Skip to main content

My D[M]V Summer

When somewhere asks you where you're from....and you live, work or attend school 20 minutes from the Nation's Capitol--then it is safe to say that you're from the DMV. No....not the department of motor vehicles, there is no long line to sit in. I'm talking about the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
 


Prince George's African American Museum & Culture Center
There is a sense of pride that comes with the spin on the way its put "the DMV" is the best place to be employed for those who are swooned by the thought of affluence, power, free museum visits. People come from all across the world to marvel at our simple yet historic architecture, to listen to the protesting and vibe with street activity here in DC.


It's a small city, but there is magic to it. It is quite community oriented, every open about its activities and events whereas there is something for everyone. Even as a small city, if you went out for nightlife, attended a festival or to go site seeing....you're bound to meet someone new every time.



DC Historic Carnegie Hall Library 
What makes our nation's capitol a must-visit whether you're coming from afar or taking a road trip into town, is it's rich history and diverse culture. Once called CHOCOLATE CITY, it's driven by the Spirit, Essence and Energy of the country's more educated and affluent People of Color.














 That long-standing persona began to sift away when the gentrification took over low-income neighborhoods and transformed them into a place for the Elite and Elect. What used to the an open market for getting some of the best fish sandwich you cold sink your teeth into, down at the Wharf in South West Waterfront district is now the plot for $250,000 condominiums, townhouses and luxury apartments. Modern brunch spots and entertainment with a few coy & swank bars for the Millenniums. 



Although gentrification has driven many from their abodes and drastically changed the pace of the things in DC. It's become an open playing field for diversity, multicultural experiences and a safe place to be who or whatever it is you are.

N-A-T-S Nats! Nats!Nats! Nats!
Speaking of fields. I took my native Washingtonian self down to the "YARDS" for my very first baseball game. It was the National's playing against the Kansas City Royals. GREAT Game. My seats where on the 3 Tier in the shade where the Umpires back at home base was to the crowd--where you could feel the power of the batter's swing. I came to learn a few things about the stadium. FIRST. The Staff are EXTREMELY Nice and Helpful, especially because the it's about one-mile around the stadium just to get a choice snack! And DC heat aint no joke.

Well at least for, me because my taste buds were set bent on having Funnel Cake. Now, it's interesting....the stadium doesn't have franchise sponsored foo selections. It's a generic menu where your standard American Food and snacks are served....I don't know how I like that so much. Naturally looking at one of the Sponsors labeled in the outfield was none other than Chick Fila. I wouldn't have mind popping a waffle fry in my mouth as I enjoy the game. But I presume, to avoid long lines and discrepancy--they keep selections non-descript. In fact, my neighbor sitting beside me was loaded with ice cold water and fruit that he'd brought inside a cooler himself. LESSON LEARN. I can and I will bring my own SNACKS! *That goes for the movie theater's too.

Afterwards I dashed off to to catch a train to experience, "The INVASION Gospel Tour of America &Africa's Favorite Artist of today including: Sonnie Badu, Johnathan Nelson, Tye Tribett and more many more..... It's what I and some many needed at this time I think. FREEDOM to Praise, Worship and Dance in the Spirit of the Lord in an arena where no seats are bad seats. The cool air that blew in the place was perfect for the heat and turnup that was going down in that place!
Tto learn more about it visit their website:








Another fun activity in the D[M]V converted me into a Warrior Fight X3. I LoveKickboxing in HYattsville, MD nearly sat me down and after 5 rounds of kick and punching a 6 Foot Bag, I felt like I discover a new found practice. Great interaction and Audience Participation!
Entertainment on the mat it was by an instructor who leads us through a series of cardio, core strength, power packed moves and precision punching leaving us sweating and HAPPY to be ALIVE.

joined by StepAfrika! Dancer Anesia in class
Team of Instructors: Litty, Vegas, SpicyMama
Glove LOVE.

1,2 3. DOWN!!!
Who is tryna see these hands?

Everything I've GOT!


Lastly, I was surprised with a visit to one of my favorite places--the Theater.
...the Strathmore Theatre to be exactly. A proscenium where music, dazzling acrobatic shows, the best drama and concerts are held near the Greater Baltimore area. The trek its worth it especially because parking turned out to be free that day. My Godfather, brung me to this place that I knew very well.....last I was there I saw a live orchestra playing with a Dance Colleague of mine.


He did a good job of keeping me out of the loop as no one spoke about the performance or flashed their programs close enough to my face for me to inquire. I simply gave in the air of mystery, sat back as the lights went down and witness one of the invigorating performances, I'd seen in awhile.

It's not your ordinary dance performance. It was less of time in space interaction and solely form, physicality, physique that made for stunning imagery and storytelling. My favorite was a duet by Dancers:       it was like watch the illuminate ray line of light of the moon dance around itself. It was careful, loving, daring, intimate and breath taking. The dancers appear to be like everyday humans to me--with super human strength and agility. It was such a pleasure to witness.

Check for the FULL REVIEW here.

Leaving the performance, I was compelled to search for more activities and events going on this Summer. Boy! Did I find quite a lot. Many with my favorite tag "FREE". Anythings within the Arts, having to do with FILM, Nature, Activism, that advocates for skill building and healthy cognitive Behaviours.....I'm in.

Oh yes, and BEST of All Travel. I've been enjoying posts from my friends out there venturing in the World. This Summer, I chose to keep it Local to help weigh out my options for career and education in the Fall. But, very soon~ I'll be back at it.

So you've pretty much gathered from today's post. That I am a Foodie. By the end of this Summer I'll have the BeeBodi Nutrition Guide & Monthly Meal Plan Manual ready for you. So, stay TUNED.

I'm Always looking for adventure and a place to take a Great Photo. So if you have any ideas, suggestions wanna put your bid in to hangout together then let me know!
Leave Your Comments below.
Follow me on Instagram:
@na.bee
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel:





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Don't Board that PLANE! ...without knowing this Travel Trick.

  Are you ready for this one Travelers?? Did you guess it? – It’s bedbugs. Where do they come from and how do you get rid of them? Could you imagine flying across the country to be with loved ones or family members and bring Critters into their homes? into your Hotel room? or worse…all the way back home with you? Going from Holiday Cheer and laughter to itchiness, swelling red marks all over your Body. How does this even happen? Bedbugs can cling to clothing or other personal items (like backpacks or jackets) undetectably and be transferred into suitcases in the airport, on the train, bus, or likewise. International Travel renders diverse unhygienic practices, foods, smells, and contamination. Enjoy a Trip to Paradise for the Holiday Season:  Book Your Next Trip with Kayla Bedbugs can crawl into luggage if a suitcase is placed on or near an infested area or if a Hotel room goes uninspected upon arrival. Placing luggage on the bed or floor instead of using a luggage rack (they ...

The Best of DC: Busyboys and Poets

 A STAPLE of Washington DC. For any Artist, happens to the be thee "Busboys and Poets". Yes, they serve Mambo Sauce here too.  This place is near and dear to my heart because it was where I got one of my first jobs while in my youth over the summer. I wasn't quite drinking age which was required for serving alcohol as a Waitress, but Terrance hired me anyway. There, I didn't quite get the essence of being within a TRIBE which is their model instead of "STAFF"--until after I left the job. But I loved it with every ounce of me.  I paid close attention to the flow of things and enjoyed the vibe of Mediterranean Culture mixed with Soul Food cuisine while local-made art hung on the wall and performed during the nearest open mic. I was enamoured by how the restaurant held the essence of DC right there it's nook: corporate lunches held in the terrance, indoor and outdoor seating for friends having happy house  a bookstore sponsored by Global Exchange--a non-pro...

The Encounter ||| ^^^ |||

Black History Month Dueces. 22 ---  I felt some type of way... I'd just finished Breakfast ~ A French/Kenyan Crepe, Potatoes + Grilled Tomato, Steamed Carrots w/ Mango Juice, and a sip of Black Coffee. I longed for the beach, but there was work to BE DONE -- the warm water and waves, kites flying in the air, and White Sand so soft you melt into it with each step. But all in all, I knew I had TO get to it! I came to Malindi - not to witness a wedding but a Playwright, an Artist, a Friend, a Host. And every day since I agreed to jump on board, I'd be rocking and rolling. Time is over the Essence. This weekend is the COOL DOWN>>> Watamu, a PLACE so LOVELY + Serene. Energizing & Free. Tomorrow, I book it. Nairobi. Then HOOME. <3 to MD. Day #1 Well, I made it. The Motherland. God willing ~ you cross the Atlantic Sea + Land Safely and discover that there is no reason to Fear. The images of poverty, lack with strips of refugee camp life, beggars and thieves -- enlarged...