Last weekend, hoping to catch the Christmas spirit, I went on a tour of Bethlehem (which is just a 15-minute drive from Jerusalem, a fact I was totally oblivious to until arriving here two months ago). While my new city is the place where Jesus is believed to have died and been resurrected, JerusalemContinue reading “Searching for Christmas in the Holy Land”
Author Archives: The Next Dinner Party
Fear Itself
One time I was walking on U Street in Washington DC, holding hands with my boyfriend, when an older black man said to us with a smile, “It’s just so good to see a man and a woman holding hands in this neighborhood, you know? I still think about my lack of reaction and wishContinue reading “Fear Itself”
The More You Learn, The Harder it Gets
I’m three-quarters of the way through the low-residency MFA program at New York University and I can say with some confidence that after three intensive residencies in Paris, monthly writing deadlines, and the mentorship of several accomplished authors, I am now a better writer. I can also say with confidence that because I am aContinue reading “The More You Learn, The Harder it Gets”
Our New Home, Jerusalem
We’ve been in our new city for 10 days now and each day I decide to put off blogging a little longer until I get a better feel for the place that will be our home for the next three years. “Jerusalem is a complicated place,” everyone keeps telling us. I’m already seeing a bitContinue reading “Our New Home, Jerusalem”
Bourbon Tasting and the (Surprisingly) Cool City of Louisville
After some serious biscuit-eating in Charleston, South Carolina, a visit to Mr. Dame in Spain’s hometown of Atlanta, and a two-night stay on our friend’s family farm outside of Knoxville, we were off to pay homage to our favorite booze: Bourbon. We arrived in Louisville, Kentucky with an ambitious plan: To visit all nine officialContinue reading “Bourbon Tasting and the (Surprisingly) Cool City of Louisville”
Elegant, Delicious Charleston
After leaving the bustle and hip-but-not-even-trying vibe of New Orleans, we spent a night in Destin, Florida, which, as a city, is nothing to write home about (or, more aptly, nothing to blog about). Except for the fact that the beaches are fine white powder sand and warm sea water. Watching the sun set whileContinue reading “Elegant, Delicious Charleston”
Soulful New Orleans
After we left the fun, casual vibe and tacos galore of Austin, Texas, we were on to our next stop: Louisiana. Our destination was New Orleans, but to break up the drive, we stopped in Cajun country and stayed at an AirBnB for the night. Tip: When arriving to a sprawling bayou cabin, get thereContinue reading “Soulful New Orleans”
Great Grub, Cool Pool, and Bats in Austin
We’ve officially departed Spain and are in the thick of our congressionally-mandated month of home leave. You’ll recall when we left Yemen, we spent our home leave driving around the American West and then up the coast of California. It was magic. This home leave we’re taking a different tack and going south. First stop:Continue reading “Great Grub, Cool Pool, and Bats in Austin”
Searching For My Perfect Coffee Shop in Madrid
For the better part of my twenty-one months living in Madrid, I visited heaps of coffee shops in the hopes of writing a blog called “Madrid’s Top Five Work-Friendly Coffee Shops” And as I finally write this post from one of Washington DC’s dozens of coffee shops (where everyone is engrossed in either a businessContinue reading “Searching For My Perfect Coffee Shop in Madrid”
One Night in Colorful, Lively Porto
From the moment I arrived in Porto, I was delighted with the city’s colorful old buildings, sparkling river, steep streets, and possession of a lively, but peaceful charm. I knew I made the right call for a quick overnight trip. Situated along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is one of Europe’s oldest cities.Continue reading “One Night in Colorful, Lively Porto”