So, you're going on a date. Like most of us, you're a poor college student who can't afford anything too extravagant. And yet, you really want to impress this potential partner. Another problem: You're not exactly what one might call a Casanova, and your girl likes a little romance. That's ok, not all of us are hopeless romantics, who sit around watching mushy flicks and dreaming about the perfect date all our lives. There might be countless other obstacles you face in planning this romantic evening such as time, transportation and originality.
What to do? Well, listen closely, because I'm about to impart my stockpile of romantic ideas, which you might use for your own romantic evening.
Believe it or not, there are in fact a number of romantic places on campus you might spend some time with your significant other. No, I'm not talking the D-level stacks or the middle of the lacrosse field kind of romantic, but rather those memorable, quixotic spots where you might share a special moment with that special someone.
First, when most of us think romantic, we draw up visions of long walks on the beach holding our lover's hand. Well, heck, we've got a beach right here at Hopkins! It may not be of the white sands and crashing waves variety, but it suits nonetheless. So for a truly memorable evening, why not take your lover out for a walk to the beach (with blanket in hand) and enjoy a quiet evening looking up at the starry sky?
Another incredibly romantic evening could consist of a long walk with your special someone. And this costs nothing at all! There are plenty of places on campus to do this. You might spend some time strolling through the art museum's sculpture garden, which is actually quite picturesque for being in the middle of Baltimore. Or find your own park or area around campus to take a walk to. If you want to go a bit further, take a cab down to the Inner Harbor and walk along the Harbor with your special someone. You'll discover there's much more to it than the couple of restaurants you first encounter.
If walks aren't for you and you just want to find someplace special to take your date, you might want to consider getting qualified to use the Space Telescope in Bloomberg, so that you might take your date up there one evening for a night of gazing at the stars.
Ok, so you're not into the mushy romantic stuff. That's ok, there are still plenty of things you might do to impress your date. If you're into sports, you can always make a date out of a sports game. Why not make up some hot chocolate and snacks, take her to the game, and bundle up together while you scream obscenities at the other team ... OK, maybe this isn't the game to be yelling and proving your macho-ness at, but you'll still have a great time with your special someone!
None of these ideas suit your tastes yet? Maybe you're more interested in the cultured and classier kind of dates. In that case, why not get a book of romantic poetry (or if you're really talented, get your guitar and some good songs) and bring your someone to the President's Garden, perhaps, and enjoy a picnic with music and poetry.
There you go -- a number of romantic ideas that just might turn the sometimes drab Homewood Campus into a place of romance for you and that special someone. Use these ideas, or come up with your own, and you'll be having a truly great time without having to spend a fortune. Even more, you'll give your date an evening that he or she will never forget.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter.