Springtime on campus

We are in the middle of Spring Break. It would be reasonable to assume that it would elicit quiet murmurs of dissapproval on the part of those of us who are more wizened, if not necessarily with age, at least with occupational exhaustion and the ennui that affects us in later life. It is, after all, that week of frenzied and unrestrained recreation for young college students, where they formulate unrealistic plans to congregate in mobs in places where rules and modesty don't apply, giving way to a modern day Bacchanalia. I call it a mobile fraternity row, and it is understandable that it is viewed with the same amount of terror as a hurricane or a looming tornado. It leaves, after all, a wide swath of destruction in its wake.

I never joined these revelers when I was of that age. My circle of friends didn't either, and for some reason, I never could give credit to those impulses, that need for shameless exhibitionism, and for rampant groping and mindless drinking that seemed to suggest, if anything else, the idea of luxury for those who came from more priviledged social classes, and not for working class types such as myself. It didn't fit with my background nor with my view of myself as an intellectual. I was more happy reading a science fiction novel than engaging in compulsive drinking.

This is still nonetheless an idyllic time for those of us who remain behind on campus. It coincides with amazing vistas of wild flowers at our local parks and wilderness areas, even as we are continually reminded of how these spaces are under continuing enchroachment by developers. This is also the period when the weather starts to change, and it becomes more pleasant to engage in outdoor actitivities, visiting local landmarks that are so much more pleasant when purged of juvenile revelers (yes, college students are juvenile, despite the fact that many of them are in their twenties).

I had a chance to walk around a local college campus as I made preparations for the next academic term. It provided me with the lovely vistas that I crave, those that provide comfort for those of us who prefer peace, solitude and quiet. The campus was deserted, and it had an almost soporific effect on me. Almost like my lectures on my students. (I couldn't resist!).

Here are a few photos. They reveal the main local landmark, a building with a fascinating architectural feature, as well as the Japanese garden. I hope to find cause to spend much time near this place as I spend time on this campus, where I will be teaching for the first time.

View from the parking lot. It looks very Avante-Garde. Almost like a modern day Ziggurat.

View of the pond, with koi and with select architectural features such as the small island and the restrained use of ornamental plants.

What follows is another view of the campus centerpiece, as I proceed to look for the department office.

It is a peaceful campus. Too bad it won't last.