"There Are Schedules to Be Maintained. Even in Columbia..."*

So, the whole point of this journey was to look at Columbia and NYU, right? Well, here's what I thought in a nutshell: "Ho hum." Followed shortly thereafter by: "What the hell am I doing in a nuthsell?" But in all seriousness (am I ever really "all seriousness"?), I was left rather unimpressed. Whereas Harvard rolled out the red carpet (or was it crimson?), NYU and Columbia had very little to offer me. Granted, it was spring break for them, and I was even counting on campus being a little dead. But even though I expected there to be no classes to sit in on, the provided tours were pretty useless. Columbia and NYU each just gave me a packet that they called a "self-guided" tour. This amounted to pointing out buildings and rooms on campus. Not surprisingly, I was left cold.

We visited Columbia first. Gorgeous campus and all that, but... meh. It was still blah. One of the finest legal institutions in the world, and I was bored. There was no personality, no character to the campus, the neighborhood. Sure, I was happy to see that Columbia law school provided a lactation room, but that was just another let-down in the end. NYU was pretty much the same. Neither of them called to me the way Harvard and Cambridge/Boston did. I was so excited there, I felt in my niche, and I could see myself living there. But New York? I absolutely love visiting Manhattan. There is always so much to do and see and eat. But I couldn't see myself living in those neighborhoods or going to school there. No, it just isn't me.

So, that seemed simple enough, right? Well, let's hope so. I don't think I'll visit Northwestern again. So, unless I hear from Stanford soon enough to organize a third trip, I'm done. Look out Harvard, here I come!

*Anyone who can tell me what movie this quote is from might very well be my friend for life. Hint: the original line is: "Colombia."

The Estes Boys Take Manhattan!
My Trip to NYU and Columbia

Can you imagine anything more fun than spending two days in New York with Adam and Andrew Estes? The answer is: No. No you cannot. In case you need any evidence as to why were are absolutely hysterical and more fun than a barrel of monkeys playing Candyland, here's my account of our recept trip to New York City. (Oh yeah, law school commentary later on).

Monday
5:45 AM: Adam picked me up at my apartment and we drove to the airport. Why did I give up Starbucks and other brands of coffee treats for Lent? Yuck. This could be a long trip. Our flight was delayed, but no worry. We had Adam's video I-Pod. We could only feel the jealousy in the eyes of passers-by, as these two cool cats, both in corduroy blazers shared a pair of earphones and watched the last 2 episodes of "Project Runway." We finally got on the plane, and Adam wanted me to call the flight attendant "waitress." I suggested that when I was in the bathroom, he should call the flight attendant and say: "Have you seen my daughter? She was just here..." Needless to say, we were the only ones who thought we were funny.

1:30 PM: Checked in at our hotel, The Muse, in the Theatre District. Since there was only 1 King Size bed, Adam informed me that I could sleep in the tub. I informed him that he could bite me.

2:00 PM: Visited Columbia Law School.

3:30 PM: Shopping! H&M, Banana Republic, Gant, Armani Exchange, other places I can't quite remember.... Quite fun. Too bad everything was far too expensive for the quality or whim.. Too early in the season, I guess. But, hey, when Adam asked me my opinion on clothes, I felt really special. That's when you know you have some taste. Or, that I'm gay. Haha! Just kidding.

5:00 PM: Returned to the hotel. Quick bite to eat, followed by watching "Spanglish" on HBO and mutual napping. At this point, we decided to play with the throw at the foot of the bed, which looked like a pashmina. I declined Adam's bet to wear it to dinner, but I agreed to let him take a picture (See middle photo). At this point, the maid came into our room, and kept asking if we wanted anything. After I kept repeating that we were good, she handed over a pile of biscotti and left. We named her Pashmina Shuttlebus. Good biscotti, though.

8:00 PM: We had dinner at The Eatery with Adam's friend Ben, who I had met a few times before, and saw in his last show, "The Andrews Brothers." On the way to the restaurant, Adam swears he saw Chloe from "Project Runway." He kept insisting he did, until Ben pointed out that she was on the Today Show, live via Satellite, in Texas. Turns out Adam is just a racist. Go figure.

10:30 PM: Returned to hotel. Watched TV, fell asleep to "Will & Grace." Didn't really sleep well. Tossed and turned most of the night, curled up all the way on the edge of the bed.

Tuesday
10:00 AM: Got up. Made ourselves pretty. Went through tons of product, as usual.

11:00 AM: Went to Falai, the bakery/restaurant where Ellen's sister, Claire, works. After chatting with her for a bit before she had to get back to work, we had some wonderful choco-croissants. They were these amazing warm croissants, filled with choclate mousse, and topped with chocolate powder and powdered sugar. Amazing.

Noon: Visited NYU Law School.

1:30 PM: More shopping! Banana Republic: Men (repeat, but different location!), Club Monaco, Lord & Taylor. Bought a few shirts on clearance. Come on, I couldn't leave empty-handed, and these were pretty nice, actually.Score!

3:00 PM: Left for the airport. What are the odds that we would have the same cab driver? Adam didn't believe me, but I know Neil Roopram, medallion #1C16 anywhere. After a bite to eat in the food court, and a few hours of delays, we were off. Good-bye, NYC. I do heart visiting.

Part IV: The Writing on the Wall

There sure are a lot of inscriptions everywhere at Harvard. I think I should examine some of it more closely.

"And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws and shalt shew them the way where they must walk and the work that they must do." This quote can be found on the outside of Austin Hall, the first Law School building on campus. Can't really disagree with this one. The first half of it seems to be pretty basic, no argument there. However, the "shew them the way where they must walk..." part deserves a closer inspection. It seems a little vague, but I take it to mean that they intend to show generally what a lawyer should do. It does seem close to removing freedom of choice, but I don't think it is. In any occupation, any calling, there is work that must be done, both literally, and in the sense of working for the greater good. If they can shew me how to do that, I have no objections.

Veritas: This appears on Harvard's seal, so it's not really unique to the law school. But I think it is quite important. Truth. Without this, why else go to school or get an education? Not only should it be an education of truth, it should be a quest for truth. Of course, the truth is a tricky situation. It isn't always pretty, and it isn't always what we want to hear. Often, it can be the hardest thing to receive. Can we really do anything but accept the truth? Food for thought: "Veritas" doesn't just appear on the buildings; since it's on Harvard's seal, it appears on apparel. Do I intend to wear "Veritas" on the outside only?

"Out of the ould fields must spring and grow the new Corne." -Sir Edward Coke. Who doesn't like old-timey English? I know I love it. But out of all the quotes and catchphrases, I think this one spoke to me the most. This is a new direction for me, a new path. I am going to be across the country next year, back in school, for three more years, and I need to grow new Corne. Is this the same as teaching an old dog new tricks? I hope not. After all, fields are turned over many times before the soil is depleted of its nutrients. And the earth can always be restored, so hope is not lost. But what will it mean for me to grow new Corne? As much as I would like to take all of my closest friends and family, everyone I love (and I hope you all know who you are!), I physically can't. And while you'll always be with me in spirit, and I fully intend on keeping in touch, I have to start over. Isn't that what this is? A new beginning? A chance to do better, for myself and for others? After all, what is the point of going to law school if I don't expect it to change me at all? I'm ready for a fresh start, for that new Corne that I've heard so much about. This ould field is too tired of the same ould headaches, the same ould drama, the same ould problems. But don't think this means good-bye to all of you wonderful people. If I'm saying good-bye to anyone, it's to the old me. I haven't a clue what sort of change awaits me; I hope it isn't too drastic, and I certainly hope it's for the better. But one thing is for sure: I'm ready for my new Corne. And if anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears.

Part III: Harvard Students Are People Too!

So what is it like to be a Harvard Law Student? Well, I really can't answer that yet. However, I think I can mention a thing or two about the life of students from my observations.

1) Legally Blonde is not a documentary (and other myths shattered): This came as a shock to me too, but there are a lot of beliefs I had about Harvard Law that weren't correct. Laptops? I saw very few people in the Criminal Law class writing notes on laptops, maybe two or three people in the section of 80. Furthermore, people were quite social and friendly, even helpful. Some students' sense of humor was right up my alley, including someone saying "get rid of the fatties" in the Criminal Law class (this was in reference to a lifeboat situation). Yes, the professors can really grill the students, but what I saw was more of a "prodding" than a "tearing apart." Oh, I'm sure I'll find those bad professors out there though.

2) Benefits of being a law student: There were a bunch of really cool things available to law students, such as the following:

• Underground tunnels. They connect the academic buildings, so no worries during the bitter Northeastern winters.
• Ice skating rink. There's one right outside the Harkness Commons (Law Student Commons). Who does that?
• Starbucks and booze. Check this one out: also in the Commons, the coffee shop, which serves Starbucks, turns into a pub at night! I don't ever have to leave!
• Coke campus. Suck on it, Pepsi.

3) Depleting the Ozone, and other Atmosphere-related issues: Harvard really isn't as snotty as I thought it would be. And, while there were a number of exceptionally well-dressed people, everyone still looks like a college student, more or less. It was comfortable, without looking filthy. You know? There was one terrible tragedy. Elby and I saw a woman walking around in the ugliest boots ever. Worse than Uggs. These were the ones that look like you are wearing Muppets on your feet. Seriously, like someone shot and skinned two of Snuffulufagus's babies.
Also, it's hard to walk around thinking you're better than everyone else. I'm sure people still do it, but come on. It's Harvard. Lastly, anywhere else, if I see someone wearing Harvard apparell, I think either: 1) tool or 2) like you got in to Harvard. But here, it's the norm (makes sense, I suppose). Just like everyone at Marquette sports Marquette gear, everyone at Harvard sports Harvard gear. I guess it all fascinates me because it's hard to believe sometimes that it's all real.

Conclusion: Being a Harvard Law student looks like it really rocks! And I'm looking forward to being one of them!

P.S. I'll be the prettiest boy there! Look out, ladies!

Extraordinaire!

Part II: Boston/Cambridge

Well, I suppose some musing on the city would be important. In the immortal words of L. B. Hammond (who wants me to call her L.B., or "Elby" as I shall put it) it's "hip." My small sample of the Boston area couldn't agree more. The place is hip. Like two long-lost lovers, Lydia and I met one cold evening on the Harvard bridge. Ok, it was probably as far as you can get from romance. But, any other two people: fireworks. From there, she took me on a whirlwind tour of Boston, or at least the few blocks beyond the Charles River. Considering I was tired and hungry (ok, when am I not?), I was fine with that. We had some deeeelicious Southeast Asian cuisine at a place called "Island Hopper." Our waiter, a young Asian man with a quasi-mullet, recognized Lydia. She admitted to having no life. We stuffed ourselves on amazing Crab Rangoon, General Gau's Chicken, and Mango Chicken. Where to now? To get some candy, obviously! "Sugar Heaven" was a fantastic little candy store, and it provided plenty of opportunities to take pictures. Chocolate Babies? Candy G-Strings? This place had it going on! We gorged ourselves some more and sang along to the Britney and Christina that they had piping overhead. We left, and walked around Newbury street, where all the "young swells" (as Elby put it) go. I don't think I've seen so many foreign cars before (and I've been to Germany!). Jaguar. BMW. Benz. Porsche. (Of course, the following day I would be equally surprised at the Harvard Faculty parking lot). It was getting late, so we called our non-romantic date a night.

The next morning, I took a very cold 40 minute walk from my hotel to Cambridge. I met Elby at the Au Bon Pain (which translates to" at the At the Good Bread." Much redundant much?). We walked around, and I couldn't believe that there was such a quaint, charming place. All of the shopfronts were so classy and precious! We had breakfast at La Creperie, a tiny place that was filled at the moment with a large group of students speaking Italian, and some very well-dressed young professorial types (I wanted the one man's charcoal three-button suit. Some day, Andrew... some day...). Crepes? Amaaaazing. Oh dear GOD! I had the "Extraordinaire" which is French for "sex for breakfast." Strawberries? Check. Bananas? Check. Nutella milk chocolate? Drool (Picture above). At this point, it bears noting that things are quite pricey. This was to be expected, I suppose. It's a big city, and Cambridge is filled with Harvard/M.I.T. types, so people should be able to afford it. At least, I'm sure that's the logic. All I know is I am going to have to set myself a budget, and try to live within my means. I don't know how much I'll actually be able to visit these wonderful establishments, but it's nice to know there's an option. This is also when I realized I need to befriend some Gatsby-esque character, except I need him not to go and die on me. Too soon?

Well, Cambridge and the Boston area that I saw was just my cup of tea. (Insert lame Boston Tea Party joke here). So much charm, so much character! I really can see myself living here, and I simply cannot wait until I return. With any luck, you'll be able to visit me. I know of two Starbucks' that we can go to. And if you do visit, we'll be sure to have some sex for breakfast.

My Trip to Harvard Law School
Part I: First Impressions

It wasn't until I actually arrived in Boston and Cambridge that I realized something: this is all real. Sure, I've seen pictures, movies, and the like, but in the back of my head, I didn't think it would actually look and feel like that in reality. Well, it did. I thought: "So, this is where all the red brick in the known universe is." Who knew that places like this still existed? Ok, probably hundreds of thousands of people. But it wasn't actualized to me until I arrived. Here was a place with charm and a personality all of its own.

Standing around, walking among the buildings, I had this feeling of insignificance. It wasn't really positive or negative in itself, more neutral, and perspective-shifting. It was a similar feeling to being on top of a mountain, or looking out the window of a plane, or even being in front of a great work of art. You cannot help but crane your neck, look up, and feel tiny. But as awesome as the feeling is, I remembered that they are just buildings. They are brick, mortar, wood, and more. They mean nothing apart from the people there, from the knowledge they are supposed to instill, and the work that knowledge is supposed to do. Yet, the feeling still remains, of being the presence of greatness.

So, I walked around. I talked with people. I sat in on a class. I'll flesh out those details later. Not only did the trip help me personally, as I was much in need of a vacation from campus and all the concerns that go with it, I got really excited. I think this is it.

Bane of my existence? Two words: "financial aid." And I thought trying to get money for college was a headache! Imagine having to provide all sorts of financial documents for yourself and your parents... to a bunch of lawyers! Yeesh... yeah, this is no fun, but I want to afford law school, so I have to do it. Keep your fingers crossed that my space-case of a Dad can stop making coasters for a minute and fill out his information!

Looking forward to visiting Harvard this weekend! March 2-4 I'm going to be in Cambridge, MA. I've never been to Boston before, so that should be pretty exciting, no? Plus, I'll be all by my lonesome (well, except for the wild night with one Lydia Berg-Hammond). Here's hoping that I just fall in love with Harvard and make my decision there. While visiting, I'm going to sit in on a class, meet some current students, take a tour, all that jazz. I think it will come as good timing too, because I need to get away from this campus for a bit. A change of scenery should do me a world of good right now. Then hey, Spring Break is just a week away! And you know what that means, right? Mexico! (Note: by "Mexico," I mean "visiting NYU, Columbia, and Northwestern.") Margaritas on me!