The Observer, February 25, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 19
Sex & Dating: What to pack ... and what to bring back
One week from today, Case students will be departing for spring break. The lucky ones will be headed someplace warm, with fruity drinks and coeds in bathing suits. Spring break provides the perfect opportunity for new friendships, fun, or, best of all, the ultimate consequence-free college fling.
Now, everyone knows that midterm week is not the best time for careful planning, so here's a handy list to make sure that you are fully prepared for your week of fun – and that you leave with everything you came for. Here's a rundown of what to pack:
1. Sunscreen. We all want that perfect tan, but your sunbathing can easily backfire into a nasty burn. Not only is being sunburned on the trip home the single most uncomfortable experience possible, but no one is attractive when bright red and/or peeling.
2. Camera. Pictures will provide memories that last a lifetime – and help you piece together any parts of your fun in the sun that you have trouble remembering. Plus, you'll have proof of all the hotties you met when you want to brag to your friends back at school.
3. Deck of cards. Two words: strip poker.
4. A goal. Whether your goal is to visit five states in five days, kiss five people in each of those states, or make a permanent modification to your body, make sure there's something that you want to accomplish. And no matter how much your mom hates it, your new belly button ring will always remind you of your crazy week in Florida.
5.Understanding. If you want to be free to have fun on your break, make sure anyone you're involved with is on the same page.
Getting to your destination is only half the battle. Once you're there, you need to make sure not to leave anything behind.
1.Crazy memories. When you're old and wrinkled, you won't have the same opportunities. I highly recommend staying on the beach all night. You'll feel like crap in the morning, but you'll never forget seeing the sun come up over the edge of the horizon.
2.Everyone you came with. Try not to leave anyone behind!
3.A shot glass. Spring break is not spring break unless you go out in public – don't just sit in your room all week. I suppose this is where I should warn against drinking too much and watching that nothing is slipped into your drink. So stick to shots. You'll know exactly how much you've had to drink, and it goes straight from the bottle to the glass to your mouth.
4.Your health. Try not to pick up any diseases.
5.Pictures. Pictures, pictures, pictures. Three quarters of an experience is how you remember it. Take pictures of traveling, of your hotel, of your friends, of perfect strangers, and of any romantic interests that might be worth remembering. There's no picture I treasure more from my trip to Mexico than my "Cancun Hottie," as he was christened by my friends after I forgot his name.
Above all, remember that spring break is a time to have fun, and a time to make (minor) mistakes without getting caught. So go a little crazy – and be sure to record every second of it, in case you can't remember in the morning.
