NYC JAYwalk

For most people, college signifies the beginning of a new chapter of life. As we all run off down our different paths, there isn't really anyone who'll deny the moments of uncertainty and perhaps even anxiety as we face the reality of what's coming.
College is new -- a new environment, a new routine, new people ... It is only natural that soon-to-be college students would want to make some friends early so they are not completely clueless and alone come orientation August.
So, with this in mind, one girl out in upstate New York took notice that there were a lot of Johns Hopkins students from the NY/NJ area and suggested a meetup.

On Saturday, April 9th, thirteen or so JHU newbies congregated under the clock in Grand Central Station, New York City. And so began the first NYC JAYwalk adventure.

The weather was surprisingly and fortunately nice -- sunny and not too cold, a pleasant break from the relentless 40degree weather we've been having. We started with Chipotle and Jampa Juice, sitting in a J formation (how fitting) in Bryant Park. Right after lunch, we decided to walk from Bryant Park all the way down to Union Square.

During that 26-block walk from 40th to 14th street...
~we saw a dog taking a dump in the middle of Broadway
~discussed the unfairness of guys v. girls bathroom lines
~talked about SOHOP!
~shared SAT/ACT scores
~discussed the typical NYC tourist pace v. the typical NYC native pace   (we love our tourists! <3)

And then we reached Union Square, where there was a fair selling amazing hot apple cider and grass.

There was also a group of people in Union Square protesting evolution and preaching the love of Jesus. We listened in on it -- possibly one of the most entertaining things I've ever listened to. Recap?
Best quote of the day by someone who was quite annoyed at the group: "I AM JESUS!"
Best question of the day posed to the group: "What color was Jesus Christ?"
Best argument of the day by the group: "You know what evolutionists are saying? They're saying that if you throw a grenade into a garage, the next day a Mercedes will appear."
oh crazy things.

And then we went to Stand, which was right nearby, and had Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes. So, so good.


Afterwards, several of our friends had to leave (unfortunately). We walked them to the subway, and then the remaining four of us continued our adventures, including almost being run over because the light turned green just as we ran across the street.

We also went to Max Brenner, aka heaven in a building, where we split two slices of Chocolate Pizza. Basically imagine a pizza with chocolate instead of tomato sauce and toasted marshmallows instead of cheese. :D

Max Brenner Chocolate Pizza

so messy but so good <3

And then Korean BBQ at Woo Lae Oaks for dinner! My friends like rice. I shall make them rice in college during our food fests if we get Wolman (the building with the kitchenettes), because I, the Asian, will bring a rice cooker :) And for dessert (yes we ate dessert even after all the chocolate and marshmallows), we ate this thing, which was sooo good.


First NYC JAYwalk: definitely a success. Definitely doing it again :D