Reviews of a new city. Part 5: Washington, DC

In spite of visiting this city for various reasons in the past multiple times... It never felt more alive than when I was there with Michael just a few weeks ago. We had SO much fun and saw SO many things.

One thing, in particular, that I loved about the city was that there are so many things you can do for free. There are free museums - or some that are only about $15 to get in. In my city, museums are ridiculously expensive - upwards of 25-40 bucks a pop. I loved all of the monuments and parks and open space. It didn't feel like the city was ever closing in on you - all just open and airy and free.

The food we had was awesome - and the people were great, too. Michael took me to the top of a friend of his' building to see the night skyline. It was absolutely stunning. Everything that needed to be lit up, was... and everything that was darkened only enhanced the awesome architecture laid out before us.

I suppose it's a good thing that I loved this city - especially in this visit - because I'll potentially be calling it home in a few months. :) I still don't love the weather... in fact, I'll probably hate it. I hate the cold weather, but summer is just around the corner.

Weather: 6
Sites/Stuff to do: 10
People: 8.5
Location: 8
Food: 9
Overall: 8

Reviews of a new city. Part 4: Dallas, TX

I was born in Houston, TX. I've known this all of my life, but never really had been to the place. Michael and I landed at the Houston airport for about an hour or so on our way to Hawaii back in September, but I haven't been out on my own there... well, ever.

Dallas is Michael's hometown. About an hour south, to be precise. We were there a few weekends ago, and I absolutely loved it. I don't know if it was his family that I loved, or the city, but both were absolutely amazing.

The city has a lot to offer a young college grad (like I will be in August)... There are consulting companies (fabulous!)... I've already got connections, instant family that is incredibly welcoming... the works!

It was a bit windy while we were there, but isn't every city at some point? I LOVE the warm weather, the many options that life brings, and everything BIG that Texas holds.

Maybe I'm just biased... ;)

Weather: 10
Sites/Stuff to do: 8
People: 8
Location: 8
Food: 9
Overall: 9

Reviews of a new city. Part 3: San Diego

Ah... sunny San Diego... or not! Gotta love that there's better weather in my home town than in sunny San Diego, and I don't even live in a "beach state"!!! I doubt it got over 60 something degrees the whole time (a bit chilly for So Cal, don't you think!?) and it was overcast for the most part.

There are a few really cool places here, though. Carrie and I stayed in Oceanside with M. Moon and ended up going out in Carlsbad (eh, not the best place, but it worked) with aspirations to go into the city and go out in the Gaslight district. Since I was wearing a tiara for my birthday, everyone kept telling me happy birthday (or mistakenly telling me 'congratulations' on getting married... hahaha!) and were really nice.

Carrie and I ended up having some DELICIOUS pizza at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza. (it was sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, goat cheese, etc. and was fabulous!!) Their shopping isn't too shabby, either. I got a pair of pants for myself and a shirt for Michael on sale at Banana. Yep, that's right!

Anyway, overall, the weather was crappy but the scene was alright. Everyone dresses the same around here... that "So Cal" look. There are a lot of military around because of all the bases near, so you've got a lot of that. Carrie was in heaven because that's her thing! (she's married to a marine, go figure!!)

Weather: 5
Sites/Stuff to do: 9
People: 8
Location: 7
Food: 9
Overall: 7

Reviews of a new city. Part 2: New Orleans

New Orleans was alright this time around. I've been there before (for Carrie's wedding last year) but this time it was for Mardi Gras. While I was there for the wedding, I had the absolute worst experience in the airport I think I've ever had. But that's besides the point.

Because of my new-found vegetarianism, I am somewhat limited to what/where I can eat. Most of the places to eat during Mardi Gras are hot dog stands on the side of the street that carry nachos and cheese along with some gumbo or something like that. None of which I could eat.

The parades were awesome, especially the Endymion ball that Carrie's dad was a part of. We got some awesome beads. (including boobs that squeaked!) But I don't think I could live there. Ever. The weather was great - the people were just alright (I understand that most of the people there were tourists) but they shut down every street so you can't move about the city.

Eh. C'est la vie. It was a good Mardi Gras, that's all that mattered!!

Weather: 8
Sites/Stuff to do: 7
People: 4
Location: 5
Food: 2
Overall: 6

Reviews of a new city. Part 1: Orlando

Ah, yes. The new year brings even more travels for me than last year. I thought i'd be able to chill out and not travel so much in 2008 (14 new places last year alone) but it doesn't seem the case.

Right now, I'm in Orlando. A nice, warm city, by the way. It was cold when I got here but yesterday and today was great. I went out to a few places, had drinks at a few places, saw a lot of the attractions and even was able to ride some rides at Universal Studios.

As for the people, they're cool. Just about as cool as those in my city. The weather's warm. But there's literally no "city"... it's all suburbia and the place they call their nightlife is in a mall. Hmm.

Weather: 8
Sites/Stuff to do: 7
People: 7
Location: 8
Overall: 8