Catch Flights, Not Feelings

Catch flights, not feelings. Out of all the mottos that have already filtered through our social media feeds come 2018, this one by far has stolen my heart. As contradicting as it seems, catching flights in 2018 in order to not catch feelings definitely did the opposite and got me all types of Usher - Caught Up -- except these feelings are all for the East Coast. As a California native, naturally, my dream has always been to visit the East Coast because it seemed pretty cool (you know, dope things like Biggie Smalls, Nas, and phrases like ‘madd’, ‘son’, and ‘dope’).

There’s so much to see in the East Coast and there isn’t enough time to see it all. So, I wanted to share with you the top 6 dope places in New York and Washington D.C that I personally fell in love with and hopefully one day if you haven’t already, will be able to experience yourself.

Nuyorican Poets Cafe stage

First stop on this East Coast ride is the Nuyorican Poets Cafe located in the lower east side of Manhattan. If you’re looking for poetry slams, open mics, dope music, and even doper vibes, this is the place to be on a friday night. Now naturally, as a poet myself, I love any and everything with the word “poet” in it, but this place is one that I think everyone needs to check out. As a hip hop head myself, not only did this place surpass what I thought the East Coast vibe was supposed to be, but it played the illest mix of Method Man & Redman, The Notorious B.I.G., and even added in some Mac Dre. Okay so aside from the music, let’s talk about the Poetry Slam. Not only did they have some of the dopest poets performing (we actually went on a night when they held the semi finals for Nationals), but they held an open mic right after which I had to sign up for just to say that I did. The people, the vibe, the atmosphere, and the music definitely get five stars from me.

Me, pretty nervous before my open mic

The next stop, The Museum Of Modern Arts otherwise known as MOMA. If you love art -- or if you don’t -- you will definitely find something to appreciate on at least one of this museums five floors. From paintings, to sculptures, to recorded performance art and everything in between, MOMA has something to offer for everyone no matter the age.

Wall painting series at MOMA

Hanging artwork at MOMA

When you’re in New York, you definitely shouldn’t pass up checking out the Empire State Building. I mean come on now, who wants to pass up being able to see all of New York from 102 stories high? Each story has a story, and if how high up it is doesn’t intrigue you, then how they built it (and the pictures to prove it) in 1930 will.

How the Empire State Building was constructed

Don’t get me wrong, Time Square, A horse carriage through Washington Square Park, and the Twin Towers memorial are a MUST see, but there’s so much to see and so little time so don’t forget to make some time for these awesome spots as well. Now, on to DC.

Metro Card to travel the subway in NewYork

One of the best things about the East Coast is that there is a train for everything. The three hour train ride to D.C. from NY was a breeze (and totally worth it).

A quote by Frederick Douglas at Busboys and Poets

First place to visit in DC, Busboys and Poets (I’m telling you, you can’t go wrong with poetry joints). This spot in particular though, brought so much culture and ambiguity to the table that I was sad to leave it. Not only is it a restaurant but it’s got a stage area that’s host to performances and open mics and it’s a bookstore -- all in one. The food is a tad bit spendy, but so is every other place in downtown D.C., and there’s three different locations in the heart of D.C. Grab some grub, book, and enjoy!

Now if you haven’t heard by now, then let me enlighten you. If you’re in the D.C. area, the fairly new, one-year-old National Museum of African American History & Culture is a must to check out. It’s open all day, but you’re probably going to need two days to even be able to experience it all. This museum is so powerful -- in so many ways. I will tell you that I cried at least a few times, but I also laughed, smiled, and experienced a once in a lifetime experience here.

Part 1 collage including Rosa Parks

Part 2 collage including Emmet Till and his mother

Native American children's doll and clothes for the doll

The next museum that I believe is a must see is the National Museum of the American Indian. Let’s be real, there are just truths in this museum that are simply not taught in American history classes and I personally think that everyone in America should visit this museum. The same goes as before, I recommend two days to be able to actually absorb all that you can, but if not then you should definitely still check this one out, it’s moving as well.

Native Chief's headdress 

Collage of Native American photos

I hope that your 2018 has already brought you nothing but good vibes and I encourage you to keep those vibes going. Stress less, travel more and don’t be afraid to catch feelings after your flights. Safe travels!

Do you have any East Coast favorites? Let me know in the comments below!