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For my birthday last year (December), a bunch of my friend chipped in to fly me home. They knew I wanted to see my grandma one last time (although, she keeps holding on), and it had been over a year since I’d set foot in the US. My good friend Lisa masterminded the whole surprise, and I’m still blown away by everyone’s kindness and generosity.
On January 17, 2018, I boarded a Lufthansa/United flight to New York City. It would only take seven and a half hours to touch down in my birthplace, and I was so excited. I mentioned in my previous post, Berlin – Outside Looking, that it was an amazing trip, but I never shared about the actual trip. What follows is a visual diary of the people who love me and the food and drink I desperately missed.
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Step One: I landed in New York City!
I had to have coffee from my favorite US coffee roaster, Intelligentsia.
Finally tried the infamous rainbow bagel! It was good, but a little sweeter than the typical plain bagel.
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Step Two: I flew to Arkansas!
Coffee from Onyx Coffee Lab, the best coffee roaster in Northwest Arkansas and one of the best in the US!
Breakfast with old college friends.
My seasoned friends gathered together for a rousing game of Farkle!
German lunch with my mom’s seasoned friends.
A Robbie Burns dinner with live bagpipe music and really good Scottish haggis!
Mission: Eat All the Biscuits and Gravy.
Farkle forever!
Sunday lunch with my favorite Italians.
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Step Three: Drive to Austin.
My good friend James brewed a beer just for me!
Step Four: See all the friends!
All these beautiful people came to my party at Still Austin Whisky Co.
This is our winning trivia team at Friends & Allies Brewing!
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Step Five: Drink all the drinks and eat all the tacos.
Family Business Beer flights.
Chicken and waffle sandwich from Wild Chix.
The one and only Topo Chico!
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In short, it was an amazing trip full of the things I love and miss. Thank you to everyone who made my trip home a smashing success!
I’m off to Kiev for the Kiev Coffee Festival on Thursday!
Until next time,
