Happy Spring! It’s hard to believe it’s already April, but that also means we are entering one of my favorite times of the year at Princeton, when the flowers are in full bloom. I had a busy Easter weekend, but I appreciated the opportunity to celebrate with friends, soak in the beautiful weather, and enjoy a change of pace from my schoolwork. On Good Friday, I attended a service organized by students in Princeton Christian Fellowship (PCF), Manna Christian Fellowship, and Christian Union Nova which I had been looking forward to all week. The service included beautiful strings and vocal performances, worship songs, a message from a Manna staff member, and a time of prayer. Following the service, we enjoyed apple cider donuts and fellowship in Murray Dodge, the home of the Office of Religious Life. I caught up with some friends about their week, met a few new faces, and even ran into a friend from the Class of 2023 who made a surprise visit from Boston.

On Saturday morning, I had the luxury of sleeping in until I was woken by the sunlight. I went for a 7 mile run, my longest run yet, as part of training for my first half-marathon. I am really happy with how it went and am excited to continue running longer distances in the coming weeks! Afterwards, I headed to my co-op, 2D, which has become one of my favorite places at Princeton. Co-ops are groups of students who take turns cooking one meal each week. To be honest, I think I am eating as well as I might ever eat in my life! I am constantly surprised by the diversity of delicious food which the other students prepare, from dal to mapo tofu, and focaccia to cardamom buns. 

 

 

My cookshift is Saturday brunch, and I usually like to make a tofu stir fry in our wok, which is large enough to cover four burners. After a delicious meal of mushrooms, spicy tofu, salad made with hydroponic lettuce and vegetables from the Forbes garden, squash soup, and cornbread, I headed back to my room to do some schoolwork.

A few hours later, I got ready for my dear friend Mirae’s bridal shower. Mirae was actually my Community Action orientation leader and one of the first people I met at Princeton. She and her then-boyfriend, now fiancé, helped one of my first-year roommates and I carry a free couch we found a mile off campus all the way to our room, even though she had only met me the day before. The bridal shower was beautifully executed by her friends in Princeton Christian Fellowship and beyond, and I was also able to catch up with another good friend from the Class of 2022 who came down from New York City.

 

 

 

 

After the bridal shower, I headed to the International Food Fest organized by our Class Government, which featured food from around the world and was a great chance to catch up with a friend who I studied abroad with last semester and discuss a book we both recently finished.

 

 

My friend and I went back to my room, where I did a reading for my Psychotherapy class before heading over to Richardson Auditorium to watch my first Naacho show. Naacho is Princeton’s premier South Asian dance company. I had always wanted to attend one of their shows, and this year a first-year student from my hometown was performing, so I had an extra reason to go. I was blown away by the dancers’ infectious energy and excitement, the intricate and clean formations, and the diversity of styles they showcased, and I cannot wait to attend another one of their shows next year. Being in Triple 8 has shown me just how much work goes into putting together a show, especially the week leading up to it, so I had a lot of respect for the dancers and choreographers who spent many late nights rehearsing and poured their hearts into the performance. I have never seen so many dancers evidently having so much fun on stage, and the audience was hooked.

 

 

 

After a packed day, I was ready for a good night’s sleep. The following morning was Easter Sunday. I was happy to see the sun was out again, and I headed to the U-Store to catch the bus to Stone Hill Church. Usually, we have approximately 10-15 students on the bus, but this week the bus was completely full, and so was the church sanctuary, which was such a blessing to see! The service was filled with joyous music from our worship team, brass band, and choir, and our senior pastor shared an engaging message which had the entire congregation laughing. After the service, students headed to various Easter brunches generously hosted by PCF staff members and local families. I attended brunch with my “adopted family” from Stone Hill. It was very special to eat an incredible home-cooked meal prepared with love and enjoy the warmth of a home together with other students.

 

 

 

 

After returning to campus, my friend Grace and I remarked how beautiful the magnolia trees were and took advantage of the sunny weather to take a few photos.

 

 

 

 

Next, I headed to Dillon Gym for a Triple 8 rehearsal for a spring choreography video (stay tuned for our video releases this summer!), after which I finally sat down to do some work. The events and celebrations of the weekend were very meaningful and brought me a lot of joy, but I certainly had a lot to catch up on. I spent the rest of the evening working with a friend in Firestone Library and Murray-Dodge Cafe, where we grabbed free cookies to fuel our brains.

 

 

What a weekend! Most of my weekends are not nearly this busy, and I did have some catching up to do the following week, but I wanted to share this special weekend in the life and prove that it is possible to relax and have fun even in the midst of a crazy semester. Thank you to all those who organized these events!

As a break from my regularly-scheduled sad/nostalgic blog posts, I decided to write this month’s post about my favorite beverage, matcha, and where to get it on and around campus. I have tried matcha at most of the places around Princeton, with a staple being Coffee Club, where they also have seasonal variations of the beverage—the current (Spring 2024) variation is the mango matcha lemonade. So here are my favorite places to have matcha! 

• Junbi
  • Admittedly, Junbi is not my favorite place to get plain matcha, in part because I like sweeter drinks and Junbi’s matcha is not the sweetest. However, getting the strawberry matcha latte with boba is an unparalleled experience, where you can indulge in a light dose of strawberry, the sweet chewiness of tapioca pearls, and the freshness of Junbi’s matcha all at once. 
• Wawa
  • This might be an unconventional take, especially since Wawa and matcha does not seem to make that much sense. However, the vanilla matcha at wawa, while certainly with a bit of an artificial flavoring, is the perfect mix of sweetness with a hint of matcha flavor that makes it a perfect afternoon treat. I tried the matcha at Wawa on a complete whim, and honestly, I haven’t been able to stop going. 
• Sakrid
  • Truth be told, I have only had Sakrid matcha once. But the one time that I did, it was SO good. It had the lightness of Coffee Club, the sweetness of Wawa, and the freshness of Junbi, all in one. I would highly recommend it. 
• Coffee Club (our student-run on-campus coffee shops)
  • Coffee Club at both locations, while might not deliver the sweetest matcha you have ever had (sad news for someone with a large sweet tooth such as myself), gives you the flexibility to customize your own drinks (I love getting the strawberry and/or raspberry matcha, or if they have it, the honey matcha). Also, the matcha here is very consistent. I always know what I'm getting into when I am getting Coffee Club matcha, and it is also very light, which is perfect when I don’t want a particularly strong dose of matcha powder in my drink. (And the baristas are always so lovely to chat with!)
• Small World
  • If I am being honest, the oat-y flavor of Small World does not speak to me that much, and I think the matcha is a bit overpriced for what you are getting. I would honestly recommend the coffee at Small World over the matcha there. However, this is also a personal preference, and the matcha does not have the artificial taste that some of the alternatives on this list may have. 

Even if you asked me to, I would not be able to give a definitive ranking of all of the matcha spots around campus, in part because I seek them all out for different reasons. I hope you are able to look at my comments and make a decision for the matcha you want to have for the day!

If you’re anything like me, then you’re often finding yourself hungry between the wee hours of 9 PM and 2 AM (especially if you’re pulling the occasional all-nighter!). With all the dining halls on campus closing for dinner at 8 PM, I’ve become quite familiar with all the spots to grab a bite at unconventional hours. Here are my rankings of the best places to find food on campus when you need to satisfy that late night craving:

1) Wawa

I’m originally from northern New Jersey, so I was no stranger to Wawa coming to Princeton. But if you aren’t familiar, Wawa is a local convenience store chain—though, not your typical one. Apart from your standard drinks and snacks, they also have made-to-order hoagies, quesadillas, pizza, and a host of other sides and drinks. Located right in between our Dinky train station and Forbes College, the store offers a great option for both a quick bite or a full-blown meal. And it’s 24/7! That’s right, all day everyday. (P.S. One of my favorite things to get there are their Wawa donuts!) 

2) Studio ‘34

Studio ‘34 is one of campus’s hidden gems. The mini-convenience store is located in the basement of Butler College and operates at the following hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 PM-2 AM. It was closed down during my freshman year, but as soon as it opened back up when I was a sophomore, Studio ‘34 became one of my most frequented hang out spots. It was the perfect place on the weekends to refuel with friends after a late night out on the Street, or even for a snack-and-study session during the week at one of the common spaces nearby. Definitely a go-to place for both eating and socializing!

3) U-Store

The U-Store located at 36 University Place (right by beautiful Blair Arch!) is another great option for late night snacking. It’s half merch/dorm furnishings store, half grocery store, and totally awesome. They have all your basic grocery store items, as well as fresh produce and even packaged meals from local restaurants like Tiger Noodles (a great affordable option if you’re craving food from Nassau Street!). For students who opt to be Independent, or for any students who like to cook, this is an especially convenient spot to grab ingredients. My junior year dorm is only a few feet away from the U-Store, so I’ve definitely gained a newfound appreciation for it this year. 

4) C-Store

Finally, the C-Store is a must have if you’re in a grab-and-go situation. Its options aren’t as plentiful as the first three, but since it's located within Frist Campus Center—the hub of student life at Princeton—many people pass through it on a daily basis. I’ve often found myself snagging a bottle of Coca Cola or a bag of Welch’s Fruit Snacks while I’m at Frist to study. However, the C-Store does close at 9 PM on weekdays and 11 PM on weekends, so if you’re up super late, you’re better off heading to one of the other stores! 
    
Honorable Mention: Late Meal at Frist

As an avid Late Meal enthusiast, I have to give a shoutout to one of my favorite Princeton pastimes. Like the C-Store, Late Meal is located within Frist Campus Center. It’s essentially another little cafeteria, intended for students who aren’t able to eat meals at the normal hours or in the dining halls. And if you’re a freshman or sophomore, then you can automatically get food here for free up to $9.50 everyday! They have a ton of different stations: grill, pasta, pizza, salad, Asian cuisine. The only reason it didn’t make my top four rankings is its time restrictions. Late Lunch is offered Monday-Thursday from 11 AM-4 PM and Late Dinner is offered Monday-Friday from 8:30-10 PM. But when it is open, it’s a student-favorite spot to grab food and hang out! (Be warned, though, it can get super busy during peak hours. I recommend ordering ahead for the grill station using our new TigerDash website!)

There you have it! For all of my fellow snack enthusiasts and night owls, these are my go-to spots that I definitely recommend you check out next time you have that late night craving!

Last summer, through Princeton’s International Internship Program (IIP) I interned at the social policy unit of the nonprofit think tank, Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) Malaysia. IIP funds students to intern for 8 weeks at a partner organization in over 50 countries. As this was my first ever internship and my first time in Malaysia, I was very excited about the opportunity. However, as I was the only intern at IDEAS from Princeton, and this was my first time living alone abroad, I was also quite nervous going into my internship. 

When I first arrived in Kuala Lumpur, I had a few days before my internship began, so I decided to travel around to see local attractions. One particular site that I remember fondly was the Batu Caves, a Hindu temple located inside a cave system with 200 steps leading up to it. Next to the stairs is the largest statue in Malaysia, the gold and monumental Murugan statue. I remember trekking up the steps and being surprised at the number of monkeys accompanying me on my journey up. I also remember having a refreshing sip of coconut water around the base of the caves and being excited by the lively energy of the site – a great representation of my time in Kuala Lumpur as a whole. 

When I started my internship, I was excited at the sheer breadth of research opportunities I was presented with. I was primarily tasked with conducting data collection and drafting a paper on youth unemployment in the ASEAN region, transcribing interviews, editing case studies, conducting qualitative research, and writing summaries of other academic research. I particularly enjoyed the travel opportunities that were a part of my internship at IDEAS: visiting Malaysia’s Ministry of Health to take notes during the launch of a paper on breast cancer, and traveling to Gua Musang to conduct a workshop on Orang Asli education. The Orang Asli are the Indigenous peoples of Malaysia.

Beyond the travel for my internship, I also had time for some personal travel on the weekends, venturing around Malaysia and Southeast Asia. I went to Penang, and was particularly amazed by the Kek Lok Si temple, a massive Buddhist temple complex that affords a great view over Georgetown, the main town in Penang. I also went to Melaka, and traveled down the river that runs through the town. I was also able to visit my friend in Hanoi, Vietnam and there I tried what is now my favorite Vietnamese dish: bun cha. 

Speaking of trying new food, interning in Kuala Lumpur exposed me to some delicious Malaysian cuisine. I distinctly remember trying char kway teow at Little Penang Cafe at Kuala Lumpur City Center with my friend and loving the spicy, crunchy, savory taste of the dish. I also tried banana leaf, a dish where an assortment of rice, vegetables, curry and meats are laid on a banana leaf. I also had many different types of drinks including teh tarik, a sweet tea drink, bandung, a milky rose syrup drink, and some of the best matcha lattes I have ever had!

Although this experience placed me severely out of my comfort zone, as I had to navigate a new culture and country whilst working, I also loved my internship experience. I grew professionally and became great friends with my co-interns. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to complete an IIP and want to highlight how Princeton offers professional and cultural options for all students – no matter your previous experience. I cannot wait to visit Kuala Lumpur again. 

Winter has a funny way of feeling like fall right about now.

 

I think it’s just new-semester weather:

 

The brisk mornings give way to trees that snap in the wind.

 

The sun is out, and students study outdoors in brightly-colored lawn chairs.

 

After a winter break that rid campus of most signs of life, it is once again teeming with activity.

 

Returning to campus, I made the decision to look into joining an eating club. Here’s a diary snapshot of what my experience has been like:

 

What is Street Week?

Well, first, what is an eating club? 

Eating clubs are honestly a Princeton social construct. Think of a co-ed social group (not unlike a frat or sorority) except it also doubles as a dining hall for many upperclassmen.

Street week is a series of events tailored towards recruiting new members to join an eating club. Some clubs require you to undergo a process called bicker (the equivalent of rushing a sorority/fraternity) and some allow you to sign-in and join based on a lottery system.

 

Why Am I Participating?

Since returning from study abroad, I’ve felt disconnected from the other juniors on campus. Last semester, I was independent–meaning I cooked my own meals. As a result, I also ate on my own.

As my time starts to feel more limited, I want to spend less time on cooking while having more structured opportunities to reconnect with friends.

 

The Perils of the Street

In a way, the Street (where all the eating clubs are) is a fraught place. 

As someone who wears the hijab and does not drink, I often have to choose which activities to sit out of and how I want to show up on the dance floor. 

As a person of color, the Street is a place that confronts me with the predominantly white nature of Princeton. (Who is looking for the pretty Black girls on the Street?)

Throughout my experience of Street week, I continuously need to ask the clubs I’m visiting about their financial aid policies. The crux of my decision is reduced into a math problem: do I want to make friends or do I want to save money?

 

Hopes 

I have found my conversations with club members to be less draining than I thought they would be. I have been trying to be myself, whatever that means. 

I don’t know if I’ll get into an eating club, and that’s okay.

I let my identities prevent me from exploring the street for so long, so this is me trying to put myself out there. This is me being open to the experience. 
 

Princeton is home to many beautiful coffee shops that are sites of bustling interactions, community building, and personalized comfort spaces. These places — from our beloved Small World to our unique Coffee Club —frequently witness a diverse crowd of students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. From freshly brewed teas to seasonal specialties, a variety of drinks can be found in the hands of loyal customers who indulge in the comforting flavors of their beverage of choice. Indeed, as people flutter in and out of these shops, it becomes clear that coffee is more than just a drink — it is a treat for the exhausted, a buffer between introductions, and a medium to bring community together.

 

9:01 am: In the mornings, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts in the air as tired customers head to their shop of choice. As an observer, I watch as greetings and goodbyes intertwine with other chatter. This chatter is rich in substance as students check in with one other, make plans for the week, and navigate the highs and lows of college. There will be students who silently take out their laptops and start working while others will hastily say their goodbyes as they rush to their first class of the day. The crowd ebbs and flows but the mornings in the coffee shops are always filled with life.

 

12:31 pm: In the afternoons, things seem to be more calm. There is a stillness that seems to anticipate the incoming chaos. Soon, the afternoon lethargy catches up to the early risers and the coffee shops of Princeton become a blur. Orders are repeated, customer names are yelled, and this whole process repeats itself until the midday rush subsides to a peaceful swell.  

 

3:00 pm: One by one, I can see groups of people come in — coffee shops are now a space where people can work on projects together, study with one another, or simply exist in the presence of others. Coffee is no longer just a pick-me-up, but rather, a symbol for the shared experience that fellow Princeton students go through as they attempt to finish their work. 

 

6:00 pm: As the night falls and the shops prepare to close, people begin to leave one by one. Farewells are exchanged and tomorrow, the creak of the door will signify the start to a new day.

 

At Princeton, coffee shops host a vibrant, bustling, culture where people can come together. They are at the crux of our shared experiences as fellow Princeton students, staff, faculty, residents, and visitors are able to undergo an experience that connects us to each other in this quaint college town. Indeed, these shared experiences are a product of our environment; Princeton’s medium-sized campus, rigorous academic environment, and yet its social desire for connection are forged together in the many local coffee shops found nearby. There is something special about being able to feel like there is a place ready to accommodate everybody for every purpose — here at Princeton, whether you visit these sites to grab a sweet drink or to meet others, you’re always in for a treat.

At Princeton, all first- and second-year students are enrolled in the unlimited dining plan. This plan gives students unlimited swipes to enter into any of the dining halls on campus, as well as a daily allotted $9 allowance for “late meal” at Frist Campus Center. As upperclassmen, however, students may choose to sign up for a meal plan, join an eating club or go independent, meaning students are responsible for cooking their own meals. As an independent student, you may also join one of several dining co-operatives (“co-ops” for short) on campus.

Each of Princeton’s four co-ops has its own menu specialties. For example, 2D is all-vegetarian and International Food Co-Op specializes in—you guessed it—international cuisines. Although various dorm halls have public kitchens for all students to use, each co-op has its own private kitchen and dining space that every member has 24/7 access to. Every co-op varies in its structure and duties, but members can generally expect to have one cook-shift per week during which they cook alongside two to four other students, as well as one chore per week.

I joined Brown Co-Op this year, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made while at Princeton. The co-op serves dinner every night of the week, in addition to brunch on the weekends. At each meal, there are both meat and vegetarian options, various sides, and typically some sort of dessert. Another huge plus is that there are always leftovers available for lunch the next day. I help cook dinners on Sundays, help with the clean-up after our cook-shift, and am responsible for unloading and putting away our grocery deliveries every Wednesday morning. Our pantry and several fridges are always stocked with fresh produce, dairy products, breads, and really anything you might need for an impromptu meal at two in the morning.

Lately, I have gotten into the habit of baking every Friday night with my friend, Anki. Every Friday after dinner, we’ll assemble all of the ingredients and materials necessary for whatever recipe we have decided on. One time, this involved us going on a hunt for walnuts and dark chocolate bars, ultimately finding them at the nearby CVS. Our baking ritual gives us a space to unwind from our stressful weeks.

Joining a co-op can offer students greater flexibility in their schedules, and can be a much more budget-friendly option when compared to other dining alternatives. For me and my own dietary needs, going independent was the best option as I knew I’d have more control over what exactly I was eating at each meal. With how busy Princeton life can be, though, the co-op provides the best of both worlds, as we all share many of the responsibilities associated with cooking and cleaning. I love making myself breakfast and lunch each day—cooking provides me with a grounded moment of normalcy amongst the rest of my busy schedule, and it’s something I always look forward to. Best of all, Brown has given me a warm community of people brought together by our mutual love for food and cooking, and I would not want to have it any other way.

Having spent five years as a Princeton undergrad (I took a gap year during the pandemic), I consider myself somewhat of an expert on where to grab a quick bite or cup of coffee. Please enjoy my list of favorites!

Coffee Spots

Sakrid Coffee Roasters

Located just across from Rocky College at 20 Nassau Street, Sakrid is a popular place for students to study or meet up for a great coffee. Its nitro cold brew on draft is especially excellent, as are its cinnamon lattes!

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Rojos Roastery

Rojos is a small-batch, artisan coffee shop located in Palmer Square. It is devoted to maintaining relationships with independent producers, encouraging sustainable, smaller farming practices. Although it has limited seating space, its coffee is fantastic!

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Coffee Club: New College West (pictured) and Prospect Avenue

The Coffee Club has two locations on campus: one in Campus Club on Prospect Avenue, and a second in New College West. With the goal of providing an inclusive space and excellent drinks, Coffee Club is run by students; baristas are often classmates and friends! 

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Small World

Small World is a very popular coffee shop on Witherspoon Street, and many students would recommend it above all other coffee places in town as quintessentially Princeton (t-shirts and stickers are commonly spotted on campus). With lots of seating, it is a great place to meet friends and professors.

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Starbucks

Less exciting but definitely worth mentioning is the Starbucks located on Nassau Street just opposite FitzRandolph Gate, the official entrance onto Princeton’s upper campus. Always a convenient option for a caffeine boost or a treat!

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TAKEOUT IN TOWN

Olives

Takeout food market that features breakfast sandwiches, hot premade specials, salads, all kinds of sandwiches and wraps, bakery items, and snacks.

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Jules

Great thin-crust, organize pizza with various toppings and gluten free options.

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Princeton Soup and Sandwich

Underrated takeout–outstanding soup and sandwiches!!

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Playa Bowls

Morning booster or afternoon treat–bowls and smoothies of all kinds.

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Maruichi Japanese Market

Opened March 2023, Japanese market and deli with great sushi takeout, produce, and specialty items.

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Like most other college students, I am always appreciative of (and searching for) opportunities to eat for free.

This is where Princeton DiningPoints come in.

The DiningPoints initiative was launched in September of 2022 as a way to encourage community among Princeton students, as well as between campus and the surrounding community, without having to worry about spending money out of pocket. The initiative grants all students on the unlimited dining plan 150 DiningPoints at the start of each semester (the equivalent of $150), and any points that are not used during the fall semester roll over into the spring semester.

These points can be used at a wide variety of dining locations both on and off campus, and they are the reason that I made it through some of the busiest times of the fall semester. During reading period, the promise of a hot chocolate from Small World Coffee at the end of each day was all the fuel I needed.

As a love letter and thank you note to this initiative, I present to you, dear reader, a week in my life told through DiningPoints.

Friday:

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Since I try to structure my schedule so that I have no classes on Fridays, I normally use this day of the week to get ahead on a lot of my work to have a more relaxed rest of the weekend. After spending a few hours in Firestone Library, I decided to get myself a cup of Small World hot chocolate to warm up and relax for a bit before meeting up with my roommate for dinner.

Sunday:

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On Sunday after eating brunch, my friend and I decided to treat ourselves to drinks from Junbi during our work session. Since Junbi is so close to the Princeton Public Library, we chose to do some work there for a change of scenery. 

Thursday:

Thursdays are my busiest day of the week, with four back-to-back classes leaving me a very short window available for lunch. I decided to grab a bottle of Tico's juice and a sushi roll to-go from Frist Food Gallery. Although I had to eat somewhat quickly, I took the time to eat outside of my next class and call a friend from back home. 

Although I normally try to space out my use of DiningPoints a bit more, I felt fine using them in this way this week since I had some left over from last semester. There is a lot of freedom in the way you distribute your use of points: some of my friends had used them all up within the first month of the fall semester, while one of my friends still had 120 left by December. No matter how you use them, DiningPoints offer opportunities to connect with friends, take breaks, and treat yourself for all the hard work you accomplish.

While it is fair to say every Princeton student has toured Palmer Square at least once in their time here, far less have toured its next door neighbor Library Square. I had to look at it on a map to ensure I was naming the right area. While Nassau Street does have all my favorite restaurants and stores, I rarely find myself venturing there. The world beyond the FitzRandolph Gate always feels like a mystery to me, unless I’m grabbing a slice at Proof Pizza or buying the occasional mango green tea at Kung Fu Tea. This weekend though, my friend and I decided to skip our biweekly cycling session and explore Library Square. We had set our plans to grab a bite at my favorite restaurant in Princeton–Lan Ramen. (If you find yourself around here, I would definitely recommend getting their vegetable potstickers and Lanzhou braised beef noodle.) I’m getting ahead of myself here so bear with me. 

One lovely thing about Princeton (the town) and the University is the amount of construction that will most definitely detour your normal commute. The optimist in me remembers one of my life mottos: everything happens for a reason. I think one of the reasons that the left sidewalk was blocked was so I could find one of the best croissants I’ve ever eaten. This might be a bit of an exaggeration because I have been to Paris and eaten some of the best croissants ever, but the buttery-flaking missing hole in my life says that Bread Boutique is a close second. My friend and I walked past the store and immediately turned our heads back to the warm atmosphere and all of the amazing options available. The croissants were calling out my name so I knew I had to enter and buy some. They were absolutely delicious and I’ve officially marked it as my go-to place when I’m missing a flaky buttery pastry that used to be available at late meal. 

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I should also add that the weather in Princeton has been on the colder side. While my west coast friends almost always find some reason to complain about New Jersey weather, today was unlike the cold week we’ve been having. The sun was shining brightly and the air was positively cool–a perfect day to be outside. So, we took our croissants to go and sat outside at one of the many tables available. This was definitely an opportunity for a good photo session so we did take a lot of pictures but we also took in our surroundings. We noticed this cute little store hidden behind a huge tree and saw that there were sweaters hanging outside. This brings us to stop number two, Shop the World, a fair trade store. We entered the store and were amazed by how much they could fit into this tiny store. The person working told us that the owner travels the world to fill the store and with every object we picked up was able to tell us where it came from. My friend found a Mexican Baja jacket and instantly knew she had to buy it. We also found these cute animal figurines that were painted on with such intricate designs–we had to grab a few. If you’re looking to explore the world in one place, I recommend checking out the shop and supporting the workers who make everything there!

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Finally, we ended our expedition with a delicious meal at Lan Ramen. I’ll allow the food and atmosphere to speak for themselves but I’m truly glad that I decided to take a break from my highly organized Google Calendar schedule. Sometimes it's hard to find a moment of spontaneity when you feel like you have to schedule every minute of your life to feel productive, but a day like this is important. Something everyone says around here is that you have to make time for things that matter to you and that’s true, a day of relaxation is equally as important as a three-hour problem set cram session or a full day stuck in Firestone Library. This Galentine’s Day, make time to be spontaneous and have fun, I promise it’ll be worth it.

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