Technically, the journey hasn’t started yet. We’re sitting at the gate, not yet airborne, not yet moving towards our destination. The plane isn’t even here yet. We are static.

Behind me, a family has started a game of Scattergories. They gather around, sitting in the airport terminal chairs and on the industrially carpeted ground. The letter for this round is D.

“Dryer.”

“Dishwasher.”

“Dishwater. Nobody thought of dishwater.”

“Dilly dally. Do I get a double for dilly dally?”

They move through several more rounds. It’s unclear who’s winning.

Across from me, a middle-aged woman grabs a gallon ziplock bag from her carry-on. It’s filled with cashews, almonds, pecans, and such. She offers some to her husband, and chuckles as she remarks on the unusually large size of the bag; “I couldn’t find a smaller one.” Her husband chuckles as well and eats a handful of the pre-flight snack.

Throughout the terminal, a women’s college basketball team mingles in groups of two or three. They’re easily identified by the brilliant orange color of their sweatshirts and backpacks. Some teammates talk, some laugh, and some braid each other's hair—a very sisterly gesture.

Each of us here at the gate is on our own journey, with different starting points and destinations, different objectives and perspectives. And yet, for this one moment, our separate journeys intersect. We are not really static—each of our small journeys is playing out here at the gate. When we look around, we can see a slice of the lives of those around us. We are all embarking on journeys, side by side.

It’s Saturday morning, you’ve just woken up, and for once you don’t have hours of homework to bang out. You could play League of Legends for hours on end, but you decide you want to actually go out and do something with friends. But what is there to do in a place like Rochester? Allow me to show you. 

1. Hiking (or sledding) at Black Creek Park

Black Creek Park is right by campus and has both amazing trails to walk and steep hills to sled down. What better way to get fresh air and some sun? Biggest advantage of this one? It’s one of the few things you can do in Rochester that doesn’t cost money. 

2. The Strong Museum of Play

You’re never too old to play! Whether it’s air hockey, battleships, or the museum’s new gaming exhibit, there’s fun to be had for all ages. Bonus: the museum has a Bill Gray’s, home of the world’s best garbage plates (though that’s a piece for another time), and they have college nights about once a semester with reduced ticket prices (typically in November and February). 

3. Thrifting at Savers

Buying name-brand clothes shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, and at Savers, it doesn’t have to. Some of my favorite Savers finds include an Adidas shirt for $2, a Sabres jacket for $20, and a $7 flannel. Not to mention, thrift shop customers are surprisingly easy to strike up a conversation with. You’ll no doubt make the 40-minute trip out to Webster worth it. 

4. Walking Greece Ridge Mall

Greece Ridge Mall lets you kill two birds with one stone: you can get your steps in without having to go outside in the freezing cold, and while you can drop a couple bucks on some new clothes, you don’t necessarily have to. The mall also has a Barnes & Noble for the bookworms among us, and there are many options for a tasty treat, from Auntie Anne’s to Tropical Smoothie Cafe. 

5. Bowling at Radio Social

Want to go bowling but sick of old, musty bowling alleys? Then Radio Social is the place for you. This hip entertainment experience doesn’t just include the pins; there’s also darts, pool, and ping pong. Not to mention a menu filled with delicious apps, perfect pizzas, and scrumptious sandwiches. Whether you’re on a date or with a group of friends, you just can’t go wrong with Radio Social. 

I am a poet, and you are not. 

Or at least, that’s what I would like to say. 

And yet I sit here 
Pen in front of me 
And a poem will not form. 

How could I write you something romantic 
When the most romantic poem is already in my car filter
Which you changed before I ever loved you 

How could I write something beautiful 
When the most beautiful poem is in the way your jacket 
So beautifully completes my outfits
And you have never asked for it back 

How could I give you something more meaningful 
Than the diet sodas you keep in your fridge 
Not because you’ll drink them, 
But because you know I will 

The poem we have written  
Is not with words 
Or paintbrushes 
Or anything so clean 

The poem we have written  
Is when I cook you food 
And you hold my umbrella 
And no other poem could be better.