Poughkeepsie, New York was our destination today, an hour long ride north of New York City along the beautiful Hudson River. We visited Hyde Park, the lifelong home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Vassar College. Both were similar in their lovely grounds and varying tree life. The humidity was more apparent up north and the air felt hazy.
First we took a trip to Hyde Park, where we were taken on a private tour around FDR's home. We were shown many of his rooms, such as his private study and a bathroom, which was awkwardly shaped because it used to be a closet and therefore had odd pipe placement. We also got to see the final resting place of FDR and his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt. FDR, 32nd president of the United States, was a remarkable man. In office for the duration of the Great Depression and majority of WW2, he served 4 terms (the only president to do so) because of his popularity with the people. Among some of the many programs he initiated as a part of his New Deal were the TVA, which helped literally to light up the south and bring power and therefore jobs to the southern states, and the FERA, which allotted $500 million to other programs in need. We exited the house high, up on a hill and looked out over the Hudson River for a fantastic view.
After lunch, Ms. L. showed us a bruise on her wrist where she took a hit from the subway door and she reinforced how important it is to move with speed and be defensive when traveling on the underground.
The first thing we did at Vassar was attend an information session. To be blunt, my mind faded for its duration. All the college's information sessions seem to be fairly similar, but I did jot down many noteworthy and unique things about Vassar nonetheless.
Afterwards we went in a joint tour with some other prospective Vassar students. It was blazing hot during the tour, and we were baked in the sun as we walked around the Vassar campus, but that didn't stop me from being intrigued. When we left the admissions office, I noticed a large smokestack protruding from the building, which is just one example of the interesting architecture of the school. I first based my impression of Vassar off of my research from earlier this year, but the tour totally changed my perspective.
While we waited for the train we discussed the colleges we'd visited so far and what we liked and didn't like about them - grounds, curriculum, majors offered, residential life etc. Our train rolled up right on time at 4:20 and we enjoyed a peaceful ride south, back to the city.
For dinner, my buds and I hopped off the subway and turned up the street corner to arrive at Ellen's Stardust Diner. The diner was unique in that all of the waitstaff sang while serving. All of the waiters and waitresses there were intent upon making it to Broadway, and they were all so talented and entertaining. It was definitely the most entertaining dinner I have ever been too! We tried to stay as long as possible because it was such an enjoyable event. Among many songs, the waiters sang Bohemian Rhapsody, One More Day from Les Mis, and Eleanor Rigby.
Thankfully we had an early night, and I enjoyed a nice cup of herbal tea in our kitchen's cute little teapot, so hopefully I will get lots of sleep tonight!
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