Every Summer Has a Story
“There are 104 days of summer vacation until school comes along just to end it, so the annual problem of our generation is finding a good way to spend it”
– Phineas and Ferb.
There are a million and one ways you can spend your summer vacation but only five hundred seventy six thousand ways will make you happy. A lot of us spend our academic year in Hamilton but very few of us have the chance to explore the city and see its true beauty.
Hamilton offers much more than meets the eye, to ensure a summer destined with fun and adventure consider visiting the many waterfalls that populate this city – note: Hamilton brands itself as the Waterfall Capital of the World! Need a new study spot this summer? Have coffee at Williams at the Bayfront. Hungry? Have lunch on the Phoenix patio, or why not prepare a picnic on our beautiful scenic campus.
The city is constantly animated with festivals and celebrations throughout the four months. Consider going to events such as the 2014 Dundas Cactus Festival or the Hamilton Fringe Festival on August 14 and July 11 respectively. The festivals are ongoing and will be a great way to spend a day, a weekend or even an entire week with friends, family or both!
If you are working and have free time in the evening you may like to consider visiting the Canadian Warplane Heritage where you could learn more about vintage World War 2 aircrafts. You can also visit Theatre Aquarius or even the Art Gallery of Hamilton. You may also want to consider going to Copps Coliseum to attend some unforgettable concerts happening this summer! Finally you can always just take your significant other/pet/friend/or yourself for ice cream and a stroll down Locke Street or Pier 4 Park.
If you are taking summer courses and find it challenging to stay focused, the McMaster libraries are open during the summer. But a better way to keep the oxygen flowing to the brain is to take advantage of the various scenic spots outside on our very own campus. You can always get some work done on benches near Faculty Hollow and take in the picturesque view of the forest. Based on the experiences of previous students who took summer courses, they say the best way to manage your time is by choosing a calm and conditioned indoor area that has access to a lot of light and a beautiful view!
If you are working and doing summer school do not be discouraged, you are probably not the only one and there are tons of way you can stay motivated and make time to relax and have fun.
Although studying and/or working is often your main priority, it is crucial to remember to pay attention to your emotional and physical health. To keep yourself focused and refreshed, you can always hit the gym. The Pulse is open during the summer and both swimming and squash hours are still offered. Also, instructional programs such as dance, yoga, meditation, pilates, spin and Karate are available. The Pulse runs at least one outdoor bootcamp every summer and there are numerous trips run by the outdoor club: http://macoutdoorclub.ca/ to take advantage of.
Whether you work, study, do both, or are completely free there are a million and one ways you can spend your 104 days of summer before the school year begins. Whether you go to festivals, museums, galleries, have dinner with friends, take a stroll, watch fireworks, visit the waterfalls, join a soccer team, learn to meditate, or go to the movies – just remember to have fun and stay safe.
Enjoy your 2014 summer in Hamilton with motivation and health!