Best Bets — Oct. 24, 2014

bestbetscoverOn Campus

Traditions Day

When: Today, noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Copley Lawn
Info: facebook.com
Price: Free

Kick off Homecoming Weekend with some real Hoya spirit. Come hangout on Copley Lawn and learn about Georgetown traditions while enjoying free GUGS burgers and T-shirts. Student groups will be performing throughout the day, and Jack the Bulldog will make an appearance. It’s the perfect day to celebrate all you love about life on the Hilltop and why you’re proud to call Georgetown home.

Big Hunt

When: Saturday, 9 a.m.
Where: Starts on campus, all over D.C.
Info: guevents.georgetown.edu
Price: Free

Want to bond with some new floormates or meet new friends while also getting to know D.C.? Bring your competitive spirit and sign up for the Big Hunt. This scavenger hunt that starts on campus and takes you throughout the city on a mission of being the best first-year team is the ideal opportunity to branch out and explore D.C. while spending time making new friends.

Envisioning Korean Unification

When: Tuesday, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Where: ICC 302-P
Info: guevents.georgetown.edu
Price: Free

Join Victor Cha, director of Asian studies; Michael Marshall, editor of “The Korean Dream: A Vision for Korean Unification” and Jin Shin, president of the Institute for Peace Affairs and professor at Chungnam National University in South Korea for an interesting  conversation regarding the potential for a single Korean state given the history of conflict in the region.

Hoyas on the Hill Breakfast

When: Tuesday 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Career Center, Seminar Room 1
Info: careercenter.georgetown.edu
Price: Free

It’s no secret that many Hoyas are hoping to get involved in the political sphere both now and after graduation. To help these students get to that place, the Career Center will be hosting a breakfast with Georgetown alumni who have made their careers on the Hill. Make sure to attend for good food and great conversation about what your future could look like. 

Off Campus

Afghan Treasures Trunk Show

Where: 1507 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: Friday to Sunday, times vary
Info: beadazzled.net
Price: Free

Located close to the DuPont Metro stop, this three-day trunk show offers an array of exotic and beautiful treasures from Afghanistan. From rugs to antique jewelry and textiles to gemstones, this trunk show deserves a thorough exploration. A unique opportunity to get your hands on some examples of beautiful Afghan craftsmanship, this should not be missed.

Drive-In Movies at Union Market

Where: Union Market, 305 Fifth St.
When: Friday, 8 to 10 p.m.
Info: unionmarketdc.com
Price: Free

Travel back in time with Washington D.C.’s own drive-in movie event with “Remember the Titans,” the sports drama starring Denzel Washington. The parking lot opens at 6 p.m., and reservations are recommended. The event is open to those without a car too, with a charming picnic spot for you to sit back, relax and enjoy the film.

Sea Catch Sampler

Where: 1054 31st St.
When: Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Info: seacatchrestaurant.com
Price: Free

Head down to the Sea Catch in Canal Square to sample some of its great cuisine for free as part of Georgetown’s Fashion, Art and Design event taking place this weekend. Light hors d’oeuvres and samples of wine will be served, while a DJ plays to make it the perfect afternoon. Keep an eye out for sales at other Canal Square stores during the event.

Night of the Living Zoo

Where: National Zoo
When: Thursday, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Info: ticketmaster.com
Price: $30

Get in the Halloween spirit Thursday and head to the National Zoo for a truly exciting and terrifying event. The annual Halloween party features spookily themed performance art, including palm readers, fire eaters, talking bats and illusionists, food and drink, a cosume contest and live music. You won’t want to miss this once-a-year event.

Lesser-Known Georgetown Traditions

Lesser Known Traditions

Kicking off Homecoming weekend this Friday is Traditions Day 2014, taking place on Copley Lawn. From noon to 3 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy free GUGS burgers, a cappella performances from several groups and (obviously) free T-shirts. More information can be found on the Facebook event, but it’s sure to be an awesome afternoon.

While the day is meant to celebrate some of Georgetown’s famous traditions, 4E is here to add some newer, lesser-known traditions that you might not have heard of yet.

The counter at Epi 

Everyone know about the tradition of sitting on John Carroll’s lap that every freshman partakes in because that’s been the tradition for years now. With Epi open 24/7 you can partake in the tradition of sitting on Epi’s counter at 2 a.m. until a cashier inevitably asks you to to get off. Plus, the counter has the added benefit of being a little easier to get onto than John Carroll.

The line at Eat & Joy 

Most recent grads and current juniors and seniors remember the glory of Tuscany, which was put out of business unceremoniously over the summer of 2013. Eat & Joy has stepped up to the plate to fill the void left by Tuscany, and (assuming they don’t also mysteriously go out of business one day soon) they have become the newest Georgetown tradition.

The Healy tunnels

Disclaimer: 4E does not condone trespassing. With construction all over campus (I think I’ve reached my limit for complaining about this), there’s no way to access the Reiss rooftop anymore; the Healy tunnels are just waiting at the heart of campus to be discovered!

The Hot Chick

During practically every tour of Georgetown’s campus and neighborhood, prospective freshmen hear about the Chicken Madness at Wisey’s and how it’s a must-have. In my two years here, though, I have come to largely prefer the Hot Chick for its simplicity and originality. If you haven’t had it yet, you need to get one (or three, and eat them all in one sitting).

While you might not have heard of some of these traditions until now, we can guarantee you’ll soon be making them a part of your usual Georgetown tradition routine. So, on Friday for Traditions Day and throughout Homecoming Weekend, inaugurate these newfound traditions as an integral part of your Hilltop experience.

Gifs: imgur.com; Photo: georgetown.edu

Traditions Day: All That is Georgetown

Is there a better way to begin Homecoming celebrations than rejoicing in our many traditions? Yes, that was a rhetorical question. This Friday (today!) marks Traditions Day! In celebrating school spirit, Traditions Day reinforces the specific traditions of Georgetown that essentially make us “bleed Hoya blue.”

As you prepare for the crowds and the cheering and the inevitable fun that follows Homecoming weekend, plan to include today in your festivities! If you’re a freshman, you’ll especially want to take part in the traditions that will soon become apart of your life and community here at the Hilltop!

So what exactly is going on?

GUGS will be flipping burgers alongside local restaurants throughout Copley lawn and Red Square around noon. Don’t forget about Wingo’s Wing Eating Contest! Sounds like happiness on a silver platter to me. While ensuring the satisfaction of your stomach, don’t forget to stop by Healy Circle and poke fun at community members agonizing in the dunk tank, featuring our own Blog Editor Michelle Cassidy, GUSA President Clara Gustafson and other seniors.

From a grueling Tug of War match and Powderpuff football to listening to your favorite a cappella groups and watching in anticipation as the Traditions Day Cup is awarded to one of our classes; Friday will be a day of fun, spirit, and exposure to all that is Georgetown!

So what do I take from this?

Besides the entertainment, food, and games, Traditions Day provokes thought about who you are and what you’ll become as you join (if you’re new) or progress throughout the Georgetown community. Think about all these little quirks, all these little building blocks that define Georgetown. Do they define you? Are they components your perception of Georgetown? Will you smile in reminiscence twenty years from now as a distinguished alumnus when thinking about these specific traditions? I guess the only way to find out is to simply revel in it and enjoy the ride! Hoya Saxa!

Photocreds: https://homecoming.georgetown.edu/