2 weeks in India (pre-Covid)

It’s been one year since I traveled to India (January 2020) with three friends and traveled around with four – as we were visiting our friend who lives in India. I’ve been thinking about how crazy it is that so much has changed in the world in just one year. Reminiscing about travel adventures has made me a bit nostalgic, especially considering I haven’t been able to really travel since then!

Now let’s just dive right in & take a walk down memory lane…

JFK: Expensive drinks (eyeroll) to cheers our India trip

First full day:

The long haul flight to India was actually quite lovely with Delta – besides some turbulence we encountered. We went to a country club in Mumbai as a calm intro into the country. Later that night we explored some of the bars around the area, which was fun to see. We went to Koko plus one or two others that I’m blanking on (it’s been 1 year!).

The views – Mumbai’s skyline

The next morning was rough to say the least…many of us did not feel well! But alas, we’re in India! We had to make the most of it anyway so off to our Jeep city tour it was. I highly recommend it (Khaki Tours). Our tour guide was very knowledgable and it was just a unique way to see the city besides foot.

We escaped the city of Mumbai one day and took a day trip to nearby Alibag – a sort of summer getaway akin to the Hamptons & New York City, according to my friend (who we can call A for convenience). The family friend of A’s lent us their house for a day…to say it was remarkable would be an understatement! We spent the day lounging poolside. Also the only way to get there is via boat (forget the good hair day, just embrace it).

Who knew we were ahead of the times when we wore masks in Delhi?

So it was goodbye Mumbai & hello New Delhi! The city’s air quality is not that great hence the masks…

If I had to characterize the two cities we had been in up to that point – I’d say we experienced a more relaxing version of Mumbai while Delhi was go, go, go! And on a practical note, Mumbai was quite warm in January and summery while Delhi was, by no means cold, but more like early spring so I’d suggest bringing a lot of layers.

Luckily we had a guide to show us around the city. Two of the most memorable things include: us riding in an auto rickshaw during crazy (or normal?) traffic – again another great way to sightsee – and walking through Chandni Chowk. How to explain this market, hm?

It is a wild place. Everything moves at lightning speed and if you ever thought New York City was chaotic – this is 10x crazier. I remember feeling adrenaline the entire time we were in the market because if I was ever too slow, a second later I’d be getting run over by a bicycle or a cow – or any other object! Think back to when you first learned to drive. I bet every drive early on felt scary and like you had to be so alert and ready for anything. Well that was what being in Chandni Chowk was like!

To drive this idea home, I found this quote about the famous market online: “Unbelievably busy and comically chaotic, Chandni Chowk may not be an easy place to navigate but is easily one of the most fascinating corners of the capital.”

And of course we had to see the Taj Mahal in Agra (second [New]Wonder of the World with these ladies!). I have to say that when I first laid eyes on the Taj Mahal I gasped and said “oh my god.” It is a stunning place. It was extremely crowded, though, which was the only downside. I’m so glad that we ventured out there because it ain’t like India is nearby.

In Jaipur (the “Pink City”), we got to feed and wash some elephants which to be honest I wasn’t quite sure about ethically. Everyone was excited to go and we had already bought the time. Overall, I think it was OK as it was two elephants with minimal tourists around. I wouldn’t say this is a must do experience, though.

Our final stop was to Hyderabad. an add on. We went for an engagement party for A’s friend from school. This was the engagement party of all engagement parties. ‘A’ had told us that Indian engagement parties are extravagant but you don’t quite grasp how big they are until you see it yourself. This felt like a wedding! There were hundreds of people – again, pre-Covid. It was an honor to be there and experience something that I would have never gone to had our friend not brought us four American girls along. Did I mention we (somehow!) performed a choreographed dance on stage with the soon-to-be bride’s closest friends!? Makes a good story now though.

And that is a wrap on our India 2 week tour! Fingers crossed that we all will have more adventures soon enough…

First trip to Asia: Tokyo, Japan

While everyone was hopping in cars with pies for Thanksgiving at a relative’s place, I was on a 14 hour plane ride! I have a friend teaching English in Tokyo, and back in August I finally bought my ticket to Japan to visit her. This is what my first trip to Asia was like:

Korean food on the long haul flight

I only had a week to experience all Japan has to offer, but I think I managed to do quite a bit!

Day 1:

Kamakura

Big Buddha (daibutsu)

Ichiran

Golden Gai bar

Yes, I was visiting a friend but with her schedule, we really only had one full day together! Every other day we only had the morning to spend together. With that being said, we took a day trip to Kamakura via train on her day off. Even in November, it got pretty warm out that day! I wasn’t so lucky the whole trip, though – it rained nearly everyday afterwards. We got to see a Buddhist temple, Big Buddha and the beach out in Kamakura before returning to Tokyo. For dinner, it was Ichiran. You ‘order’ from a machine by hitting buttons for which ramen & toppings you want! Afterwards we ventured to Golden Gai, which is hands down probably the coolest part of Tokyo. It’s a bunch of small alleys with shoebox sized bars that can only fit 10 or so people in them at a time. We ended the night with singing karaoke!

Day 2:

Cat cafe!

Meiji Gate

Sushi conveyer belt time

Shibuya Crossing

More ramen…

It’s cat cafe time! My friend & I played with kitties at a cat cafe after we ate breakfast together. We went to one on Takeshita street. Then I was on my own! I went to Meiji Gate before trying sushi in Japan & looking down on Shibuya Crossing. Though I just had ramen the previous day, I needed another noodle fix for dinner!

Day 3:

Face latte art?

Tsukiji fish market

My friend took me to the Nissan cafe where they print your face on lattes! How cool, right!? Afterwards I did a little shopping at the Japanese store Uniqlo. For lunch I was off to get lost in Tsukiji Market where I bought tea, tried kimchi samples and ate eel as my meal. This was one of my favorite spots in Tokyo, I definitely recommend.

Day 4:

I had gotten tickets to teamLab borderless which is a light installation/interactive museum. Though it is a really cool space, I recommend going with someone. Additionally, it is super crowded and gets quite warm in there. For dinner I ate some udon and tempura.

Day 5:

Sensoji Temple

Mini plastic ramen

Udon

Japanese whisky

During one of my last days, I headed to Sensoji Temple – and look the sun came out! Kappabashi Street was next on the agenda. It’s a place that sells all these plastic foods that a lot of Japanese restaurants display in their store front. 

I ate at an udon bar which I didn’t even know till the end had a Michelin star! Good pick. A lot of the days ended early for me due to jet lag, but overall I adjusted fairly well.

Day 6:

Heading back home! I again had a layover in Seoul, South Korea. I was knocked out the majority of the flight home so the ride really flew by!

Next time I’m in Japan, I’d love to see Osaka & Kyoto. See you later travel buds!

^ Mt Fuji :O

Autumn Activities

 

National Arboretum

National Arboretum

Greetings folks & happy 2019! This is a very belated post about autumnal happenings because I had been having issues with WordPress for the longest time. So here we are —finally!

So back in September I ventured out to the National Arboretum in D.C. It was still quite warm out, but most of the summer humidity had left. It is a massive place! If you go, it’d be wise to make a day of it.

There is a bunch to see! Great for kids, pets & everyone in between.

Bonsai

Bonsai close up

Onto October…I had found ARTECHOUSE a while back, but was never quick enough to get tickets for any of their exhibits. I got tickets with my friend to see the New Nature by Marpi exhibit. Unlike the Smithsonian museums, you actually have to pay to get in here, but I’d say it’s worth the money. Honestly would consider going again to another exhibit because it is THAT cool.

ARTECHOUSE cocktail

ARTECHOUSE

They have cocktails if you go at night, but day time slots are also available.

VA Wineries: 

Hillsborough Winery

A friend from Jersey kindly visited me in mid October & she brought her car with her! We ventured out to Virginia’s wine country! Our first stop was the adorable Hillsborough Winery — it is a must see. The gorgeous fall day didn’t hurt either.

Clearly you don’t eat that part…I was kidding

The Barns

We made two more stops before zipping back into the city. The Barns at Hamilton Station was quite nice as well. There was even a wedding set to begin shortly after we left!

Overall 10/10 for the Virginia wineries. Wine, cheese + carbs — what more could you want!?

Mikko restaurant in D.C.:

Mikko exterior

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In case you didn’t know, I went abroad to Denmark (that’s how this whole blog started), but my friend also studied abroad there.

Coincidentally, we are both still in D.C. When I found this Nordic restaurant, Mikko, I knew I had to go with her!

Braving the cold

Salmon benedict!

Because of the tiny interior, my friend & I braved the chillier weather for a seat outside. It was fine, though, thanks to their handy blankets! I ordered a feast: salmon benedict (so GOOD), a cardamom bun & coffee.

Located around Dupont Circle, it’s a great place for weekend brunch, but I’ve been wanting to try out their happy hour, too! Twas a good excursion for the girls who went abroad to Copenhagen…

Thanks for reading! Until next time.

In the garden up in Yonkers

Along the Hudson River is a little garden, or rather a very large estate, called Untermyer Gardens. I first stumbled across this spot on Instagram & with the address and intention to explore, we were off!

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Though the sun wasn’t out, we found that it was for the best since it was already quite warm! There is a small parking lot if you’re coming by car. A greeter also informed us that during the holidays, they put lights on and offer hot chocolate to guests! We’ll just have to go back in that case.

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From little to kids to wedding parties, this place attracts every sort! I bet it looks gorgeous in the autumn.

Looks like velvet! 

I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes since there are some hills and gravelly parts.

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It’s really a great place with a variety of water features and vegetation! So head over there if you like getting some great snap shots and enjoying the outdoors.

I’ll be sure to visit again soon.

Peach picking & beer gardens

Labor Day: the last hooray of summer. I made the arduous journey up north via a 5 hour bus ride. Saturday’s forecast almost scared us off from going fruit picking, but thankfully we forged ahead! What started off as an overcast weekend turned into a day with pockets of sunshine.

Collect the emojis!

The peaches were not all ripe in New York state, but there were some winners that we ate right on the spot. Friends also grabbed some blackberries and green peppers. Ochs Farm is a favorite of mine (& upcoming: it’s the best for apple picking!).

My pickins

Pay up!

Now that we picked all the fruit we could, we went down the road to Pennings Orchard for some food and beer. After snagging a table under an umbrella, we shared some fries and onion rings, washed down with a variety of beers.

We spent a few hours enjoying the outdoors, took the occasional Polaroid picture, then dashed off to our last destination. Ice cream at the famous Bellvale Creamery . Didn’t snap a photo, though, so you’ll just have to use your imagination…

Grateful for the sunshine and laughs 🙂

xx

Final Year in the District

Washington, D.C. is a particular place for a couple of reasons. It’s where North & South meet. It’s got more prepsters than I’m used to plus a ton of workaholic college graduates. Located on a swamp, it’s humid even in the winter, but seeing as it was my last semester in the district, I decided to make the most of it.

I had a “D.C. Bucket List” if you will, which included things such as: going to Roosevelt Island, Capitol Hill Books, DC Brau tasting, Gavelly Point, the Renwick, Dumbarton Oaks, kayaking on the Potomac, cat cafe, Caps game, The Wharf, ice skating at the Sculpture Garden, National Cathedral Flower Mart, and Danish Embassy Open House — just to name a few.

So if you’re new to the area, or just visiting for a week, here are the highlights & worthwhile things you should experience.

A Concert Hall

Georgetown facade

Bad Suns concert at the 9:30 Club

What better way than to start chronologically? Back in October, I got to see one of my favorite bands at the 9:30 Club (a concert venue I frequented my 4 years in DC). It was quite impressive to see the Bad Suns headlining(!) since as a freshman in college, they were only the opening act.

Onto the next thing!

Gardens

Hillwood Estate

Hillwood Estate

I was also lucky enough to be visited by a few friends this year! Above are photos of Hillwood Estate, located inside the district near the Van Ness metro stop. It’s quite a sight so I recommend checking out the hidden gem.

Catch up with friends

Tea time

Watergate Hotel

Cherry blossoms

Luckily, some of my friends from study abroad went to Georgetown University, so I got to catch up with some of them from time to time. I recommend all the activities we did! We went to a tea salon in Georgetown called Lady Camellia. We saw the cherry blossoms at peak and we tried some drinks on the rooftop (Top of the Gate) of the Watergate Hotel!

March for Our Lives

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I had never been to a march in Washington before. Seeing as it was my last year, this was the time to go. I went with my one friend to film for a class and it was quite an experience. I’m happy I got to go and talk to march attendees.

Cat Cafe

Cate Cafe

Cady’s Alley in Georgetown

I finally got to go to the cat cafe! When you lack the affection of a fluffy animal while you’re away at college, a cat cafe is the perfect antidote! It is a bit pricey, but the time is well spent if you don’t have a pet of your own.

Go out on the town

If you’re gonna go out in D.C., I’d recommend the following in Dupont Circle: Madhatter and Decades. The U Street scene is a bit more hip. Though not as a familiar with that area, if you just wander into places, it’ll still be a good time.

Capitol Hill Books

Colorful homes

Local quirky bookstore

There is a cantankerous old man who runs Capitol Hill Books and it just makes the place that much more charming. After exploring the cozy store, trying not to knock over precariously placed books, I left with one new book. There’s lots of little shops nearby that you can check out. On this dreary day, I had gotten coffee, checked out Eastern Market (right around the corner), and grabbed some pizza.

Grab a drink

Beer flight

Lupo Verde gin cocktail

“Go to the DC Brau Brewery” had been on my DC bucket list so I did just that! Unfortunately, there was an IPA hops festival going on so we couldn’t do a tour, but just as well, we got to try a flight of their beers. It was a fun little time hopping over to Northeast DC.

*Visiting via car might be the easiest

Kayak & Visit an Embassy

Kayaking on the Potomac

Danish Embassy Open House

-Usually stinky hot in the summer, mid-May was a glorious time to go kayaking on the Potomac. I went to the Key Bridge location, located right in Georgetown. I’d say it’s quite cheap — $22 per hour for a tandem kayak. So only $11 each for my friend & me!

-On May 12th, there was an EU sponsored “Embassy Open House” event. Seeing as my parents never got to visit me while I was abroad in Denmark, I thought I’d bring it to them. It was a great event (though, atrociously hot) where they got to try Danish Carlsberg beer and flødeboller.

Gravelly Point & Dumbarton Oaks

Gravelly Point

Dumbarton Oaks

Looking to be outside? These are the spots for you!

Gravelly Point: Watch the planes take off from Reagan National Airport. A great place for families and couples alike, the planes are a thrillingly short distance from your head.

Dumbarton Oaks: This quaint estate nestled in Georgetown hosts beautiful flowers, fountains, and pools. With plenty of seating options and lounge areas, bring a book to enjoy the day (no picnics allowed unfortunately).

See some art (+ The Wharf)

The Renwick: Burning Man exhibit

The Wharf art mural

Home to a plethora of Smithsonian museums (hellooo free!!), D.C. is a great place to soak in some art. I had actually never been to the Renwick, so during a free day I knew I had to check it out. Though a small space, it packs a lot of punch.

The Wharf is also a great spot to visit. With new restaurants, bars, and more you could easily spend a whole day wandering and lounging around there. Plus, there’s a new concert venue called The Anthem — looks like it would have amazing views of the water!

Graduation

Jefferson Memorial at sunset

And then the time to leave D.C. soon arrived. Graduation weekend was a whirlwind and came to a speedy end — with graduation lunches and attempts to find friends to say goodbye. I’m happy I attended a university in a city for I think I would have lost my mind anywhere else! Also, very grateful to have had the chance to study abroad since that was a dream of mine since high school.

It has been a journey, but I’m sure the next chapter will be as well. Congrats class of 2018!

Catskills for the Day

Up in New York state, there is this cozy little diner, the Phoenicia, right on the side of a country road nestled amongst the Catskill mountains.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday when it’s calm & you can soak in the view with no rush & be sure to check their hours as they aren’t open the entire week in the winter

The folks

Of course the place would be nice to see in the summer, but the wintery snow capped mountains are pretty cool, too.

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It took us a while to decide our order, but we got there eventually! I opted for the “Eggs Anyway” with coffee.

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Dad went with the smoked trout & mom got a monte cristo.

Then when we saw their huge cookies (chocolate chip & oatmeal pecan) we had to order some!

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Just divine! Once full & happy, we took a drive around the mountains. Oohing & ahhing at the isolated homes with 6 foot icicles hanging off.

If you’re in the area, and like a hidden gem, I’d recommend the Phoenicia in a heartbeat.

Getting arty with it

So a while back I had visited The Whitney (NYC) & Storm King Art Center (in NY state).

The Whitney:

High Street on Hudson coffee

The Whitney

The Whitney has stunning views of the city. Highly recommend going. Before it opened, though, we stopped by High Street on Hudson for coffee and a pastry (looks like good food if you ever wanna try it).

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You can’t beat these views! Go on a spring or fall day & I assure you, you will not want to leave.

There were these pink boxes outside that my mom & I were particularly fond of:

Pink boxes…

Look at this view

Tip: order tickets online beforehand…you get them for a few dollars off.

The Standard: their neighbor

You’re also right near the Highline & The Standard (Le Bain is a bar on the rooftop) if you want to see another attraction nearby.

Storm King:

Looking down from a hill

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So I had never ever heard of this outdoor art center before, until I watched the second season of Master of None which films one episode at Storm King!

Again, go on a sunny day & strolling around the grounds will be — a walk in the park. HA.

The pieces are quite abstract, but they’re super cool sculptures & the outdoor setting just makes it even more amazing.

Bikers

Spring days

Both of these places are splendid for those who have an appetite for art. All you have to do is wait for that perfect weather day!

Comment below if you’ve been to either place!

The Food Scene

If you didn’t know, I’m a bit of a foodie. In fact, my friend & I have our own food instagram, check it out here. So this summer, I’ve explored some new restaurants and cafes that I had never been to before. Let’s have a look.

The Whitney cafe

Federal Donuts in Philly

Untitled (at The Whitney – 8th floor):

A great place for after exploring the wonderful art museum. My mom & I went here for a late lunch in mid May — they have outdoor seating with a view that is hard to beat. They offer a variety of toasts so we each got one as well as an aperitif.

Don’t go here if you’re looking for a huge meal.

Federal Donuts (Philly):

When I visited my friend in Philly we had to go to Federal Donuts for she had always raved about them to me! After we grabbed our food, we dashed to a park to eat our goodies.

You get a chicken sandwich with the donuts — hell yes! & don’t go here if you’re counting calories.

Dō

Cha Cha Matcha

Dō:

I was so looking forward to this place…it is beyond filling, though. I could not have the whole thing (probably ate 1/3) so be warned. You could probably get the smallest size & split it amongst 3 people.

Sure it’s instagramable, but you’d probably be better off getting some for your home that you can nibble on and off (over the course of 1 month!).

Don’t go here unless you have a ravenous sweet tooth & can consume 1 pound of raw cookie dough.

Cha Cha Matcha:

My friend & I took refuge here from one bad summer storm.The froyo (passion fruit & matcha) was nothing special, but I would go back to try other drinks and treats they offer.

Don’t go here if you’re on a budget.

Pasta & Prosecco

Pietro NoLita:

It was not super busy when I went, surprisingly. It’s a cute space with pretty good pasta. I would not say it tastes like a fat Italian grandmother made it, though…

Pretty “healthy” as far as pasta goes.

Don’t go here if you would like a variety of options on the menu.

If you have any northeast food recs comment below!

Borough Corner: South Williamsburg

So this is a quick little glimpse into South Williamsburg — the arguably grittier and more authentic part of the oh-so hipster Williamsburg part of Brooklyn. This seems true for the most part as the neighborhood consists of large populations of Hasidic Jews and Hispanics. North Williamsburg is definitely for built up (claim to fame: Smorgasburg).

 

Sticker on door

Coffee shop type

I had rarely ever ventured out to Brooklyn before (minus a hand full of times), but my Brooklyn summer internship changed that. Not like I spent a large amount of time there, but I am probably better acquainted than the average visitor. While there, I mostly visit coffee shops before work starts and try new lunch places.

 

Williamsburg Bridge

Oh yippee!

One day before work, I walked part of the Williamsburg Bridge which connects Brooklyn to the LES of Manhattan. Tip: there is a bike lane for those who prefer 2 wheels to 2 legs.

There are a lot of cute lunch spots and boutiques along Bedford Avenue. So if you’re in the area ever, I recommend strolling around there for a bit.

I do have a good café recommendation, though, that is conveniently right by my office. It’s called Marlow & Sons. It’s an adorable little spot with a sit down restaurant in the back and a grab n go bakery in the front. Fantastic food every time. Oh, and get a latté.

Plus, if you sit outside of M&S you have a lovely view of the Freedom Tower.

 

View of the Freedom Tower by Marlow&Sons

Funny street art

There are also some really good lunch specials (a Thai place with an $8 lunch special for a meal & appetizer!!) as well as happy hours around the area, too.

I’d say south side is worth a visit if you want to see another borough besides Manhattan.

Comment if you have any other advice about the area!