Fun in the City

Went into New York City a few weeks ago for free admission to the Guggenhiem Museum. The perks of being a Bank of America customer. I think I might have a problem with caffine specifically coffee. Its been a habit that has progressively gotten worse throughout college. I know this because after withdrawal if I pass a shop or cafe selling coffee I have an urge to purchase and chug. Example while in the city we stopped into a bakery around the corner from the museum. Ooo that coffee was smooth and looked great next to the Elephant ear cookie I bought.

While at the museum - which was packed - we waited to see the newest exhibit by James Terrell. Unfortunately I was impatient and did not see the need to stay in a dark room with dim lighting to wait for something (if anything) were to happen. Interesting idea though. Check it out for yourself: Guggenheim Museum

Also during my visit to Jersey City for the weekend I cut my hair and had a great surprise bite at Zinburger. Mom wanted to introduce me to their delicious and outrageously flavored milkshakes. It was a food-filled weekend! Monday morning before driving to New Brunswick for work we went to a local diner in Jersey City and had pancakes :)

 Don't forget the sweet potato fries :)

 Salted Caramel and Creme Bruele milkshakes

UMD College Park

The much awaited visit to College Park - UMD finally came! Friday after my new hair cut at Bang Salon in Chinatown (thanks Kristi!). Only a 45 minute Metro ride to College Park-UMD and a shuttle ride I arrived at Stamp Student Center to be greeted by my awesome friend, Marlena. A quick tour of the dorm and a meet-n-greet with her roommate/hallmates and we went off to the newest hookah bar. Tried the Jasmine, Rose combo that did taste exactly like a calming tea :)

Few hours later as the music changed from traditional Middle Eastern to 90s pop and current house, we met up with the crew and walked down the Route 1 strip to Plydo's diner. Plate of french fries and a black&white milkshake - that was too much to eat it all - we headed back to the dorm. We walked into the dorm lounge to find a whole hoard of people who lived on the floor. It was entertaining to say the least and thank you Marlena for the bios on everyone before I came. 

Late night snack at a Greek diner on Route 1 - UMD

Pucker up with Testudo

Saturday was a slow rising but happy day. I, being the early riser, woke up around 750am (gone to bed at 4am). Since I knew most college students don't wake up until midday or later. I decided to read up on my class book, be productive....for about 3 hours on the cement cold floor (stupid that I didn't think to put on my pants instead of wearing shorts). Once everyone was up we were off to the nearby dining hall (HUGE and they told me this wasn't the biggest one) for brunch. Three chocolate chip pancakes, syrup, a banana, and water....yummy well-balanced (not) breakfast. I took the shuttle back to the Metro and went back to the apartment. Went grocery shopping (a few necessary things) and let the rest of the day go by slowly. So not interested in doing anything other than veg.

At night I went with Kristi and what seemed like a huge group of TWC peeps to party it up at My Brother's Place by the Hill. Kristi had gone before and said she had a good time. She also though the drink special ($15 all you can drink from 8pm-1am) was pretty cheap. I agreed especially since I had a few rail drinks (the same one everytime, new one for me, Kristi's suggestion). The highlight of the night had to be....dancing on the bar. Yep, I did it like Coyote Ugly without the water or serious line dancing to 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia'. All in all a good night (both Friday and Saturday) partying with friends. 

Soho Cupcake, Political Debate, and Relaxation

My first day off (officially) was a nice calm day. I woke up later than usual (11am) and ate leftovers for breakfast. I was extreme peeved that it wasn't raining but also delighted to see it was beautiful and sunny. I decided to walk down to the light rail and hop on the PATH to go to the Soho location for Georgetown Cupcake. Since I've never tasted these lovely decadent sweets in D.C. (where it originated) I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it in my neck of the woods, right?

Conversation among fellow baker, Christine and twenty minutes later I had my six different cupcakes (Red Velvet, NYC Cheesecake, Chocolate chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla on Vanilla, and Pumpkin Spice). Walking back up my FAVORITE street in New York, Bleeker St. I was really in high spirits. I ducked into this neat coffee and tea shop, tried a sample and made some terrifically cheap buys. Another stop into a bread shop for a snack and I was on my way back home.

The bread, cheese and everything European shop. 

The awesome coffee shop on Bleeker St.

Kiddies playing music on the street.

The Coach House is my traditional diner. I have been going to this diner all my life and I continue to go back. I had Chicken Rollatini and mom had Hungarian Beef & Noodles. We did get into heavy conversation about starting a political moments strong and big enough to make real change in Congress It was nice to get into a debate with my mom because I know that we oftentimes have similar opinions but on some occasions the claws come out. Not literally of course :P

Friday was a rainy relaxing day. Pancakes with banana fosters (and a strawberry cupcake) for breakfast, a trip out to Harmon Beauty supply shop, conversation, lentil soup, and J. Edgar = a good day. It was a day that was worry-work free and I loved every second. I'll have more pictures to post with my new purple Nikon digital camera soon