Harvard Enjoys Its Days in the Sun

Frisbees, footballs and lacrosse balls whizzed about campus yesterday, as undergraduates clad in shorts and T-shirts enjoyed the long-awaited warm weather of spring.

"It's just so beautiful to see everyone outside and not all stressed out," said Aida E. Bekele '94, as she studied in Harvard Yard, her cordless phone by her side.

Around the Yard, on house lawns and along the riverside, students relaxed on blankets to read, do arts and crafts or talk with friends. With the dinnertime temperature at 87 degrees, many House residents took their meal trays outdoors to eat.

That Florida Feeling

"Since I'm from Florida, I was expecting very cold weather," Laura E. Marx '94 said. "Every guy in the Yard is taking their shirt off pretending it's too hot. [The warm weather] makes me feel like I'm at home."

For the past three days, Marx and her roommates have spent at least four hours a day outdoors. Many other students said that they also enjoyed the opportunity to break out their summer clothes so soon after spring break trips to warmer climates.

While some studied, others played lacrosse, volleyball, football or frisbee, or just sat back to enjoy the scenery.

Benefits of Spring

"The women wear less clothes," said Marlin B. Smith '94, offering his thoughts on the benefits of spring.

"It was so warm out last night that I walked home from a party at MIT instead of taking a cab," said John C. Anderson '93, as he watched a basketball game on a portable television in the Leverett House courtyard.

Several students remarked that the heat has been accompanied by an upsurge in romancing. Others said it has put people in a playful mood, as evidenced by water baloon bombs thrown out of fourth floor windows in Weld Hall and people walking around blowing bubbles.

It's as good as sex," Rudo Benjamin '93 said, "because it's hot, steamy and makes me feel good."