2013 Travel Highlights

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I started writing out my annual review, but realized I should probably dedicate a post just to my travel and entertainment highlights. Without a doubt, I did A LOT this past year. Hoping for more excitement in the travel/entertainment department in the new year.

Travel Highlights

  • Visited Istanbul & Athens

    • Saw the Aya Sofya, Sultanhamet Mosque, explored Istanbul

    • Ate and drank in Istanbul: apple tea, soccer game while having nargile

    • Visited the Parthenon and Acropolis

    • Witnessed demonstrations happening at the Greek Parliament

    • Drank a freddocappucino while looking at the Acropolis

    • Watched the sunset over the Aegean Sea atop a hill in Athens.

    • Ate all the delicious feta, gyros, and desserts.

  • Visited Annapolis, MD

    • Ate Maryland crab for the first time!

  • Visited NYC multiple times throughout the year

    • March for my very first Armin van Buuren concert!

    • Headed up for Memorial Day, July 4th Weekend and Labor Day Weekend to meet up with friends, including a trip to both the Jersey Shore and Long Island beaches with friends.

    • Saw my fourth broadway show ever: Newsies

  • Visited Toronto, ON

    • Saw the CN Tower

    • Went to Niagara Falls

    • Visited the largest Asian Mall in North America (Pacific Mall)

    • Visited my very first Microbrewery

    • Experienced the hostel life yet again!

    • Ate poutine and explored Toronto

    • Had the most amazing boba ever — Mango Slush!

  • Went to New Orleans, LA

    • Traveled for the first time with two of my really good friends!

    • Experienced the debauchery of Bourbon Street

    • Ate incredibly delicious food! Dat Dog, Cafe du Monde, Oysters in Biloxi, Gautreau Restaurant (foie gras, rack of lamb)

    • Went on a swamp tour and saw some alligators

    • Went to Biloxi, Mississippi and went to my very first Gulf Coast Beach

    • Visited Ward 9 (Hurricane Katrina)

  • Went to Chicago, IL

    • Explored the city with my roommate and friends

    • Went to the Sears Tower, John Hancock Observatory, Boystown

  • Went to Charlottesville, VA

    • took a day trip with friends down to Charlottesville

    • went to Monticello, hiking at Humpback Rocks, getting chicken at a random gas station, and stopping by a random restaurant for some BBQ

  • Went to Philly, PA

    • First time heading to Penn for homecoming. Made me realize just how long it’s been since I was in college.

  • Heading down the Central Coast and San Diego, CA

    • Drove over 1000 miles in my Chevy Cruze rental along PCH.

    • Visited Hearst Castle. Stunning piece of real estate!

 

Entertainment Highlights

  • Went snowboarding for the second time in my life with friends in Virginia

  • First time watching the Wizards and Capitals at the Verizon Center. Also attended several Nationals baseball games throughout the summer.

  • Saw a lot more concerts than I ever have: Andrew McMahon, National Symphony Orchestra, .fun, Tegan & Sara, Justin Timberlake, King the Kid, Alex Goot, Carly Rae Jepsen, Hot Chelle Rae, Marine Corps Presidential Band,

  • Went to the beach several times: Jersey Shore, Long Island, Rehoboth

  • Went hiking throughout the year: Shenandoah Valley, Charlottesville

  • Attended some awesome events: 2013 Presidential Inauguration, YPFP’s Affairs of State, CAPAL Ball, Embassy Walk, Washington PRIDE, YPFP Annual Retreat, summer beer and festivals, and too many YPFP speaker events to recall!