#ithacafest

Ithaca was so amazingly fun this weekend. I am most likely going to move up there after I graduate. The highlight of yesterday was definitely going hiking through all the falls parks. Also going to the farmers market with my mom and dad was great. We ended up eating dinner at this southern BBQ place with the most fantastic views of the mountains and farmland around it. I watched hese little kids were playing in the tall grass and it made me happy. They also had a folk band playing there so that was nice. We ended the day by getting ice cream and watching the sunset over Cayuga Lake. Today we woke up sort of late, got breakfast, then my dad took me on a tour of Ithaca College. Most of the buildings and lecture rooms were surprisingly unlocked so we looked around his old halls where he had his classes when he went there. I do wish I could've seen the dorms but its whatever because were probably going back in August and Ill try to schedule a tour or something I dont know... Then I walked around the commons to see how much the smoke shop was selling small bowls for, and I ended up in the most amazing book/record store. The main store is filled with old/rare books, great children's books, etc. I wanted to buy a rare Bukowski they had, but didnt have enough. Then I went downstairs to the record store part, and instantly knew I made the right decision. There was a listening station so I listened to a Cream record, then found a weird African folk-popish record which turned out to be outstanding. I put them back and talked to the store owner for a bit. I didnt really have enough for anything but he was nice as people in Ithaca tend to be, so he understood. Then I got something to eat and met my parents in the park to see Mark Rust play. My dad first saw him in the mid 70s at the 4th annual festival and has been going back to see him ever since. Ive been listening to him since I was in a stroller. There was a toddler dancing in front of the stage who reminded me of myself at that age. After that we left and it was sad to leave but I really look forward to going back. Its such a beautiful, nice place to be and Ive loved it ever since I was a kid.

The other day a townie in Ithaca told me I reminded them of the pink power ranger. All my life has led up to that moment. Thank you mysterious CRT volunteer