Best of Mexico City

Hola from Mexico City.

If you didn’t know, Mexico City is a vibe! 

With more than 20 million people calling CDMX home, it’s the most populous city in North America. 

It’s a musical city ringing, tooting, and singing late into the night. Food carts populate almost every street corner, scenting the air with crepes, tacos, and grilling meat that is temptingly hard to resist. The streets are green with lush trees and plants. Dogs roam off leash, and so well-behaved, I wonder if Mexican owners can teach Americans their ways. Couples kiss in quiet alcoves and it’s easy to fall in love with this vibrant, colorful city. 

I arrived right after Dia de Los Muertos, with decorations still hung and feeling as if the city had just released a giant exhale. My accommodations are in a digital nomad co-living space, Outsite. Think Airbnb + WeWork had a baby. You can book a studio or a private bedroom with an ensuite and share common workspaces. The accommodations felt like a comfortable boutique hotel. For those who like to meet people while they travel, but need a step above a typical hostel, this is a great option. 

I’ve been solo traveling for a year now, but when I first arrived at Outsite’s empty lobby, I felt a wave of uncertainty. I wondered how I’d manage in a bustling city on my own with my “telenovela Spanish” skills. For a moment, I felt like a complete imposter. I wasn’t some worldly backpacker with dozens of countries under her belt, I was just getting started. 

I share this because it’s easy to get the impression that traveling is always non-stop fun and adventure. That there are never any moments of confusion, discomfort, or loneliness. Being somewhere new can be both exciting, unnerving, and challenging to your ego.

When I’m feeling unsettled in a new place, I like to do something familiar. In this case, I found a dance class. I started salsa dancing two years ago and I take classes wherever I can. Having one habit to look forward to in any place, helps me stay grounded, and it’s an easy way to meet people. I recommend the classes at ISM Dance School. They teach in English and often have Saturday afternoon classes at Parque Mexico. 

I’m happy to say I’ve found my footing in CDMX. I pronounce all my Spanish in a vaguely English/Portuguese/ French accent as I bounce between the few Romance vocabulary words I do know. But I get by and I can successfully order my coffee. 

So in a city of 20 million, what’s worth doing?

My favorite experience was the Hot Air Balloon ride over the Tehuatican pyramids. This was an early wake up call but catching the sun rise over the pyramids can’t be missed. There’s nothing like sipping hot coffee while watching the balloons inflate and then gently float into the air like a colorful living tapestry. 

My companions and I squeezed into the balloon’s inner compartments and the ballon slowly lifted off. It was my first time doing a hot air balloon. Even as someone wary of heights, I’d recommend it. The basket’s height is high and sturdy, so there’s no chance of falling out if that’s on your mind. 

When we touched down, a car was waiting to take us to breakfast inside a cave. Breakfast wasn’t remarkable but we continued on to our guided tour of Tehuatican. This area was actually discovered by the Aztecs and the pyramids there were previously built by a mystery civilization. Our guide, Ginny explained that the Aztecs built over the existing pyramids and that scientists had scanned the structures finding a Russian nesting doll of smaller pyramids inside. We learned how the pyramids were part of ancient worship ceremonies to the Sun and Moon, and how the different societies were structured. If you’re interested in booking the same tour, check it out here. A visit to the on-site museum follows, where you can see a recreation of what the area looked like in its day, as well as artifacts found during the restoration. 

Along with its history, most people know Mexico for its entertainment. If you’ve seen Nacho Libre, you know what’s coming next. I signed up for a Lucha Libre experience on Airbnb. I was paired up with other travelers and we started off at a taco stall in Mercado San Camilito downtown. Our guide explained the history of Lucha Libre and we watched several bouts. The fights brought me back to the late 90’s wih The Rock and Chyna. IYKYK.

On a sleepy Sunday, I got a little farther out of the city and headed to Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo’s famous hometown for a tour. Here our guide, a local, showed us around the neighborhood and shared its history of famous residents. He shared about Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera’s tumultous marriage. We toured the local market, stopping for churros and tostadas, before heading to Frida’s famous home, Casa Azul.

Coyoacan is a beautiful neighborhood with a slower pace than downtown Mexico. It’s the perfect place for a little quiet away from the hustle and bustle. Casa Azul is worth a visit alone to see Frida’s personal effects, her studio, and paintings.

In five weeks, I managed to squeeze in a ton of activities with plenty still left on my to-do list. Thanks to my accommodations, I made easy friends with fellow travelers. We took a walking tour of Centro (downtown CDMX) and I explored Mexico’ City’s largest park, Chapultec complete with a castle. Between the nightlife, museums, and restaurants, CDMX is a city that gives and gives. I barely scratched the surface, but I know I’ll be back. Here’s a few outtakes from my trip.

If you’re ready to add Mexico City to your travel list, check out my post for my best eats in CDMX.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

Favorite Eats in Mexico City

Mexico City is home to dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants, casual eats, street food, and of course, all the tacos you can eat. There’s a food vendor on almost every corner and is as beloved as the award-winning eats. So which spots made my top list?

Best Dinner

Sarde

This Michelin-Guide pick was exquisite. This restaurant came highly recommended from a friend, and I was so glad I listened. My meal at Sarde was my favorite thing I ate. I started with a light hamachi crudo paired with a bitter orange puree, followed by the Flat Iron steak and the corn salad. My friend recommended the mackarel with sourdough, cacio e pepe, and the strawberry hibiscus tiramisu. Whatever you choose here, you’re in for a treat.

Honorable Mentions:

Cana

Whenever I can order a steak frites, I’m a happy gal. Those thick-cut steak fries were perfection with a little aioli.

Most Unique Tacos

Cariñito Taco

As a foreigner, I’m not nearly brave enough to deem the best tacos in CDMX, but the most creative tacos I ordered were at Cariñito Taco. This unassuming spot also made the 2024 Michelin Guide. Guests order at a walkup counter and eat standing on the sidewalk.

I ordered the Cantones taco, pictured, which is a more traditional pork belly taco with pickled cucumbers. The flavors were delicious and whatever you think about pickled veg on a taco will be disproven. Another standout was the Issan taco, an Asian- inspired taco that must be eaten to be accurately described.

Despite the casual digs, they also offer a good selection of interesting wines. I tried the Toscana Vermintino La Spinetta which had a refreshing yet dry and herbaceous profile.

Best Drinks

Handshake Speakeasy

This cozy speakeasy was recently named #1 Bar in the World. I had good luck and managed to get a reservation for one at Handshake Speakeasy. The small bar conveys an intimate atmosphere with curtained alcoves and a sleek bar. Bartenders greet you in unison as you enter and exit adding to a celebratory atmosphere. The service was impeccable and each drink is crafted with care. My favorite drink was the Lychee Highball. Another popular drink on the menu was the Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned garnished with enoki mushroom stems.

Honorable Mentions:

Licorería Limantour, Baltra Bar, Bar Felix

You can’t go wrong with a stop at any of these bars. For every bar I visited, there were dozens more with a cool drink list and curated aesthetics. Leave a comment below if you’d like a list of where I’d visit next in CDM

Best Views

Ling Ling

Food-wise, Ling Ling’s offerings are decent but not spectacular. However, the views alone make it worth mentioning. Located at the penthouse level of the Ritz Carlton, this restaurant offers the most stunning views of Mexico City. Do yourself a favor and book a table before sunset and order cocktails and an appetizer before continuing your night.

Go To Coffee

The Coffee

I spent most of my mornings with an iced latte from The Coffee in Roma Sur. This clean white coffee shop situated on the corner overlooks passersby. If you’re not feeling confident in your Spanish, it offers an iPad ordering system with different language options. There are endless coffeeshop options in Mexico City, so you’re sure to find your own neighborhood spot.

Finally, here are a few bites that didn’t quite make this list but still left an impression.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

Take Me To Miami

Welcome back to the blog! It’s been a few months since my last update (Sorry about that!) but I couldn’t go without sharing my experience in Miami. I spent my January in the Sunshine State hiding away from snow and cold. After my non-stop adventures in D.C. and Belize, I needed to rest and replenish in Miami. As a born and raised New Englander, I can unequivocally say that snowbirds have the right idea. While my family group chat was blowing up with pictures of blizzards, I spent my weekend afternoons at the beach or heading to a new museum.

The Institute of Contemporary Art was my first stop. If you’re interested in learning more about art but you find yourself getting overstimulated at museums, the ICA is a good choice. The museum has 3 levels and small exhibits. It’s easy to take in the art without becoming overwhelmed or spending hours there.

When I went they were showing Tau Lewis and Sasha Gordon (some notables pictured above). Usually, the ICA is my favorite museum but I didn’t feel called to much of the art this time around. I did, however, love the contemporary artwork at the Rubell Museum. They had a Kehinde Wiley exhibit which did not disappoint. The portraits were larger than life and the colors are so vivid in person.

There were two exhibits by Yayoi Kusama, where you could step into a small mirrored room for an immersive experience. The reflections of the glass and the light played with your sense of space. I felt like a kid in front of a funhouse mirror with endless reflections staring back.

Usually, Miami is synonymous with partying, but for me this trip was focused on wellness. I spent my afternoons at Hollywood Beach soaking up the sun or visiting cafes like Mystic Coffee, and going on a daily “hot girl walk.”

My favorite moment by far was my visit to ZeyZey in Little Haiti for their Love and Lust Disco Takeover. ZeyZey is part outdoor courtyard and private indoor venue with bars where you can grab a cocktail, as well as food. Local artisans had set up small stands to sell clothing and jewelry near the entrance. There was even a tarot reader doing pre-Valentine’s love readings. At the back, they’d set up a stage with a live band. Unlike the typical Miami scene, this spot was down-to-earth and unpretentious. I felt like a local vibing along to the music under the red lights and smoke machine. It was one of those nights where you dance until your feet hurt but you don’t want to go home. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Miami, definitely check out ZeyZey for amazing live music.

I danced through 3 set changes in my own happy little world. Moments like these are why I enjoy traveling. When the energy of a city simmers around you, and you feel as if you couldn’t be anywhere else but where you are now.

Whenever, I travel, I always like to get in a little nature time, so I signed up for an Everglades adventure.

Myself and ten other folks loaded onto a noisy airboat to head into the Everglades. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch any animal sightings but if you’re looking to see alligators or pythons, I’d recommend a kayak or canoe trip instead or even a night boat where you might see more nocturnal animals.

Miami has a ton of botanical gardens and private zoos. I made a trip to Butterfly World, a live butterfly exhibit with my aunt. This is more of a kid-friendly activity but their insect museum is both the stuff of dreams and nightmares. As long as I live, I pray to never run across some of the bugs displayed inside.

After Miami, I headed straight to Atlanta, where I’ve been for the last few months. So…what’s with the long pause between updates? After a busy season, I needed some time to reflect on the purpose of my nomad trip. When I first planned this year, it was all about finding a new home and community, but lately, I’ve found myself less interested in settling down and wondering about what it might be like to live as a traveler. This experience has surprised me at every turn and it’s raised a ton of questions about what I want to do next.

For now, I’m still planning to finish my travel route but I might make a few unexpected stops along the way. I’m not quite ready for the traveling to end and I plan to take you along as I explore. Thanks for sticking with me and supporting my travels! Cheers to more adventures on the horizon.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

Under a Shooting Star

Welcome to my final chapter in Belize.

In my final weeks in Placencia, I focused on soaking up every last drop of sun and roasted cinnamon pineapple colada.

This drink quickly became the official favorite cocktail of our Noma group. I ended my day with more than a couple at the bar, and our group met up frequently for Happy Hour “RPCs” before our excursions.

There’s a lot to love here, cocktails aside. My days feel easy and people are friendly. One of the unexpected parts of travel that I’m discovering is how to be present. In Boston, I often felt myself planning and anticipating the next moment rather than living in the now. Since I’ve been traveling to new environments, everything around me is new. Time feels slower and it’s easier to savor the moment as it happens. That’s the attitude I tried to bring to my last few weeks in Belize.

In that spirit, I signed up for a jungle hike excursion. Our tour guide, Peter took us to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for a “moderate” hike on the Tiger Fern Trail to a double waterfall. Half our group was confidently striding up the mountain while I did my part by bringing up the rear. (It’s a hard job but someone has to do it!) Thankfully, every 10 minutes or so we stopped at a bench to rest. Despite my huffing and puffing, the climb itself was peaceful. The silence beneath the jungle canopy was so serene, you might never expect that it’s home to so many animals.

Peter was an excellent guide who explained the different terrain and medical uses of plants. This trail is known for the big cats that inhabit the area but none of them made an appearance. At the end of the trail, we reached a waterfall and a natural swimming pool. There was a second waterfall above this area, (not pictured because I was tired). We had lunch in front of the falls and stopped for some Belizean chocolate on our way back to the hotel.

My favorite beach day was an island hopping excursion to Moho Caye and Ray Caye. This was a low-key relaxing day. I found myself dozing off on the boat ride while we played Afrobeats. Moho Caye is a private island off the coast of Placencia with powdery white sand and cerulean water perfect for snorkeling Ray Caye is its sister island with a resort, huge water slide, and panoramic views of the water. We enjoyed rum punches and swam while our tour guides prepared lunch on the beach. It was the perfect beach bum day.

On one of the excursion-less nights, our group hosted a Progressive Party, a traveling party that moves place to place. We each took turns hosting a “themed” stop at our apartments. My co-host and I threw an all white party and served all white rum cocos (coconut water, coconut rum, and coconut milk ) with popcorn and fried plantain appetizers. Our next stop was a full dinner spread and cranberry spritzers, while our final stop served dessert and rum and gingers. This night was a highlight of my trip. We stayed up late playing games and learning about each other’s lives. Moments like this are exactly why I opted for a group travel experience. I’m really thankful I met such cool people through Noma.

A few other notable standouts from my time: the Little Wine Bar, which served wine and charcuterie. We played Weh yuh di seh, a Belizean Cards Against Humanity style game created by Miss Earth 2021, Destiny Wagner.

The sweeping view from Muna Rooftop where I ordered an incredible passion fruit caipirinha. A sip of this is like drinking in an endless vacation. I don’t think you can go wrong here with drinks. Everyone in our group enjoyed their cocktail. Mark this spot in your bookmarks if you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset.

My side quest to the Mayan King Waterfalls. (Pictured above) This location is popular with tourists but it was completely empty when I went. You can climb up the face of the waterfall and jump into the pool below. I didn’t make it to the top but with a little encouragement, I managed to jump. This trip doesn’t require a long hike and I would definitely recommend a visit.

On my final night in Belize, the hotel hosted its annual Mistletoe Ball. At this point, I felt like I stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie. Everyone from the village turned out in their best dressed. The hotel staff transformed the dining room into a dance floor with a dj playing Pop, Latin, Reggaeton, and Afro Beats late into the night. They lit bonfires on the lawn where guests could gather away from the dancing.

The warm balmy air invited us out onto the patio where the party spilled over the boardwalk to the dock adorned with Christmas lights. I can’t think of a better way to end my time in Belize than dancing under those lights overlooking the lagoon. It was one of those wildly fun, magical nights.

I knew in a few hours, I’d be on a plane back to Boston but for a few moments I snuck away to the beach. When I looked above, a shooting star passed overhead. I thought of everything that had brought me to Belize and all the moments I’ve yet to experience on my nomad journey. And my wish…well I’ll save that for myself. ;)

If you’re ready to experience Belize, here are a few other popular activities you may want to explore:

• Monkey River Tour

• Mayan Chocolate Making

• Garifuna Cooking Class

• Mixology Classes

• Diving at the Blue Hole

• Mayan Caves and Ruins

• A visit to San Ignacio

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

Unbelizeable

Forgive the corny title but I had to do it. It’s my first time in Central America, and I’m loving Belize.

At the start of this year, I wanted to visit Costa Rica but my plans fell through, and I’m glad they did! So why Belize? I didn’t know much about the country before this trip but I watched this Youtube video and honestly, that’s all it took.

I started my time here with a vacation in San Pedro. This beachy town is located in the Northern part of Belize on Ambergris Caye. As far as vacations go, this is the most unprepared I’ve ever been for a trip.

I knew where the airport was and how to get to my Airbnb and that’s about it! I had nothing planned for when I arrived. Thankfully, San Pedro has a relaxed and unpretentious vibe, so there’s no pressure to rush around. My Airbnb was within walking distance of nearby restaurants and minutes from the beach. I spent Thanksgiving Day floating on an inner tube and reading my Kindle.

Here are a few bites I enjoyed in San Pedro. Belizean food has similar flavors and ingredients as Haitian or Dominican cuisine, which felt delightfully familiar. Most of my dinners involved rice and beans or plantains. And all the seafood was incredibly fresh!

A popular breakfast here is refried black beans, scrambled eggs, and fryjacks, which are the crispier less-doughy cousins of beignets. My favorite restaurant in San Pedro was Maxie’s, where I ordered several lychee martinis. Most days, I lounged in an Adirondack chair overlooking the Caribbean. I would recommend exploring the area by golf cart so you can see more of the local spots. After San Pedro, I headed to Placencia to join a digital nomad co-living community. Noma Collective offers a digital worker community, private accommodations, and organized excursions for 3 or 4 weeks. (Shout out to our community manager, Sarah who was amazing). For anyone thinking of remote work abroad, I recommend them. I’ve never traveled with a group before but Noma makes the experience easy.

Week one went by so fast. We went to Maya Beach Bistro for dinner and visited Placencia to explore the town. They have a cute boardwalk-style downtown with restaurants and bars right on the beach. In the mornings, I worked from my apartment or a local coffee shop, and every night there was an optional activity. My favorite group dinner was at Rumfish y Vino, which served the best food and drinks. Many evenings, our group ended the night drinking coladas and rum cocos at Barefoot Bar, while folks danced and the ocean waves crashed on the shore behind us. Traveling in a group like this makes it a lot easier to get to know people. I’ve met so many other nomads who’ve been traveling the world for the past few years.

On the first weekend, our group had a snorkeling tour of Silk Caye, a tiny island maybe a few yards in diameter surrounded by a gorgeous coral reef. Our guide, Akeem took us onto the reef and pointed out the marine life including starfish, spiny lobster, and tons of blue tangs. He also shared a ton about Belize’s history and ecology, including how their barrier reef protected Belize from early colonization attempts and how their creole derived from Jamaican Patois.

After Silk Caye, we headed out to snorkel with sea turtles. The local fishermen stay at sea for days while they wait for their catch. Schools of fish, nurse sharks, and sea turtles follow the boats to eat whatever the fishermen throw over. This was my favorite experience so far. The sea turtles swam so close that you could accidentally touch them. (Though I was told later that they do sometimes bite). We stopped the local fisherman and I bought fresh lobster tails that we had prepared at our next stop, King Lewey Island. This location is a pirate-themed island with lawn games and a bar. By the time we got there, it was mostly deserted and felt a bit like an abandoned Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. I’d say it’s one of the spots you can skip.

Here’s a little highlight reel of my first week of adventures in Belize. I hope you enjoy watching it!

I’m now officially near the end of my trip and it’s hard to imagine leaving. Three weeks go by so fast that I find myself wanting to stay longer. And thanks to the other nomads, I’ve been inspired me to consider other places I might want to visit. One day, I hope to return to Belize and explore San Ignacio and a few other locations, but Placencia will have a special place in my heart.

P.S. Special credit to my Noma crew for capturing many of the photos and clips I shared!

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

Eats in the City

As I write this, I’m already enjoying my next destination but I couldn’t leave off my D.C. travels without one final update.

The best thing I did in D.C. was dining at Bresca. This Michelin-star French-inspired bistro is artful, intentional, and delicious. Even if you can only try two courses on their price fixe menu, it’s worth the visit. Growing up, my Sunday family dinners were always an experience from grocery shopping to wine selection to sitting down together. Eating at Bresca reminded me of those meals and the beauty of enjoying food as an experience. And of course, food is always best shared in good company.

My cousin came into town and we enjoyed three courses at Bresca, starting with an amuse-bouche, a light confection of sweet salty bacon over toasted bread. For our first course, I had the poached scallops and my cousin had the duck a la pressé. Each plate had a unique sauce or puree that complemented every bite. At first, I thought I’d ordered a tuna steak because I’d never seen such a large scallop. The flavor was mild but tender and the duck was crusted with seasoning and paired with a lovely hickory sauce à la royale. Neither of us could pass up the Australian Wagyu (bottom left) for our second course. They paired the wagyu with a stuffed shishito pepper and balsamic sauce. Everything was perfectly balanced and thoughtful.

I didn’t realize I was getting full until our dessert course; a raspberry semifredo with a layer of sponge cake, raspberry ice cream, and a toffee-like layer that I had to crack with my spoon. It was covered in a lemon verbena glaze making a sweet tangy, citrusy complement of all my favorite flavors. My cousin enjoyed a cocoa banana cake with a chocolate sponge covered in a rich chocolate mousse nestling a decadent banana ice cream. Our last bite was a trio of handmade dessert bites not pictured here. Overall it was a ten out of ten experience and I would highly recommend a visit. If I had to give one note, I’d say the espresso martini would be improved with Kahlúa but that’s splitting hairs.

In my last few days, I revisited the Alma Thomas exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. It’s not often I find artwork that really makes me pause. Even as I added the pictures to this post I found myself reliving the emotion of viewing it for the first time. Alma Thomas began painting after thirty-five years as a teacher. If you ever feel behind in life, her exhibit is a beautiful reminder that everything in life is right on time, and it’s never too late to begin again. Maybe that’s why I connected with her work. She drew inspiration from the stars and her use of color filled each room with emotion and depth.

Here are a few additional pieces that I enjoyed throughout my time at the National Portrait Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum.

After planning this nomad trip for so long, it felt strange that my first destination was already coming to a close. Who knew two months would go by so fast? I found myself wishing I had more time in D.C. My last restaurant was a TikTok recommendation, Dleña. This wood-fire Mexican restaurant has an organic modern Mexican decor with fiber chandeliers that emit a soft dim light and cozy curved booths where you can imagine sipping a smoky mezcal.

Its ambiance matches its social media vibe but I found the drinks were just okay. Dinner options were better overall. I had the short rib al carbon over bib lettuce with pickled veggies, and my cousin ordered the branzino in a charred marinade served with coleslaw and an avocado stuffed with corn salsa.

My biggest takeaway from my time in D.C. is that Boston has truly robbed me of my nightlife stamina. Just kidding, mostly! D.C. definitely lives up to its fun reputation, people work hard and play harder. Between the happy hours, nightly events, and hanging with friends, I never ran out of things to do. So where does the city rank as my future Home Base? I’m giving it a solid 7 out of 10 right now.

I loved the free museums, the vibrant salsa scene, and the incredible food. The area felt familiar as an East Coast city, there was a lot of nature to explore, and I had supportive connections here. I didn’t feel that special something that makes a place home but it’s still early in my nomad journey, so I won’t count D.C. out yet.

As I close out my first chapter in this journey, I wanted to say thank you for following along so far! This blog is my most public writing in a long time, and it’s been a fun experience to share my travels with you. Stay tuned for my next post which will be from a sunny beach in Belize.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

Bites & Sights

My time in D.C. has been flying by and I can’t believe I’ve already been here six weeks. D.C. has more than welcomed me, and I somehow seem to know even more people here than I do in Boston. Here are a few snaps of what I’ve been enjoying so far: drinks at Destino, hangs with coworkers & friends, dinner at Mr. Braxton, and cocktails at Lucha Rosa.

I admit, I landed in the city with some trepidation about how I’d feel adjusting to a new environment but it’s been easier than expected. One of the things helping me ease into D.C. has been the Latin dance scene. I’ve been dancing salsa for a year now, and I just finished taking Bachata classes at Salsa with Silvia in Northwest. 

A few weeks ago, my best friend and I checked out La Consecha for their Baila Thursdays. La Consecha is a Latin American Marketplace in the Northeast neighborhood with several bars and restaurants inside. At the center, they host cooking classes, dance classes, and this particular Thursday was Salsa Night. 

On a culinary note, I had my favorite meal thus far at Lapis, an award winning Afghan restaurant in Adams Morgan (highly recommended by Padma Lakshmi, thank you Padma!) The ambiance was cozy with each snug table lit by a candle.

My friend and I split the afghan dumplings, mini beef patties that looked more like kebabs, zardak, a dish of carrots, peas, and pitted plums, and lamb shank marinated in a herbed tomato sauce. This was one of those experiences where pictures don’t do the food justice. The lamb was tender and falling off the bone. And the next day, I was incredibly grateful that my friend gave me the leftovers to take home. Downstairs, Lapis also has two additional bars which I’d recommend if you can only stay for a cocktail.  After this dinner, D.C. is winning a lot of points with me.

My favorite activity was my visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Just wow. You begin your journey in the museum three levels down as the curators describe the development of African civilizations and the threat of slavery. As you ascend through the museum levels, you’re taken on an experience through the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and the struggle for Civil Rights, into modern times and the growth of AfroFuturism.

You can walk through a segregated train car (pictured below) and they have an interactive lunch counter where you can choose to participate in different civil rights demonstrations. It’s obvious the level of care and intention the creators put into the displays and education. The museum is a marvel. I was there for 4 hours and it still didn’t feel like enough time. On my next visit, I plan to stop by the Sweet Home Café (which has rave reviews).

I’m feeling really grateful for my D.C. experience so far. There’s an endless list of restaurants, museums, and things to do every weekend. I have a few weeks left to enjoy the city and I’m honestly wishing I’d given myself a little more time to explore. I’ll have one more update from D.C. before I’m off to my next destination, Belize!

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

First Stop, D.C.

I’m officially in Washington, D.C.! In my first few weeks, I’ve been busy playing tourist and catching up with friends. As soon as I touched down, I visited Capitol Hill and the monuments, and explored a few local food spots.

I went to the National Mall where I was immediately stung by a wasp. I screamed loud enough for a passing jogger to call out a belated warning. Since it was only Day 1 and I’d already been bested by an insect, I decided I needed alcohol. I checked out Bar Deco in Chinatown which didn’t impress me with their margarita. Where is the best place for a margarita in this city? (Someone please comment below if you know).

D.C. was having one of those 80-degree September days that I dream about in Boston. I stumbled upon my favorite find of the week, Flight Wine Bar. Escaping from the afternoon heat and sun inside reminded me of descending into a chill subterranean oasis. The organic contemporary aesthetic suited their beautiful menu of wines and small bites. They specialize in wine flights but since it was only 3 o’clock I stuck to a glass of rosé.

The bartender recommended the Mourvédre + Montepulicano + Tempranillo from Langhorne Creek, Australia 2022. The owners and bartender were friendly and recommended a few museums and places to visit while I’m here.

Later, I grabbed dinner with a friend at Ocean Prime and we tried the dynamite roll, ocean roll, spicy tuna, and a chef special that had fried lobster. It was all delicious and I can’t describe it much to say that I ate everything. When it comes to chains, even upscale chains, I basically know what to expect from the experience and Ocean Prime delivered. (I would love to try a local sushi spot in D.C. if anyone has tips.)

Here’s a round up of what else I loved in my first few weeks:

Daikaya, a cozy ramen spot in Chinatown that serves walk-ins at a small counter. My server recommended the spicy miso ramen which was solid all around. I think this spot deserves a return visit if you’re looking for an easy lunch near downtown.

Later in the week, my friend came to visit and took me to Laos in Town, where I tried Laotian food for the first time. This spot is located in Noma and has a lovely patio if you’re looking to dine al fresco.

We ordered the Poh Pia, a Laotian spring roll appetizer, and the Goong Sawaan with marinated shrimp on a bed of lettuce and crispy noodles. We both loved our cocktails, I ordered the Hummingbird with Hendrick's Gin, St-Germain, Cointreau, orange blossom, and lemon. My friend ordered the This Side of Noma, with Cotton & Reed White Rum, Thai basil, lychee, and lemon. I would highly recommend adding this spot to your list of D.C. restaurants to try.

Unfortunately, the mains did not make my camera roll because I was too hungry to blog.

Sometime after this point, my wasp bite started to swell and my arm grew to 2x its size. I won’t share any lurid photos but if you can imagine me as Popeye the Sailor Man, you’ve got some idea of how I looked.

Admittedly this development slowed my sightseeing down, and I needed to take it easy because my arm felt like a stuffed sausage. I made several trips back and forth to CVS until the Minute Clinic nurse told me I absolutely needed meds because my arm looked terrible.

And because nothing is easy, I broke out in a full-body allergic reaction to my medicine - and required another prescription. I’m happy to report that as of posting this, I am fully healed and my arm is its regular size!

Despite my comical infirmity, I still managed to check out the National Portrait Gallery, where I loved this painting by Alma Thomas. The exhibition wasn’t open yet so I’m planning to go back to view the rest of her artwork. In person, the colors are vibrant and you can see all these tiny details in her brushstrokes that give the painting an almost textural sensation.

I’ve been exploring the local scene here and visited the H Street Festival, a local community festival spanning several blocks in the H Street Corridor. There was a ton of live music, activities, and kids’ games. I ordered lunch from Jerk at Nite, a Black-owned Jamaican spot started by Howard students. The line was so long for this spot that the oxtail was gone by the time I got to the front but I ordered the Di Yaddie plate with jerk chicken, rice and peas, and cabbage and loved everything. I’m still new to the blog and didn’t capture the dish but I promise my next post will have more pictures.

D.C. is known for its food scene and one of my goals, while I’m here, is to try a Michelin-star restaurant. I have a few in mind but if you know any good spots worth visiting, please leave me a comment below!

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.

Bye, Bye, Boston

After more than a decade working in Boston and three years living in the city, I’m officially packing up my luggage and saying bye to Boston. This September, I’m starting a 12- 18 month nomad journey. I’m traveling down South and abroad to explore different cities and find my next home.

Despite being a notoriously difficult place to find and build community, I managed to forge a really beautiful life in this city. When I think of Boston, I’m reminded of how cities can grow on you. You’ll find corners that are worn smooth and welcome by the many feet that have traversed your path. In the last few years, I’ve surprised myself with how many amazing friends I’ve made and the community I built here. Leaving now feels both strange and complete.

There are so many restaurants I haven’t tried yet, places I still haven’t been, and people I haven’t met but I’m reminding myself that the journey doesn’t stop here. I’m excited to experience a new place with new opportunities elsewhere.

Every New Year, I create a mantra to embody for the next 364 days. This year it was “Joy Comes Easy to Me.” It’s the best way I can sum up what this year has meant for me and how I’m choosing to close this chapter and begin another. I’m excited to share my updates with you as I travel, what I’m doing, and most importantly, what I’m eating. But in closing out my time in Boston, it’s only apropos that I share a list of a few places I love that I think you might love too.

Kassandra’s Best of Boston

Casual eats and rooftop vibes at Phillipe’s

Sushi at Uni

Cafe moments at Café Sauvage (BO)

Live jazz and drinks at Grace by Nia (BO)

The best margaritas at Lolita’s in Back Bay

The menu at Frenchie’s Wine Bistro - get an Espresso Martini

Handmade pasta and the whiskey sour with egg whites at Mida (BO)

Cocktails at Blossom Bar

Atmosphere and cocktails at Hue Boston (BO)

Date night vibes at Nathalié

Honorable Mentions

Aquitaine

Longfellow Bar

If you want to read more about my future adventures and food reviews, stay tuned for my posts. My next update will be from D.C. Leave a comment if there’s a spot I should check out while I’m there.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this update and want to support my travels, consider buying me a coffee.