A: Next month I'll attend the science camp that you went to last year. I'm really looking forward to building a weather station with the other students. B: That was my favorite project! Make sure you don't skip the safety talk on day one, or the leaders won't let you use the tools. A: Thanks for the warning. I'm also really looking forward to sharing a dormitory room with new friends. B: It's fun, but make sure you don't stay up too late. The first session starts at eight. A: I see. What other advice do you have? B: Make sure you don't spend every evening texting friends back home. Talk to the people in your group instead. A: I will. I'm really looking forward to meeting students from different cities. B: You'll make good friends there, I'm sure.

This past spring, my parents and I spent four days on a quiet island off our southern coast. After being dropped off at the small harbor, we realized that we did not know how to reach our guesthouse. There were no taxis, and the only bus ran twice daily. I felt annoyed at first, but a fisherman drew us a simple map without being asked. By our second day, we were greeting shop owners by name and buying warm bread before breakfast. Whatever plans you make, leave one afternoon free for the cliff path, where the views are wonderful. Whatever the weather looks like in the morning, check the ferry schedule before you go out, because the boats sometimes stop when the wind rises. I hope you enjoy the island as much as we did.