A real spring break: Panama City, FL March 23, 2008
Posted by allyw in Uncategorized.trackback
I may have taken the week off from writing for spring break, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t out trying new things to write about on my blog! My new thing for this week was simple: I finally went on a “real” spring break. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been on spring break before. However, these spring breaks often constitued a shortened stay with dull parents and grim weather. Usually I opt out of the “college spring break” to either save money or work. This year was my chance to go to the spring break hotspot: Panama City, Florida.
I had never been to Panama City before, although I had heard a lot about it from friends. A huge group of friends and I (seventeen to be exact) booked a magnificent beach house one block from the beach in this classic beach town. The house was three stories and had two balconies, including a sun deck. There was a pool in the backyard and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. We were vacationing in style, even if there were five people sleeping in each bedroom (air mattresses helped somewhat).
The weather was beautiful. The beach was sunny and the ocean was sparkling. Each day we would pack our beach bags and head to the beach until dark. Let me just tell you: there is nothing better than lazing around with your best friends all day and playing football and frisbee in the sand. The beach was filled with fellow spring-breakers and we even made a few new friends to share in our daily excursions. I can definitely see how Panama City can be classified as somewhat crazy. There were people everywhere. Advertisements for events and things to do flashed in every direction. Even the rainy days were fun; we spent them shopping at unique island gift shops and watching movies at our house. We were even lucky enough to go to a free Kenny Chesney concert on the beach one afternoon outside of Club La Vela! Talk about a new experience! The crowd of anxious students on spring break excitedly cheering for top country star with the beach in the background was an unforgettable atmosphere. From the restaurant we went to that was shaped like a boat to the long walks we took past the endless array of hotels, the entire trip was a unique experience. I now know what it’s like to have a ”real” spring break and have a new appreciation for that week-long vacation in the spring when I hear the words “Panama City” uttered.
Hi! My name’s Jen Vella, and I’m an editor at College Prowler (www.collegeprowler.com). We’re a Pittsburgh-based company that prints student-written guidebooks for colleges across the US. We are seeking student authors to write the new College Prowler Guide to Spring Break, and after coming across your blog, I think that you could be a great fit for the chapter on Panama City. With hundreds of testimonials, facts, and student reviews, this guide will deliver an in-depth portrayal of more than 20 spring break destinations and will provide completely honest, unbiased information on topics like local atmosphere, travel tips and information, guys and girls, and nightlife.
Each author will receive a guidebook template, style guide, and complete instructions on how to compile their guide and will be responsible for gathering student quotes and writing editorial reviews for their destination’s guide. A writing manager at College Prowler will be available to assist student authors with questions throughout the writing process. Authors can choose to work independently or share the work, credit, and stipend with a partner.
Compensation, Credit, and Attention
• A $200 stipend and internship credit
• Author credit for your destination
• Free copy of the completed guide, a $29.95 value
• Publishing experience
• Potential exposure in your campus bookstore
• Possible media attention
• A fun, completely unique experience!
I realize this opportunity is not for everyone. If you have a friend or know someone who would be interested in helping us with this guide, please forward them this email. Hope to hear from you soon. Feel free to either return this message or e-mail me at jen@collegeprowler.com.
Thanks!
Jen
Soooo jealous! My break was spent in the dull, cold weather of Maine. Sure, I had friends but I would have preferred to be sunning on the beach instead.