Summer Destination: DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia)

I AM BACK! It has been a minute!  I will catch you up on what has been going on in Zambia in future blog entries. In short, my absence was due to lack of internet in my new home (YES I am finally moved in!).  However, no worries -- internet was installed a few days prior to my departure for TDY in mid-June.  So be ready to read exciting, photo-filled entries on how I have settled into work and play in Lusaka!

Now, where was I ...

I moved to Zambia in February and as luck would have it, I was sent on TDY in Arlington VA!  I landed early June so it has been a great month home!  Yes, I was home for work but you know I played with family, friends and former colleagues!  I return to Zambia tomorrow after a great month home. Yesterday I spent a lot of time alone, in my thoughts, reflecting, smiling and realizing I'm so thankful. I've fully learned and continue to appreciate the teaching of people being in your life for seasons. Some seasons last longer than others. Sometimes soil is restored and new seasons bring life back to friendships you thought were lost. I've also learned more about how to ensure I am happy.  A very large part of my happiness is being surrounded by great people experiencing great food, sipping drinks, laughing and genuinely enjoying others company.  

While I was home I was able to do some really great things and try new places to eat or have a drink.  Please enjoy the photos.  They will give you a small glimpse into how I spent my time after work and on weekends while home in Northern VA.

PRINCE and 3RDEYEGIRL

I landed home on Sat June 13 and my baby, Prince, performed at the Warner Theater in DC on Sunday June 14! Before the concert, my best friend Shana, Fatima and myself had drinks in the hotel room. After drinks we met Bonnie (my Prince Concert Fairy Godmother) at Chef Geoff's for appetizers and a few more drinks.  This was concert #10 for this #1 Prince fan and I still found myself losing my voice, singing every song, dancing and when encore #2 brought out Stevie Wonder -- I CRIED!  If you have never seen Prince in concert, please do yourself a favor and go to the nearest city on this Hit and Run Tour!  

FAMILY!!

During my time home I was fortunate enough to celebrate the life of my Great Great Aunt Mary.  She celebrated 100 wonderful years of life!  Bonus:  I was able to meet extended family!  Love you Aunt Mary and may God continue to bless you with many healthy more years!

I spent a great amount of time with family!  Of course we celebrated 4th of July (ugh forgot to take photos)!  But before my departure my sweet cousin, Nate, planned an afternoon of bowling.  Everyone knows I am super competitive but alas I had some hefty competition!  I only won 1 game but it was an amazing time!

FRIENDS!!

Shawntel visits from Paris!  Of course we ate well and then did some
salsa dancing at Habana Village in Adams Morgan, DC!

Aisha, friend since 1997, drove up from ATL!  She tried to turn up
but my friend is definitely more into good convo, good food and afternoon naps haha

Keli aka Popcorn, also friends since 1997, flew in from STL.  She was also here for work
but you know we played!  Enjoyed a great dinner and then sweated it out to bachata and
salsa at The Salsa Room in Arlington VA.

Veerle, a former colleague, and Eric, a troublemaker I met in Haiti haha
As destiny would have it, he missed his flight and I was able to hang out with
these two one school night at Ri Ra bar in Georgetown.

Aisha and I caught up with my buddies from middle school, Colleen
and Danielle for a yummy lunch at Central Michel Richard.

Happy hour and bonding with old colleagues and friends!

We were NOT ready for the frozen margaritas at El Centro ha

AMAZING FOOD!

It is no secret, a cheeseburger is my favorite food!  And lunch with my Mom, Aunt Estelle, Aunt Carolyn and niece, Savannah did not disappoint!  If you are ever in Fredericksburg, VA, please make your way to Park Lane Tavern (http://parklanetavern.com/).  The food was really good!  Also, if you like scotch, this is your place!  They have an amazing scotch selection and even offer scotch flights! If you are into beer, another place perfect for you. Their list in extensive with great options from England, Belgium, Ireland and Holland.

Bacon, cheddar, bbq sauce and onion straws - so yum!

"Meet me at Stan's!"  Stan's restaurant (http://www.stansrestaurant.com/) has been popular for over 30 years!  Located off of Vermont Avenue, if you are looking for a strong drink and amazing chicken wings - THIS IS THE PLACE! I am also a huge fan of their chili cheese fries.  I have not had chili cheese fries THIS GOOD since Stegall's in ATL on CAU campus closed down (*aw memories*).  This is a great spot every night of the week but be warned: Monday - Friday after work gets PACKED!  But for me, Stan's is worth the wait. So much so I visited this place three times during my time home!

The mini decanter is filled with coke.
The larger glass is ice, Mt. Gay rum and lime.
Please drink responsibly -- always taxi or uber
to Stan's Restaurant!

Chili cheese fries.  The reason I will need to
work out on the daily basis upon my return to
Lusaka for a good 30 days.  So.  Good.

You will never forget these wings!  You CAN
get them baked but er um why would you?!

Of course while I was home I had to dine with Kizi!  We chose to dine at Zatinya (http://www.zaytinya.com/).  I first sampled the yummy food at Zatinya last year during Jose Andres Dine N' Dash.  I was excited to go back.  Kizi chose the Chef's Experience.  It was $55 per person and the Chef served 7 dishes which included appetizer, salad, main and dessert.  It was a really nice selection and a lot of food!  I chose a la carte.  I was only happy with 2 of the 4 dishes I chose but those 2 were AMAZING!  

Chef experience:  brussel sprouts

Hummus - excellent!

Chef experience:  turkish delight ice cream -
AMAZING!

Kizi and I after Zatinya
(this one photo took FOREVER to approve haha)

WOW is the best way to describe where the ladies and I enjoyed lunch on a sunny July afternoon.  Central Michel Richard (http://www.centralmichelrichard.com/) is delicious! Along with their food being a true culinary experience, they have an extensive bar and knowledgeable wait staff.  

Danielle enjoyed a STRAWBERRY SMASH:
Rum (instead of gin), almond, strawberry, lemon and
Peychaud's.  This was SO good!

Caesar salad

Fried chicken on mashed potatoes with
side salad

Hanger steak (super flavorful) with peppercorn
sauce, fries and side salad

The chocolate bar.  Please make this happen for yourself!

Keli was in town for work and Chryste was leaving town to meet her family so one last supper with these ladies was a non-negotiable.  I wanted to take Keli somewhere different so I asked Chryste and she did not disappoint with her suggestion:  Blackwall Hitch in Old Town, Alexandria (http://theblackwallhitch.com/menu/).  The service was so so but apparently they opened recently so hopefully the work out those kinks.  The food, however, was delicious!  If you are in Old Town --- stop in!  Bonus:  live music every night.  The band is ... eclectic and interesting haha 

Crab dip 

Zucchini fritts

Braised short rib.  So tender, so good!
Even as a leftover it was delicious!

Last but not least I was finally able to catch up with my friend, Joi.  Joi and I met in Zambia during her 90 day TDY.  Lucky me she lives in MD.  Now you know this VA girl does NOT venture into MD but I made an exception for Joi haha and I am glad I did!  She introduced me to Food Wine & Co (http://www.foodwineandco.com/home.html) off of Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, MD.  Amazing!  I loved the atmosphere, the extensive wine list and the food was also YUM!  I normally do not do dessert but at this place, I made another exception ... worth every weight watchers point haha

Angus flat iron steak with a very nice
glass of rose.  Entree served with truffle
steak fries and cress with parmesan.

Tiramisu My Way:  chocolate streusel, kahlua caramel
coffee crumble and espresso ice cream 

If you are ever in the DMV area - try something different and attend one of the aforementioned places - you will NOT regret it!

Prior to my return I received advice from two different people - Afua and Kim - both who have experience living abroad and returning home for short visits. Their advice was simple: do not try to see EVERYONE in this month. Set up a happy hour and/or dinner and gather as many people as possible.  Those that are unable to make the happy hour and/or dinner will need to catch you next time.  If you try to see everyone you will be burned out quickly.  Of course I did NOT follow this guidance.  What can I say, I am a people pleasing extrovert haha And while YES I am absolutely exhausted and my mid-30s body is screaming "sit yo ass down!" I do not regret one moment, one dinner, one drink, one moment spent with my family, friends and especially not attending the Prince concert!  Best TDY ever!  Oh ... and I learned a lot hahaha