- Manhole in front of Page-Rob. To the untrained eye, this innocuous manhole is a safe stepping stone, uncovered in snow compared to the icy sidewalk around it. Nothing like biffing it in front of an audience of the mailroom line, people going to class, and drivers stopped at the intersection.
- Right side of the Sarah Doyle Center stairs. You think you’re safe coming up the stairs from Brown St., and then you’re walloped by ice thicker than a Jo’s panini. By the time my facilities work order is fulfilled, it’ll be spring.
- Ratty slushy. And not the fun kind. The floors grow grayer and wetter as the day goes on, until you’re wading through the ghosts of footsteps to get to your tres leches. My idea of lunch is green peas and kosher wings, not marinating in shoe juice. There’s a little yellow fan blowing, and it’s trying its best. Blow, little fan…blow…
- Pile of snow at Meeting Street and Brown Street. Of all the inconvenient piles of shoveled snow on campus, she takes the crown. You’re a fool to think you can get across her unscathed—your boots will sink into her faster than you can lift them, and there will be snow dripping down your heels when you arrive at class.
- Thayer. Shoveled, for a better stretch of the road. Snowbanks are the main hazard, so play Twister with the steps of those before you. Thankfully, the motorists are usually going too fast to heckle you.
- Road plate on the way to the Nelson. Heated and steamed from underground maintenance, warm enough to melt any ice on top and dry the surface of this little slice of sidewalk. This dark bronze sheet is a delightful break from the surrounding frozen asphalt. If you know, you know.
ADVERTISEMENT
