RICHMOND, VA • LAMPLIGHTER ROASTING CO.

I might not know the most about coffee, pour overs, or the mechanics of roasting beans, but I know what tastes good and I'm always looking for a good place to go for a cup. I try to find places that are intimate, yet open, cool, but not too pretentious. 

I've been able to visit the Summit Avenue location of Lamplighter Roasting Co, both times with creative friends who are headed to other parts of the world soon. I tried both the Ethiopian and Ugandan pour overs between each visit., both dark and delicious. Their pastries are fantastic, I've tried a sweet potato muffin and alfajores (an Argentinian delight made with two cookies cemented together with Dulce de Leche and rolled in coconut flakes).

This weekend, I went with Katie, who will be living in Southeast Asia with me. I'm definitely looking forward to exploring the creative vibe of eastern living with her!

WASHINGTON, DC • PART 2

A couple weekends ago I was able to visit one of my closest friends in DC. This trip was much more relaxed than previous trips, and we got to see a good bit of the city I had never experienced. Initially I was under the impression that this was the last time I would see Dani and William before I moved across the world, but recently discovered that I couldn't keep myself from visiting the Capitol once more before I fly out. 

Beginning with brunch at Le Pain and following up with some light shopping in Georgetown, we headed to the Eastern Market and I was lost in all the color and surrounding smells. I met a man at the market who has been to Southeast Asia several times, and it was a joy to be able to talk with him about all that I would be seeing and experiencing when I got there.

One of the highlights of this trip was the hilarious time I spent in Capitol Hill Books with Dani and Chris, another friend who recently moved to DC. The shelf labels and book notes were absolutely hysterical. Don't go to this used book store without being wary that books may be spoiled for you. "RON DIES" poked out of the top of the seventh Harry Potter novel. "Witchcraft, Wizardry & Prophets" labeled a nearby shelf. After leaving that shop, a stop at Ted's Bulletin for a homemade pop-tart and milkshake wrapped up the evening quite nicely.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

Most of the folks at orientation are not from Virginia. Consequently, our free time is packed with plans to explore the state, and get all we can from the surrounding cities. Last weekend I took a brief day trip to Monticello with a few friends who live nearby. We stopped in the university area for a late brunch at Pigeon Hole, and then a few hours exploring Jefferson's home, Monticello. I saw flowers I didn't know existed, drank Thomas Jefferson-approved root beer, and walked off the best Eggs Benedict I've ever ordered. Enjoy.