In 2018, I went to Miami, Tanzania, Seychelles, Charleston, Hilton Head, Savannah, Memphis, Paris, Nice, Nigeria and Amsterdam. Absolutely none of these places were on my 2018 wish list, but it’s fun looking back to see where my mind was around this time last year. I still believe in manifesting my dreams so cheers to putting them out there and praying they come true! And that absolutely includes dream travel destinations, so here’s what I’m thinking for 2019:

Confirmed Travel

Tanzania

I’m heading to Tanzania for the third time and I still think it’s such a travel-worthy destination. I hope to learn more Swahili and delve deeper into Tanzanian culture.

Wish List

(in no particular order)

Portugal

I’ve been thinking about heading to Portugal for my birthday but I still haven’t decided. In any case, Lisbon, Porto and the Azores are on my radar!

Greece

I’ve always longed to go to Greece but always put it on the back burner. I love that it’s a country full of culture, history, good food, beautiful scenery, and romance.

Mexico

Would you believe I’ve never been to Mexico? Shocking, I know. But I think it’s time! I think I’ll start with Cancun, but only time will tell.

Martha’s Vineyard

I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard before but I’ve always wanted to go back again. It has such a chill, quaint townsy vibe that visiting will be a nice change of pace in late summer (and perhaps I’ll even run into the Obamas!).

Los Angeles

I put L.A. on my wish list last year and wasn’t able to make it, but the City of Angels is still calling my name!

Write down your wish list too! And even if you don’t make it to those destinations, your travel thinking wheels will start turning and I promise, you’ll still end up somewhere. So, tell me where you want to go in 2019!

When it comes to live music, food, and drinks, Marvin (2007 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009) in D.C. never disappoints. A U street staple for the past 11 years, the restaurant recently highlighted some brand-new cocktails and a return of their scrumptious chicken and waffles. The eclectic establishment, named for soul star Marvin Gaye, will now feature a weekly open mic on Wednesday nights. While you enjoy the sounds of some amazing artists, you can also partake in cocktails like the Naughty Native (Crown Apple, cinnamon, clove, star anise, lemon) and the New Year, Who Dis? (Cucumber-infused Tanqueray, St. Germain, jalapeno syrup, lemon juice, dill tonic)

Marvin’s chicken and waffles are not your average chicken tenders and instant waffles. The restaurant provides you with an expertly fried chicken thigh, Belgian waffle, and collard greens that are surely made by a Southern chef. The seared scallops and creamed spinach are a great choice for seafood lovers, and the mac & cheese croquettes with pepper jam will satisfy all of your comfort food cravings.

You can cap the evening off with the “VSOPECAN,” a strong cocktail made with Hennesy VSOP, candied pecan syrup, mole bitters and Angostura, it’ll warm you up during the Winter nights, . For more information on menu offerings and their live music schedule, please visit Marvindc.com and tell them we sent you!

- Nyasha Chikowore

Where Am I Headed in 2019?