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September 19, 2013

University of Virginia Grounds

On a sunny Sept. 14, 2013, Cole and I started a University of Virginia campus tour at the Rotunda.	Our small group walked out on the lawn to learn more about the academic village that is the center of the university Thomas Jefferson founded in 1819.	Students enjoy a picnic and wine on the non-home-football-game weekend.
We learned about campus from a second year guide. Also in our group were a bunch of students trying out to be a guide. From the sound of it, the position is a competitive but honorable job on campus.	All along the lawn are rooms that students and professors live in, just like back in the days of Jefferson.	Here in front of Pavilion VII we learned about the secret societies at the university. Supposedly they have the second most after Yale.
The classic white, black and red look is being debated at UVA right now. The original look chosen by Jefferson has green shutters and a muted white/tan color.	After exploring the lawn, we headed back to go into the Rotunda. Construction started in 1823 and finished in 1826.	The Rotunda's Dome Room is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Both are pretty I would say. Behind those pillars, you'll find a library picked out by Jefferson.
From the Rotunda window, you can see the library at the end of the green. You can also see the construction taking place, which will be closing down the Rotunda to viewers soon.	When UVA opened for class in 1825, eight faculty members and 68 students filled this area.	After all the formal touring, we wandered around the Rotunda and grounds a little.
Not going to lie, this place is pretty and worth a visit. There is a reason it's named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.	Even on a Saturday, students are walking around the historic campus.	Fall is really coming.
Even Jayhawks can hang out here. :)	Around the base of the Rotunda, you can find cute little sitting areas.	Hey, there.
This tree had some pretty seed pods. Cole and I weren't sure what it was though.	We will definitely have to make another trip to main campus.

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