“There’s no place like home.” That’s what we always hear, and I have to say I agree. West
Lafayette already feels like my home, even though I have only been here for 8 weeks. There is
something truly magical about this town that makes me feel warm and content. Despite this, I
feel like visiting a new place, even if it is only for a few days, can do wonders for our wellbeing
and happiness.
It’s 8 am and I’m staring at the world through my hotel window. I don’t know what I’m having
for breakfast or what landmarks I will visit throughout the day. All I know is I’m in a splendid
city and there are endless possibilities awaiting me. The sun is shining, 12 of my friends are here
with me, and ever-lasting memories are about to be made.
Throughout the day, we have a picnic in Millenium Park, laughing as we cut a vanilla cake and
dip strawberries in Nutella jars. We stroll around Michigan Avenue, taking pictures and buying
clothes we don’t really need. Night comes, and parties and dancing come into the scene, meeting
friends from other universities and bumping into fellow Purdue students.
The weekend passes in a blur of laughing until our bellies hurt, posting way too many Instagram
stories, eating acai bowls and overpriced pizza and pasta (which was definitely worth it). We
order sugary cocktails and we dance until our feet can’t stand it anymore. Just for a weekend,
there are no assignments or responsibilities. Just for a weekend, we can be truly ourselves:
careless, free and joyful.
Yes, I love West Lafayette. Purdue has truly become my home in these first 8 weeks, but there’s
no denying that travelling somewhere else for 4 days was pure medicine for my soul. Visiting
Chicago with my friends was definitely a dream come true, an unforgettable experience and a
much needed break. It reminded me that travelling-whether to another country or to a nearby
town-make our hearts happy and keeps our souls young.