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Warning - Heavy photo post ahead! 🍂🍁🍂🍁

Hi, folks! Listen, I beg you to understand just how much I love the season of Autumn, and then you'll understand why I am posting so many photographs. 

I don't know about you, but once autumn kicks in, I want to scoop it up; place it in my heart and hold on to it for as long as I can. That's why I spend so much time outside; savoring it. And photographing it.

Autumn amplifies all of my senses and causes me to go absolutely insane with excitement. So much so that I will seek a variety of locations that make the perfect backdrop for my favorite season. And, so far, this year's exceptional backdrop has been the Bryn Mawr College campus in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Yet, what I find strange is that even though I was born in Pennsylvania and obviously heard of Bryn Mawr College, I never once visited the town of Bryn Mawr, or the college - until last week. And let me tell you something, I fell head over heels madly in love with it. Being in Bryn Mawr, particularly as the leaves are now changing color, made me realize how much I love the whole Northeast region and terrain of the United States. And how much I feel it in my soul that I belong here. This is where my roots are. I am, without a doubt, a Northeasterner. A Yankee.

Today, I would like to share with you the campus of Bryn Mawr College, which is a private women's liberal arts college founded in 1885. In 1931, Bryn Mawr began accepting men as graduate students, while remaining women-only at the undergraduate level.

Last week, I took a 25-minute train ride from the city out to Bryn Mawr (twice) and had a magical time enjoying the scenery. One of the days I was there, it was overcast; the other was bright and sunny. You'll be able to tell which day from the photographs.

Okay, let's go for a walk...

Bryn Mawr College - 


The building directly behind the stone wall is The Benham Gateway Building - (which contains the admissions office)...




This is what the college looked like in the 1920's (M. Carey Thomas Library)...


This is a photo I took from a similar angle of what it looks like presently...


*Fun Fact: One of Bryn Mawr's alumni was actress, Katharine Hepburn...

Katharine Hepburn: 1924-1928

In 1924 Hepburn was admitted to Bryn Mawr College. She struggled with the scholastic demands of university, and once was suspended for smoking in her room. Hepburn was drawn to acting, but roles in college plays were conditional on good grades. Once her marks had improved, she began performing regularly. She performed the lead role in a production of The Woman in the Moon in her senior year, and the positive response it received cemented Hepburn's plans to pursue a theatrical career. She graduated with a degree in history and philosophy in June 1928.


Isn't the architecture phenomenal? The building's towers and gables, friezes, carvings, and ornamental ironwork, designed by Samuel Yellin, were done in the Gothic revival style...


And speaking of Gothic, as I walked through the grounds of the campus, it felt as though I was on an elaborate movie set of Bram Stoker's Dracula...





Gorgeous, hu?


 
The longer I walked, the more in awe I became of this stunning campus. I could actually feel the past within the present. There were moments when I would just stop in my tracks and stare at the exquisite detailed craftsmanship that went into creating this magnificent structure...







I LOVE this ornate entryway...




This photograph was one of my favorite spots...




I couldn't believe how vast the campus was. I found out later it is 135 acres. The property seemed to stretch on and on...



Everywhere I looked, I kept saying to myself, "Oh my God this is so beautiful!"..




Bryn Mawr College in one word... breathtaking.


Thanks so much for taking this autumn walk with me...


Wishing you a faaaaaaaabulous rest of your week!
💗

-I will definitely be going back to Bryn Mawr College once winter kicks in. I bet the campus looks stunning draped in a white blanket of snow. And I plan on capturing it!

32 comments:

  1. Ron it's all absolutely magnificent. The architecture, the colors (that one tree that is multi-colored looks to be a lemon/orange snow cone), the ornate entries,the distant perspectives...all, just picture postcard perfect and so warming & delightful.

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  2. Ron, I'm with you on your love and passion for AUTUMN. I feel the same way. I only wish it lasted longer, don't you?

    What can I say? The photographs you captured are drop-dead gorgeous. WOW!!!! I can't get over how colorful the trees are in your area. Ours are slowly changing, but not nearly as bright as yours. Bryn Mawr College is magnificent. I had heard of it, but didn't realize it was primarily a women's college.

    I can see why you shared the photograph of your favorite spot. It's stunning. It looks like a painting!

    Thank you for sharing your walk. I enjoyed every photograph of it. As a matter of fact, I'm going to walk again after I leave my comment! xo

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  3. " (that one tree that is multi-colored looks to be a lemon/orange snow cone)"

    HA! Anni, you are SPOT on about that! It's DOES look like huge snow cone!!! I spotted that tree on the second day I was there and took a dozen shots from different angles. If you look in the upper left-hand corner of the photo, you'll see a jet plane way off in the distance; leaving a jet trail in the sky. I didn't even notice it until I uploaded the photograph.

    Isn't the campus stunning? Picture postcard perfect. Yes! I can't wait to go back this winter.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific rest of your week!

    X

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  4. Morning, Candice!

    Yes, yes, yes! I wish it lasted MUCH longer. Spring and Autumn seem to be the shortest of all four seasons. I love winter too, so I'm happy it lingers. Summer, not so much.

    " I can't get over how colorful the trees are in your area. Ours are slowly changing, but not nearly as bright as yours."


    That's how it is in the city, where I live. However, when I took the train out to Bryn Mawr, I was delightfully surprised to see the contrast in abundant color from the trees in the city. Even though Bryn Mawr is only 25 minutes outside the city, there is a temperature difference (it's cooler), which I think causes the trees to change sooner.

    "I can see why you shared the photograph of your favorite spot. It's stunning. It looks like an oil painting. The whole campus looks like a painting!"

    It doesn't look like an oil painting, you're right! I was truly in AWE of the entire campus.

    Have a grrrrrrreat rest of your week, and thanks so much for stopping by, Candice!

    X

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  5. Well, first of all, I believe we have the same shoes! Lol, aren’t they so comfortable? Your photos are magnificent! What a great place to capture the beauty of Autumn. And thanks for the link so I could learn what Bryn Mawr means. I’d previously only heard of the college, so didn’t really know where it was. Isn’t it fun to discover a place so close to where you live?

    I loved seeing the 100 year difference. It’s wonderful that it’s being taken care of so well. Some of it does look like it’s out of a Dracula movie. That orange lantern suspended by chains is sort of creepy as well as that iron looking door gate. I bet it’s spooky at night.

    The alley of trees would be a favorite spot for me as well. But where the heck were the students?? It looks as though you had the place to yourself! Which is pretty fabulous! Thanks for teaching me about a new place today. XOXO

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  6. OMG...that is sooooooooooo funny! They are Skechers, which I got several months ago at Target, if you can believe that. And I got them on SALE! Yes.....they are soooooooooooooo comfortable! So light and airy. It's as though you can't even feel them on your feet.

    And yes, it certainly is fun to discover a place so close to where you live. And now that I have a FREE Senior Travel Card, I'm researching all sorts of fun areas I've never been before, and delighted to discover that I can get there by TRAIN. I'll be going out to Villanova next month, to check out the town AND the campus.

    Me too, I love comparison photographs of then and now. I'm such a history buff!

    " That orange lantern suspended by chains is sort of creepy as well as that iron looking door gate. I bet it’s spooky at night."


    HA! You're right...they are both VERY creepy-looking. I would love to see what the campus looks like after dark - like Dracula's castle. LOL!

    " But where the heck were the students?? It looks as though you had the place to yourself! "


    OH...MY....GOD, for some reason I knew YOU were going to ask me that, I kid you not!!!! In fact, last night when I was uploading the photos, I thought, "How did I capture all these photographs with NO students?!" However, there were students walking around while changing classes. Yet at the time I took all these photos, they must have been in class. I saw more the students the second day than I did the first. In fact, there was one point when the campus looked like a sea of students walking to class.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a faaaaaaaaabulous autumn!

    X

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  7. Ron, I'm a Northeasterner too. I attended college on the West Coast, but when my 4 years were over, I moved back east (Boston/Mass area). I seriously contemplated staying in California, but found that towards graduation, I missed so many things about the East Coast. The east and west are very different. Like you, I feel my roots on the East Coast.

    And when I look at photographs like yours, I'm reminded why I love this coast. Ron, these are just gorgeous! And I loved your reference to Bram Stoker's Dracula because even before you said it, I was thinking it! That photo of the large orange and yellowish tree is incredible. It's huge!

    There was a time when I considered architecture school (MIT), but then changed my mind because I found out how long it would take) I've always had an interest in architecture, especially the various styles of architecture. And the gothic style of Bryn Mawr is, in your word, BREATHTAKING!

    Excellent eye for photography, Ron! The colors of the leaves just jump off the screen. Did you study photography formally, or are you self-taught? I'm curious to know.

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  8. You are so right, Daniel! The east and west are so different. And not only in the way they look, but also their "energy." Completely different vibes. I think the West Coast is beautiful, however, I never had the desire to live there.

    " I loved your reference to Bram Stoker's Dracula because even before you said it, I was thinking it! "

    How about that! But it really does, doesn't it? The whole time I was walking around the campus, I expected to see Dracula coming out of one of those stunning arched doorways with the lanterns!

    And me too. I thought (very briefly though) about studying architecture because I'm utterly fascinated with structures and designs. In fact, I dated an architecture when I was living in Florida. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words. No, I never formally studied photography. But ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated with cameras and photographs. I'm a self-taught photographer and still learning. I love photography!

    Have a fabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  9. P.S. Ron, I enjoyed the fun fact about Katharine Hepburn attending Bryn Mawr and being suspended for smoking in her room. She was a feisty lady, so I'm not surprised. LOL! I loved her in "The Philadelphia Story."

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  10. That made me laugh too, Daniel. And yes, she was most definitely a feisty lady! LOL! And not only did I love her in that movie, but Cary Grant as well. He was so cute in that film!

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  11. Yes, those Skechers feel like you are not wearing shoes.I love that! I’m excited about your upcoming trip to Villanova. I had no idea that was close to you as well. That’s hilarious that you knew I’d ask you that question!!! I’m very predictable! LOL!

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  12. OMG, they are the BEST shoes I've ever purchased because, yes, it's like you are not wearing shoes at all! And now that we can wear black sneakers at work, I may buy another pair because I stand on my feet all day.

    " I’m excited about your upcoming trip to Villanova. I had no idea that was close to you as well."

    Yes, can you believe that? Villanova is only two stops after the Bryn Mawr station. And what's really cool is that all these places I've been visiting are within walking distance from the train station. So all I have to do to get around, is get off the train and walk! I've never been Villanova, so I'm excited to see the campus. I hear it's gorgeous. I am so enjoying this free senior travel pass because I can use it on trains, subways and buses. I've decided to pick different places every month. The city of Philadelphia is a mess right now, so I get out of here as much as I can on my days off to stay positive.

    X

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  13. I've never been to Bryn Mawr, but I've heard of it. Wow, what a gorgeous place to study, learn, and make friends at one's impressionable teen and young adult years!


    I'm amazed at the architecture and, like you, enamored of Autumn, so all these colorful leaves make me smile! I didn't realize Hepburn was an alum there. It must have been something like going to Hogwarts, just traipsing from one gorgeous building to the next. YES, please do go back in the wintertime -- I know we'll all be happy to share the snow-covered campus with you!


    These crisp Fall days have been magnificent, haven't they? Like you, I want to gather Fall to me and hold onto its beauty (to tide me over through the sometimes bleak winter months, ha!) Happy rest of your week! xx

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  14. Hellooooooooooo there, Debbie!

    Isn't it gorgeous? As I shared, it was my first time there and I instantly fell in love with not only the college campus, but the whole neighborhood/town. And to think it's only 25 minutes away!! Next month I'll be adventuring to Villanova, which is only two stops on the train after Bryn Mawr. I heard the campus there is gorgeous as well.

    Don't ya, just love Autumn?!?! I was surprised by how colorful the trees where there considering the trees in the city haven't changed as dramatically. However, I did notice today while walking through a park that they were starting to change color.

    Yes, can you believe Hepburn attended Bryn Mawr? When she was still alive, I recall her saying something about it on a talk show. She, herself, was from Hartford, CT.

    Yup, I will definitely go back in the wintertime because I can only imagine how stunning that campus looks draped in fluffy snow!

    I'm planning on hanging on to AUTUMN as long as I can. I love this time of year!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope you and Monkey have a fabulous rest of your week and weekend!

    X

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  15. "Bryn Mawr College in one word... breathtaking." Perfect choice of a word, Ron! I scrolled through this post very slowly, reading your passionate words and glorious photographs. That tall orange and yellow leafed tree is staggering!

    Thank you for sharing your experience. This is my favorite season as well. I just wish it lasted longer. xo

    P.S. may I ask -- what kind/brand of camera do you use?

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  16. Morning, Clair!

    Me too, I wish it lasted MUCH longer! I remember as a kid, the seasons being much more distinct and lengthy. Now, they seem to blend into each. Spring is another season that doesn't seem to last long. It stays for like 15 mins and moves directly into summer (which is my least favorite season).

    Isn't that tree A-MAZING? I spotted it on the second day I was out there. I took so many shots, for so many angles.

    Yes, of course. I use a Canon Rebel t5. It's nothing fancy, but it suits my needs. What I want to do is eventually upgrade the lens so that I have more variety in getting closer closeups. I bought the camera about 7 years ago. And I got it on SALE.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Have a grrrreat rest of your week!

    X

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  17. Oooooooooh Ron, you see....THIS is why I miss living in the Northeast....AUTUMN! And you stunningly captured it in all its glorious GLORY! OH MY GAWD....Bryn Mawr college campus is magnificent! I heard of the college, but this is the first time I ever saw what it looked like. Beautiful!

    I love the comparison shots between the 1920s and now. And that arched wooden door with the lanterns on either side is unreal. You're right, the craftsmanship is exquisite. When I look at things like that, I imagine all the different people from different decades who walked through it.

    The color you captured in the fall foliage is glorious. You know, even though I relocated to Florida, I too am (and will always be) a Northeasterner in my heart. And who knows, maybe one day I'll move back like you did!

    Thank you for sharing, Ron. LOVED this post and everything about it! ox

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  18. I agree, Ron! Cary Grant was great in that film as well. AND cute! They made such a wonderful comedy foil. Not only in that movie, but "Bringing Up Baby" too!

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  19. OMG, I loved that movie too! She and he had the best onscreen chemistry. I saw her in an interview once in which she said that she loved working with him.

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  20. Hola Denise!''

    "OH MY GAWD....Bryn Mawr college campus is magnificent! "


    HA! Isn't it gorgeous? I could tell from the photos I found online before I went there that the campus was beautiful. However, seeing it in person was even more beautiful. I can't wait to go back in the winter to take pictures of it draped in snow!!!

    Isn't that wooden door freaking fabulous? Me too! I think the same thing whenever I visit a place with a lot of history. I thought that when I went into Studio 54 several years ago and walked through the front doors. I couldn't stop thinking of all the celebrities who walked through them back when it first opened in 1977.

    "And who knows, maybe one day I'll move back like you did!"


    You NEVER know! I mean look at what I did after living there for twenty years. I moved back to the Northeast; never imagining that I would ever do that. And I'm so happy that I did.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're having a super week. I can't believe it's almost the weekend!?!

    X

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  21. Ron, these photos were definite proof of WHY, like yourself, I could never move to a place that did not have autumn foliage! As you may know, I grew up in NJ and attended school in Philly (Temple U) and its urban campus is nothing as stunning, picturesque or exquisite as that of Bryn Mawr. How wonderful that it's such a short ride away on public transport and now makes me wonder why I never visited it myself, but then in my younger days thoughts did not go there (sigh).

    Thanks for the tour as I really enjoyed these photo tour and there's never enough photos, my friend, with such a wonderful setting. I was curious about the lack of people (students?) in any of the photos. It's not that I'm complaining because sometimes people get in the way, just wondering.

    Enjoy your return visits and I'm sure winter will bring more great photo opps.

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  22. Hello there, D!

    "...like yourself, I could never move to a place that did not have autumn foliage!"


    I enjoyed living in Florida for 20 years. However, when I turned 45, I began missing the Northeast and all the things that come with it. Honestly though, when my family moved to Florida in 1973, I thought I'd be there for the rest of my life. Never in a million years did I think I'd ever move back. But I did. And I am sooooooooo glad I followed my heart and did it in 2001. As I shared, this is where my roots are. And there is something to that.

    I know, I am so happy that I have this senior free fare pass because I'm getting out of the city a lot on my days off and seeing areas that I had never been. Next week I'm going out to Villanova. Can't wait.

    I was curious about the lack of people (students?) in any of the photos. It's not that I'm complaining because sometimes people get in the way, just wondering."

    HA! Bijoux asked me the same thing in her comment. And the night before I posted this I noticed it too. I couldn't believe that I took all of these photos (and much more), yet never captured any students on the campus. And as I told Bijoux, there were definitely students walking around while changing classes. Yet at the time I took all these photos, they must have been in class. I saw more students on the second day than I did the first. In fact, there was one point when the campus looked like a sea of students walking to there classes. But from my photos, you would think they were all on summer vacation. LOL!

    Much thanks for stopping by, D! Have fantastic weekend!!!

    X

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  23. Ron, these photos are KILLER! What an amazing looking campus. As you know, my girlfriend and I are soooo into anything GOTH. And you're spot on, the architecture looks like Dracula's castle from the Bram Stokers movie version (which is my favorite), especially that final shot of the campus. The doorways, the arched stained glass windows, and the lanterns all look so Gothic. Needless to say, I would love to take a tour of the place. Did you get to go inside at all?

    Thanks so much for sharing, dude! KILLER post!

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  24. Ron, these photographs are so gorgeous!!!! The college should hire you as their photographer whenever they need photos for their catalogs, and I really mean that. I wish I had an eye for photography. Whenever I take a picture, I end up cutting off what it is that I took the picture for, such as people's heads. LOL! So my husband prefers to take all the photographs.

    I really enjoyed the info about Katharine Hepburn attending the college in 1924. WOW...that's pretty impressive considering the time, and how many women didn't go to college. I bet while you were there, you imagined her walking around the grounds saying, "The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower."

    Remember her in the movie, 'Stage Door"? Loved that film!

    Thanks so much for sharing your day trips, Ron. I'm so happy that you got to visit a place from your home state. And I'm with you, I am a true Northeasterner. xo

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  25. Hiya, Matt!

    Thank you, kind sir. And I SO thought of you when as I walked through the campus because I know how similar we are in our obsession for all things GOTH!!!! Isn't it freaking GORGEOUS?

    "The doorways, the arched stained glass windows, and the lanterns all look so Gothic. "

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And especially those lanterns. AND the stained glass windows.

    No, unfortunately, I did not tour the interior. However, I did see many photos online of what it looks like. The library is stunning. And also the interior walkways. I didn't even ask to go inside because with all the crazy stuff going on in schools. I didn't think they would allow people to just freely walk inside without an appointment.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Always a delight to read your comments. Have a faaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  26. Hellooooooooooooo there, Elaine!

    Isn't the campus EXQUISITE? I couldn't get enough, which is why I went back the following day to get MORE photos. Plus, the campus is so big, I missed some things on the first day.

    "Whenever I take a picture, I end up cutting off what it is that I took the picture for, such as people's heads. LOL! So my husband prefers to take all the photographs
    "

    HA! OMG, that is so funny! My mother used to be the same way. She would often cut people off in photographs.

    "I bet while you were there, you imagined her walking around the grounds saying, "The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower."

    Remember her in the movie, 'Stage Door"? Loved that film!"


    OMG, you were READING my mind because I DID think of her walking through the campus. And yes, yes, yes....I know that movie and LOVE it! That was a movie in which the whole female cast was so brilliantly cast. And that line of hers is a classic. I often say it, using her voice from the movie, "On Golden Pond" and people always say to me, "You sound just like her!!!!"

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my Northeasterner friend! Happy November!

    X

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  27. Wasn't the cast stellar, Ron? And they were pretty much all newbies who went on to become very big stars.

    I would love to hear how you say the line in her quivering voice. I bet it's not only spot on, but hilarious too!

    'On Golden Pond' is such a wonderful film. Another brilliant cast.

    "Don't die now, Norman!!!!"

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  28. Elaine, that CRACKED ME UP! I can't get over how accurate you are at recalling these classic lines from such classic films. What a movie buff you are!

    BRAVO!

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  29. I enjoyed this autumn walk with you. Living in NJ all my life, of course I've heard of many of the places you visit and share photos of, but had no idea Bryn Mawr College was so interesting and beautiful. Buildings, and grounds! You captured it all so well and I felt like I was there. That one archway with the ornate door, and the decorative lanterns... magnificent!!
    You know how much I love this time of year, too! Thanks for sharing these photos.

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  30. Isn't Bryn Mawr College INCREDIBLE. Mary? I felt like I had discovered GOLD that I never knew existed. That's why I visited TWICE that week because I wanted to make sure I had seen is ALL. LOL!

    "That one archway with the ornate door, and the decorative lanterns... magnificent!!"

    I know, STUNNING, right? I spent the whole time *gasping* and saying, "OMG....this is so beautiful!"

    I'll be going out to Villanova in the coming weeks to check it out. Can't wait.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Mary!

    X

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  31. What an exquisite backdrop for the season! This campus is truly stunning from the architecture to the landscaping. I'd spend the entire day there just drinking in the beauty of the campus and season! Thank you for sharing such gorgeous photos! X

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  32. "I'd spend the entire day there just drinking in the beauty of the campus and season! "

    Yes! I enjoyed it so much that I went back the next day to drink in more!

    Isn't the campus exquisite? And to think that it was only my first time visiting.

    X

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