Goodbyes Aren't Forever

I'm sure we all have encountered a good friend leaving, whether it is moving for college or off discovering who they are.

My best friend and partner in crime, Rashidat moved about a month ago from Boston to Washington D.C to pursue her career. 

We have been friends since middle school, witnessing each other's awkward stage into the women we have become. 

We went to different colleges but we were always located in the same state.

The day she left, it felt like we were just going back to college knowing that we will both be home some weekends. It hasn't really hit me until now that she may only be back for some holidays and is no longer down the street.

BUT just because your best friend is no longer a minute away doesn't mean your life is over. 

My advice is to have a good cry and a big glass of wine in hand. 

Actually now is the time to come to terms that wine will probably be your new best friend.

Who am I kidding, wine was and still is my other partner in crime!

In all seriousness, your best friend moving might be a good thing.

Here's why:

1.  Since your best friend is no longer able to hang out, it forces you to hang out with the friends you might have pushed to the side.
2. You now have a new and exciting place to visit.
3. If you're stuck in your home town, you can live curiously through them by stalking their Facebook.
4. Since they made the first move it might push you to follow your dreams and move to a new city or even country.
5.  When they do come back home for a visit, you appreciate the small moments of catching up.
6. It might be hard to keep in contact but if you both try you will remain good friends. If you do loose in touch then good riddens! Maybe it wasn't that great of a friendship to begin with.

No matter how far they have moved, each other is a phone call away! 

So cheer up, maybe have another glass of wine, and go make new memories with new friends!

Downtown Gloucester

After visiting Hammond Castle, Jamil and I decided to take a little detour downtown. Downtown Gloucester is rich in history and located right next to the harbor. 

The city is a mash up of old historic houses and cute little shops.

Even this car is historic!

After we explored for a while we realized how famished we really were. 

We found La Trattoria & Pizzeria. If you couldn't tell by the name, it is an authentic Italian restaurant with a Sicilian theme.

Since we visited Hammond Castle, we decided to feast like King and Queen and order the whole menu!

Just kidding.... we needed to be frugal. 

We decided to order the Calamari Salad and a Caprese Panini to split.

We both also ordered a Morreti to quench our thirst. 

Nothing better than an ice cold beer on a perfect summer day!

Take your family or a date to downtown Gloucester. Walk by the water, explore the shops and enjoy some history!

Hammond Castle

            

           My good friend, Jamil and I decided to take a day trip down to Hammond Castle. This magical spot is located in Gloucester, MA overlooking the coast. The sun was out, the birds were chirping, and the smell of the sea was in the air. It was a beautiful day for an adventure.

            Hammond Castle was built by John Hays Hammond in the late 1920’s. Mr. Hammond built this magnificence castle as a gift for his new wife, Irene. 

After learning this, my future husband better build me a castle overlooking the sea!

The Hammonds used this castle as their home, museum, and laboratory. Mr. Hammond was a great engineer as well as inventor with over 400 patents and approximately 800 inventions. As an inspiring engineer this is quite amazing! The Hammond family also collected antiques and paintings which is why they opened their castle as a museum.

 As you make your way down a set of stairs, it is love at first sight.

Once you make your way around the castle, you begin to realize how beautiful the estate really is.

When you go inside, you begin to recognize a theme of modern medieval through out the castle.

 After you pass the Great Hall you enter the indoor courtyard. Hiding in the courtyard are sculptures of various sizes, beautiful flowers, and a small pool.

                 

Also scattered through out the castle, are gorgeous stained glass windows.

Hammond Castle is definitely a wonderful adventure for families, friends, and lovers to go explore.

It cost ten dollars for adults and eight dollars for children but the views and paintings are priceless.