We started the day off well with a filling breakfast between 9 and 10 AM, which set the tone for an eventful day. Our plates were piled high with cereal, juice, yogurt, and a plethora of other delectable alternatives that lifted our spirits for the voyage ahead. There was a lot of talk and a tangible excitement for the day’s events.
We left for Indianapolis in the middle of the morning, full of anticipation for the WNBA match between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics. Fans like us were yelling and cheering for our teams, and the atmosphere at the arena was fantastic. We ate sandwiches, chicken, vegan meals, chips, and drinks during lunch without taking a break—all the while keeping our eyes fixed on the court.
The match was nothing short of thrilling. Every time the Fever scored, the Mystics would immediately answer back with another point, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. The dedication of the fans was evident, many having traveled long distances to be there. The final score was 89-84 in favor of the Mystics. On the bus ride home, we marveled at how quickly the Fever closed a 30-point gap, making the game a nail-biter until the very end.
Next up was a visit to the Indiana Zoo, a highlight that added a wild twist to our day. The zoo was a vibrant menagerie of fascinating animals and experiences. We were mesmerized by the dolphin show, thrilled to have the chance to touch stingrays, and delighted to observe kangaroos up close. The flamingos, with their brilliant pink plumage, were a sight to behold. Inside the zoo’s aquarium, we were enchanted by sea lions and penguins, adding a splash of marine magic to our adventure.
We returned to Purdue late, arriving at the Ford Dining Hall just in time for dinner. I half-expected it to be closed and for us to be granted some leeway, but, to our relief, it was open. Over dinner, the conversation took a scientific turn as we discussed using the Galaxy platform for genome sequencing. The hope that our internet connection would cooperate was unanimous, so we could complete our problem sets without a hitch. (Phuong)
