My US trip is by far my grandest holiday ever. Staying in the most powerful nation in the world for over three months was really memorable and life-changing... but it wasn't easy. It involved tons of preparation, planning and revision of itinerary. Sometimes, just when I thought I over-prepared and I was ready to go, something would come up. I would then find myself re-revising my itinerary.
Despite my itinerary's constant alterations, this one 'must-see' place remained unfazed on top of my list - the world's most prestigious educational institution - the Harvard University. Yes, Harvard has always been in my bucket list.
I'm sure that most of us once dreamed or are dreaming to be accepted at this magnificent beacon of knowledge; or perhaps just visit the university. But then again, I never have Facebook friends who post snaps at Harvard. So does that mean I am the only one here? Well, that's all right, at least I will be the one in my circle to brag about visiting the premier ivy league.
By now I assume that we all know that Harvard University is a member of the ivy league and it is the oldest university in the United States. It is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is where many scientists, politicians & famous personalities earned their degrees, including 7 presidents of the United States and whooping 50 Nobel prize winners!
With all the intellectual hype, Harvard has become not just the most prestigious university in the world, it has turned into a huge tourist drawer as well.
It's not that I just joined the hype. Like what I said, my US trip would not be complete without visiting Harvard. So from New York City, off I went to Massachusetts.
Harvard checked!
Goosebumps. The moment I set foot in the Harvard soil, the atmosphere instantly felt very intellectual. Walking through the vast campus, it felt like I was a part of important history behind this center of learning.
I have to mention that there is no entrance fee needed to explore Harvard unless you want to check out the museums which charge a few dollars per person. Moreover, most of the buildings are off-limits to visitors but you can freely snap photos at their entrances. There are guided tours by Harvard students but because I wanted to soak up the intellectual atmosphere, I opted to just walk around all by myself despite the fact that I didn't do my homework. With its extensive grounds, there are tons to see and do at this most storied university. I don't know how I was able to figure out where to start but I must say that my itinerary worked. So I am sharing them with you in the same order I spotted these cool tourist staples in the world's most revered university.
John Harvard Statue
This one is impossible to miss because it is situated right on the very 'doorstep' of Harvard yard and the long line of tourists and students alike waiting to snap photos just attracts attention. This is arguably the most famous attraction at Harvard. The bronze sculpture is a tribute to the university's main benefactor, Mr. John Harvard.
Don't be surprised if you see visitors and students rubbing the statue's feet though. It has been believed that doing so will bring good luck. However, there are stories that Harvard students urinate on the same feet. The poor statue is often the symbol of attack and target of pranksters, drunken students and football rivals of Harvard.
Here's one more for the trivia. The sculpture is not actually John Harvard's likeness that is why it is also known as the 'Statue of Three Lies'. Here are those three lies.
1. John Harvard was not the founder but the the colonial government
2. The school started in 1636, not in 1638
3. There was no portrait of John Harvard so the statue was modeled after a Harvard student
The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library
SURPRISING FACT. The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library was named after a Titanic (the ship that sank) victim, Elkins Widener who was a graduate of Harvard. His mother donated $3.5 million to build the library after his name. It is the third largest library in the United States and it is the main library in Harvard University.
I didn't get the chance to go inside the Widener library because it is off-limits to non-students, not to mention I was already expecting what to see inside - books. However, from the outside, the library is glorious. Its steps are just nice to sit if you're just chilling and people-watching.
Harvard Yard and University Hall
This is the university's centerpiece and is something to behold. This is where you find most of the significant structures including the dormitories and academic buildings. Students and other tourists I bumped into swore that it is more beautiful in autumn as the leaves of the trees start to change colors.
Next to the John Harvard Statue, Harvard yard is the most touristy part of Harvard. It is always busy as tourists come and go snapping photos or laying on the grass to relax. Crowded as it is, it still remains the heart of the university.
Tercentenary Theater
The Tercentenary Theater is the grassy area at the center of Harvard Yard. It is the venue for the university's annual commencement exercises and other important events.
The Memorial Church of Harvard University
The Memorial Church stands in Harvard Yard opposite Widener Library. It was built in 1932 and is dedicated to the Harvard soldiers who died in the World Wars I & II. The names of graduates who died in the Korea & Vietnam wars are also written in marble within the church.
It felt like I needed to check out each hall, building and museum because there certainly is a story behind them. But then again, time and energy are the limiting factors when you travel so I just checked out those that have an aesthetic appeal and are within walking distance. Here are more spots that I thought deserve a visit.
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| Harvard Museum of Natural History |
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| Matthews Hall |
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| Matthews Hall |
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| Littauer Center of Public Administration |
Harvard is old, lovely and rich in history. It is indeed very pleasant to visit the expanse of this illustrious academic heritage. Harvard has always been in my bucket list since I was a child, so the feeling of accomplishment when I finally saw the actual place that I used to see only in movies, pictures and postcards is beyond description. I am looking forward to visiting my favorite university again.
Lush surroundings, dignified atmosphere - Harvard is simply the best.
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