Maryland | Maicurls

I have to point out that at the age of about 15 I had made a “pact” with my best friend Sarah that we would travel to New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) together once we were done with school. Our “plan” was to go to NOLA, live there for a few months before University and (because we “knew” we would love it) we’d return after University. Teenagers have such imaginations and no concept of money! It turned out that we finished school Sarah ended up going to the United Kingdom for University and I headed to Switzerland but took off a few months to live in France then did an internship before starting University. In short I never made it to NOLA. Sarah did though after Uni and she kept telling me I really needed to go. When I knew I would be making the trip the USA I knew that it would be impossible for me go without visiting the place. Even though I couldn’t have known for certain that I would really love it as a teenager, it is like I was meant to be there and my gut wasn’t wrong!

So, that is the little introduction: please be warned I spent a week in Louisiana so there’s a lot to share.

31st November – I flew out from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and as always arrived early so I wouldn’t be stressed out while travelling alone. It was supposed to be a 5 hour flight (total) with 1 transit and I was over the moon excited, I mean really, really excited. When I finally got on my first plane I was seated next to larger than life gentleman who, very pleased with himself announced that our flight would be delayed due to bad weather. I didn’t do a good job in hiding the fact that I was unable to share in his delight and prayed he would be wrong, he wasn’t. The pilot announced that we would be a little delayed until we got the all clear to fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Mr. larger than life at was also very “thirsty” (vodka tonics) and had roughly 5 drinks in the 45 minutes that we were grounded. He kept asking me questions, was intrigued that I was travelling by my self and planned to visit NOLA on my own.

Because I had a connecting flight I got a little nervous if I would make it at all with the 45 minute delay. When we landed I legged it across the airport, politely asked people to move and found out that I had to not only run across airport but had to jump on one of those connecting trains to get to the other end. In the end I made it. I was one of the last people to board the plane, out of breath, sweating and annoyed but I made it! The delay and short connection time meant that…*drum roll please*….my luggage didn’t make it with me! Yup, my bag were still in Atlanta when I arrived and I was told that if possible they would try get it on one of the other flights coming arriving that night, but in all likelihood it would only arrive the following day. So I jumped in a taxi and headed to my hotel, sans bags. After a smooth check-in I got to my room, ordered some food, inhaled everything and then went to sleep.

The following morning I got my first taste of delicious Louisiana biscuits (I became obsessed with this over the next 6 days). I kept checking with the airline about the status of my bags because I had initially wanted to go and explore but had to be around to pick up my luggage from the lobby. I ended up losing that first day because of my bag but I was pleased it arrived in the end. Later that night I had randomly met two Germans guys that were in the hotel overnight and were fantastically friendly. We had a few drinks together at the bar before I had an early night.

My next few days were filled with taking in touristy spots, eating and drinking (more than I should have), basking in the culture and friendliness of the south! I have never come across people as friendly as I did while in Louisiana! From the bus ticket lady, the driver of the bus, the guy renovating the hotel and random people that would come up and talk to me. Funny story: while on the Greyhound Bus (destination French Quarter) I was waiting for people to disembark so I stayed seated (super smiles and all because I couldn’t wait). A guy that was seated behind me stood by my seat and said something to me which I didn’t understand (this happened several times). I sheepishly said “Sorry” and he repeated whatever it was he was trying to tell me, again nope didn’t get it, “sorry I didn’t get you”. He proceeded to point at my face smiling and said “You have a pretty face” over emphasizing each word loudly so I could understand him. I wanted to disappear because it seemed like I was trying to get him to repeat it on purpose and make everyone else on the bus hear LOL. Poor guy just smiled after I again sheepishly said “Ohhh Thank You!”

So the French Quarter was of course visited and a ton of photos were taken. I apparently wasn’t supposed to take photos of things inside the stores (I am sneaky and managed to do so anyways). Souvenirs were bought for everyone back home including a T-shirt I bought for myself (I LOVE it)! Music was listened to and gumbo was consumed. I can not stress enough how much I loved my time in NOLA. As I said before I had this “instinct” prior to even having stepped foot in in the State that I would love the art, culture, food, people, atmosphere, everything and I was not disappointed.

During my stay I met a completely insane girl at the hotel that was still drunk when she came for breakfast and accidentally sat at my table while I was getting my plate. She wore bright bright bright pink tracksuits every morning, not that she needed any extra attention with her crazy ways and her antics had me in stitches, we quickly got along. She actually announced to anyone wanting to buy us drinks that we would take the drinks but they shouldn’t get any funny ideas, “we aren’t here to get picked up by you” was the line she would use time and again LOL!

One evening after my new friend had checked out I was at the hotel bar with my book and phone, chatting to a couple that had been staying in the hotel since August (after the storm) when a guy decided to park himself right beside me. He too was apparently a local and decided to check himself into a hotel to “take a break from everything”. He was polite enough and small talk was made, After about an hour or so I had stepped out of the bar and upon my return found out he had paid for the last drink. I wasn’t too keen on this since I like buying/paying for my own drinks in general, especially If I don’t know you AND I am on my own. Regardless, it was done so I thanked him. Now here is the kicker ladies, he informed me that he was headed back to his room so I put my hand out to shake his and say goodbye. He used the opportunity to pull me into a hug and then whispers “Walk me to my room”. NOW in all my life, I have NEVER EVER had a guy ask me to walk him anywhere LOL. Correct me if I am wrong, it usually is the other way around, and I have no clue what made him think even that would have happen. I polity said I was perfectly happy sitting in my chair and quickly made a beeline to my room when two other guys walked in the bar and yelled” Hey ma’am, how are you, I am thirsty today”.

On my second to last day I did a bit of shopping (of course) in yet again another HUGE shopping mall. I went a little overboard with shopping during my entire trip (this became obvious when my bags exceeded the limit on the day I was leaving). Anyways so shopping was done while in Louisiana as well.

I also met a friend that is a Baton Rouge local. Drinks and a movie were had as part of my last night in Louisiana before I made the 24 trip back home.

Now, having explained how I had this “feeling” I would enjoy a trip to NOLA I have a feeling that a repeat is on the way soon. I have a tourist visa and the possibility to take a trip again for a little while. I didn’t feel like I got to see enough, do enough, experience enough so a longer stay is planned. My parents actually asked me if I planned to move there since they too knew NOLA was a “I will live there one day” spot. Who knows, anything is possible if you have the desire and opportunity right?

That brings my “travel log” to an end and all I can say is I had an overall fantastic time in the US. I had a feeling I would like it but had no idea how much I would enjoy myself. My friends and the people I got to meet made all the difference. I have had this “I need something new” feeling for a little while and when I got back home it seems like that feeling has only gotten stronger. Like I said, who knows, a move might be in the works…

Maicurls

27th November 2016 – I woke up at 7:00am, finally the day had arrived when I would meet my friend (K). We connected through (Napturallycurly.com) and our friendship grew after bonding over the experience of having lost our pet dogs. We had discussed for ages about how amazing it would be if we ever met and that day was the 27th November!

I made my way to the tiny Amtrack Station in Woodbridge, Virginia by way of taxi. My Taxi driver ended up not only coming from Nigeria but had lived in Germany (I am German/Nigerian) so he very quickly became friendly and handed me his card so I could call him in the evening when I was coming back from my trip. During the drive he gave me all kinds of advice and warned me about pickpockets and “rough” neighborhoods, he actually freaked me out a little but I knew I was going to be in the company of a local so I was ready.

It was really cold and I got to the train station a little early (as always) to make sure I would be on time. There was no where to sit and wait indoors so I braced myself for the 30 minute wait. For whatever reason you don’t find out which track the train will arrive at until it gets there so I decided to stand with the rest of the people. Of course, upon arriving it was announced that the platform was on the other side which, involved going up three floors, crossing a little “connection bridge” and going back down to the ground floor. There were a lot of elderly travelers, people with luggage etc. all of whom needed to use the elevator. I legged it across and made it, sweaty and all (because I of course was wearing a thick coat since I was cold) but anyways I made it!

I quickly texted K to let her know I was on the way, the excitement was building with every passing minute. After a little while I got a message from K asking if my train was going to be on time because she was informed that it would be arriving 1 hour late! This was news to me! Of course I panicked a little because we didn’t really have a lot of time to spend together and a one hour delay would eat away our time. I checked online and asked the ticket man who reassured me we would be on time and there was no delay. About 1.5 hours later I arrived at the station in Baltimore. Super pumped to meet my twin (we have a lot in common so we call each other twins) I looked around but didn’t see her. After a few minutes I spotted her looking around searching for me. HUGE SMILES, girly giggles and OH MY GOODNESS were exchanged along with a huge hug! Happy day the twins met!

K wanted to take me out to brunch first. Now let me explain my LOVE for all things food! I am literally obsessed with eating LOL. K and I both love talking about food, discussing recipes, sharing recipes, sharing what we plan on eating, what we ate etc. So when she told me we were going to one of her favorite spots for brunch I was more than thrilled. We ate at a place called The Blue Moon Cafe. I HIGHLY recommend a visit if you are ever in Baltimore (they have two locations). The food was mouthwatering and the service was great!

K did the honors of ordering for us and we shared everything selected because (US of A I will never get used to your portion sizes) this cafe had EXTREME portions! I am going to let the photos speak for themselves. And yes I did get to eat some crab (in here smothered with eggs and cheese and everything else) and yes, it was absolutely scrumptious! If I manage to get the names of each dish ordered I will update it here * will have to ask K. (Updated: Top Left – Cinnamon Roll (made with delicious biscuit), Top Right: “Sweet Baby Jesus (yes that is the name – this was the amazing crab dish with yummy cheese goodness) and Bottom: “Captain Crunch French Toast” – French toast coated with Captain Crunch Cereal before being cooked).

So after we ate (both of us had leftovers…HUGE I tell you), K then took me to the harbor district. The sun was out and we initially wanted to walk but figured she would end up getting a ticket if we left the car parked so decided against it. It took us ages to find a parking spot, tried a parking garage but the price for just 2 – 3 hours was ridiculous so we drove around looking for a place.

We actually got threatened by an insane man in his car! He thought K had attempted to “steal” his parking spot even though she didn’t notice he was parked a few good meters away (he was far away enough that it didn’t look like he intended to take the spot in he first place). Mad man drove up beside us and yelled like a loon, “Didn’t you see me parked there waiting…yaddayaddayadda”. K attempted to explain that she hadn’t noticed him and asked him POLITELY to remain calm; to which he responded with “Go ahead and park there and see what will happen to your car when you come back”. I was so shocked (and have a big mouth) so I yelled “Excuse me?!? What did you say?!?” He was clear, “you heard me”! Normally if I were at home I would have gone off but I was a visiting tourist and my mother warned me to keep my mouth shut unless I wanted to be an arrested visiting tourist on my first trip the US so I left it at that (with a lot of shock and anger pent up)! We waited for him to drive off before looking for another spot, didn’t want to take the risk!

Anyways after that little incident we found and spot and walked around the harbor which was stunning! K pointed out little spots, places she likes to go to, places we would visit again upon my return, I even picked up some accessories.

Now I wouldn’t be me if something else didn’t happen…my freaking boot heel broke! Now given it broke when I was in Miami (a new pair of never before worn shoes)! I tried using gorilla glue and even zip tied the heels to let the glue set while in Miami, but oh no it felt like breaking while I was away from my hotel and mid walking around! H&M came to the rescue with a pair of ballerinas LOL.

To finish off our trip we picked up some coffee and headed to the station. I was disappointed that I didn’t get more time with her but K had work the following day, our initial plans didn’t work out, everything sort of was rushed planning and there were no later trains I could catch directly back to Woodbridge. No matter, I shall be visiting her again in a few months and more time shall be spent together!

The trip back was uneventful; I caught my train back to Virginia, my taxi guy was there waiting for me, (I realized I forgot my leftovers in K’s car which broke my heart) and I grabbed some dinner before hitting the sack!

My next trip was to Washington DC which will be covered in my next post!

Maicurls