2024 New Experiences

There has been a hiatus of four years since my last "new experiences" post. I'll use the excuse that major life changes distracted me from posting for a while.

New Job

In 2023 I embarked on a new career journey, leaving my job of nearly two decades to join a startup company in New England.  It was the right time, and the right opportunity to take a leap of faith.  This change in environment guarantees plenty of new experiences.

New Places 

In 2024 I relocated to Lexington, Massachusetts for the new job.  Moving from the D.C. area to the Boston metropolitan area has been interesting - swapping Civil War monuments and parks for  Revolutionary War history sites.  Did you know that the "shot hear 'round the world" took place right here in Lexington?

I also visited Quebec City, where I saw the famous Chateau Frontenac and walked the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec.  This is an absolutely beautiful city, well worth visiting.

New Activities

Level 99 / Boda Borg - These fun venues offer similar "quest" experiences, requiring either mental or physical skills to succeed.  Imagine mini escape rooms, with multiple rooms to try during a single visit.  It seems like a concept that should be popular enough to spread nationwide. Surprisingly, both exist mostly in the Boston area for now.  However, I'm not surprised that my old stomping grounds in Northern Virginia are next in line for Level 99's expansion -  I know plenty of people there who will love it.

Drones - I saw my first live drone show - wow!  It was amazing, far more impressive in person than on TV.  I've also always wanted to fly drones myself, and now I have a remote pilot's license to fly them commercially.

New Foods

Smoked drinks - Not necessarily the first time I've tired a smoked drink, but I've grown quite fond of them.  It's surprisingly easy to smoke your own drinks at home. 

Onion Jam - A surprisingly delicious accompaniment to a cheese plate.

Fried Clams - You might expect me to list lobster rolls as a new food experience since moving to New England, but nah and meh.  I've tried lobster rolls well before moving to here, and I don't quite get the appeal.  However, I've also had fried clams before, outside of New England, and they weren't the same.  There is something special about the fried clams here.  Especially at here and here.

Duck eggs - wanted to try some different types of eggs and duck eggs were available at the supermarket.  Very similar to chicken eggs, but a bit creamier.

Weird Driving Behavior

 People in Massachusetts stop to let you enter from a side road, or make a left on a green light before the straight traffic starts moving.  I don't get it.  People don't do that in Virginia.