get to know my professor. Another great question that I liked was was from Audrey, she asked, “ What’s your favorite thing about Vanderbilt?” They loved the open armed community, where from the day you arrive as a freshman you are appreciated, cherished, and feel right at home. There is even a tradition where when freshman drive up to their dorms with trunks full of suitcases and boxes, they are rushed by students who take all their luggage up to their dorms. Freshman and their family members don’t lift a single hair, but are instead brought to their dorm rooms and embraced as new members of the Vanderbilt family. 

We wandered and found a nice place for a photo.

Once the tour ended, so did the thunderstorm. As curious beings, we decided to embark on our own exploration of the wet campus, looking at squirrels, buildings, and green grass. After our walking, we returned to Barnes and Noble to purchase our novel Vanderbilt merchandise. And decided that our stomachs were in need of nourishment - Hog Heaven was next on the list. 

We drove through the bustling suburbs and turned left to a small rustic shack of a restaurant, seemingly out of place next to McDonald and soaring buildings. Hog Heaven has a screened in eating area, with two tables and a window where you order food. Despite its homely appearance, the food was quite satisfying. Across the street, was the Parthenon - perfect location and perfect timing, since we didn’t have much else planned for the evening. The Parthenon in Centennial Park is an exact replica of the original structure located in Athens. The site  has a lovely combination of rich history from all parts of the world. Constructed in 1897 during the Reconstruction Era a few statues of Confederate veterans and Suffragists inhabit the grassy area leading to the main event. The Parthenon itself is a towering structure with tall tan pillars and steep stairs. Inside is a collection of donated art from the time of it’s construction along with a representation of the goddess Athena and a few more Greek structures. 

The Parthenon, featuring the Vanderbilt girls.

After exiting the Parthenon we wandered the grassy area, sat near a lake to greet the ducks and two lone turtles, and eventually made our way back to the hotel for a bonding and blogging session before dinner.

We ate dinner at the Urban Cookhouse, a friendly restaurant that would fit perfectly back home in Berkeley. It appeared to be part of a chain, but did have a fresher and healthier selection of food, along with a rustic appeal with wooden benches and a lit outside eating area. We were all glad to be able to consume something besides Barbecue food, and dined on wraps, salads, and sandwiches. 

Great food from Urban Cookhouse.

Following our meal, we began to explore the neighboring area in search of Music Row. The rain had stopped and the weather was pleasantly warm - the walk seemed it would fare well, but oh were we wrong. The problem was, Music Row was nowhere in sight, despite signs with arrows indicating that Music row wasthat way. Google maps failed us miserably; strangers failed us, despite our strong belief in them; and we failed ourselves. After talking to a friendly mother and her daughter, we were misdirected, for the umpteenth time, and found ourselves strolling through empty streets of recording studios. Even though we were desperately lost, we enjoyed the modern building where deals are signed and  stars are made. We circled blocks numerous times, tried walking down different streets just for the heck of it, but eventually 45 minutes later we gave up. 

On the car ride home, we wondered if Music Row even existed, what if it was just a mythical place, or a citywide prank to confuse tourists. But our theories seem to hold no value, since it exists all over the internet. It’s still fun to imagine.Tomorrow when we go to the Country Music Hall of Fame, we will continue our search, hopefully we’ll be successful.