ImagiNation

Mad City

Madison has been pretty amazing. The city itself is not that large, but like most capitals it has a lot of character. The State Street Mall area is pretty happening. The street itself is closed off to all traffic except buses and bikes, as there is nothing but shops, resturants and bars on the street. This is the most predestrian friendly town I have ever seen! And it has to be one of the most healthy- I don't think I've seen more than 5 heavy people since I've been here. Everyone rides a bike and I mean everyone. The city is also nestled between two lakes. I'm hoping I may get to go sailing for the first time before the summer is over! The only downside I see of this place is that stores close rather early, even Walgreens.

The University of Wisconsin's campus is huge and typically holds around 40,000 students, which is more or less about double of what I'm used to at a college. Not to mention, it appears that the entire campus is in one area, medicial school and hospital, law school, a giant barn for farming research or somethig like that (I'm just guessing)- all in one area, another thing I'm not used to in a college campus. Oh and their student unions serve beer and not just at resturants, but in the food, grab-and-go, sort of food stands. No wonder this school is the number one party school.

I'm living in a dorm, with a my own room. Having never lived in a dorm, I have to say it's not too bad and I'm right on campus so I can walk everywhere I need to be within about 10-15 minutes. Speaking of walking, I don't have a car up here. While I never really used my car whenever I was in Athens, it was nice to have, just in case. But just as in Athens there is a high cost for parking your car, anywhere, and besides I would probably only used it to drive back to Louisville for the Police concert in July. As for my classes, I am actually enjoying taking a language for the first time ever. Who would have thought that I just needed to sig up for an intensive program?

posted by imagine @ 7:48 PM