Happy June! And welcome to a brand-new feature of my blog: the Monthly Recap!
I read a lot of travel blogs, and I have to admit I really enjoy the monthly (or weekly) recap posts some bloggers do. I’ve been thinking about starting a similar series for a while, but I held back because I wasn’t sure I’d have enough interesting material to fill it, or that anyone would want to read about my life outside of travel. But then I realized 1) this is my blog and I should write whatever I want; 2) it will encourage me to post more regularly and keep track of the fun things I’m doing; and 3) since I really enjoy reading these updates from bloggers I don’t know, who’s to say that those reading my blog won’t enjoy reading these updates from me?
And I’m starting off on a high note, as May was a particularly great month for me in terms of travel (featuring my first international trip in a year and a half!) as well as welcoming summer with a few fun DC traditions. So, here it is: my first-ever Monthly Recap!
National Gallery, London
May 2018 Monthly Recap
Where I Traveled: London, Paris, Versailles, New York City, Washington, DC.
I began the month in the best way possible: with a week in London and Paris! I also visited Versailles for the first time (verdict: it’s certainly impressive and I’m glad I went, but it was a bit of a hassle and I probably will never go again. At least it’s checked off the bucket list!) Then I was in New York City for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it two-day work trip in the middle of May.
Best Meals: Without a doubt, the prize here goes to my favorite Parisian restaurant, Le Relais de L’Entrecote, where I enjoyed steak and frites to cap off my three days of eating very well in the city. I also enjoyed the food at 28-50, a posh wine bar in London where I sampled Icelandic specialties of lamb hot dog with French fries (American, yet not really…I love it), as well as several varieties of wine.
Best Drinks: The hot chocolate l’africain at Café Angelina in Paris was, naturally, the winner in this category.
Cafe Angelina hot chocolate!
Best Cultural Experiences: It’s hard to narrow this down in a month that saw me visiting the Louvre and the Musee D’Orsay in Paris, but I’m going to give this award to the National Gallery in London, which reclaimed its spot as one of my favorite museums in the world. I hadn’t been there so long that I’d forgotten just how impressive their collection really is, and how beautifully designed the building is as well. And unlike the amazing Parisian museums, it’s free! I promise never to return to London without paying a visit.
Best Read: I’ve just begun The Restless Wave by Senator John McCain. I’m three chapters in and really enjoying it so far, particularly his perspective of the 2008 presidential campaign.
Best of DC: I don’t want to neglect my hometown in these recaps! This month kicked off the annual tradition of Jazz in the Sculpture Garden—weekly Friday evening summer concerts held outdoors at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. These are hugely popular and I got there early to snag a spot on the grass for myself and my friends. We had a great time, crowds and lack of foresight to bring a picnic blanket notwithstanding. I also took advantage of a free afternoon before the concert to visit the National Gallery of Art and check out some of my favorite European painters, including a new exhibit on Cezanne portraits (which to be honest, I just stumbled on).
What’s Next: This month I’ll be in Kenya for a week for work, and hoping to fit in a little time on my last day to do touristy things. I’m also beginning to plan my August European vacation in earnest (more details to come soon!)
So, what did you think? Are you a fan of monthly recap posts, or are they just ridiculously self-indulgent narcissism? (Please pick the first option). What exciting things did you do in May?