After an extremely overwhelming and exhausting first semester, I couldn't wait to pack my bags, catch the next flight and go on the trip I had been dreaming about since September. I literally completed my finals, came back to the dorm, packed my bags, watched Netflix, had a sudden fire drill, fell asleep, woke up at 3 am, and then I was off to Washington DC.

For me, America had always been about skyscrapers, billboards, New York or Wall Street. In general, everything is big and extravagant, but when I came here to Missouri for the first time, I must say I was slightly disappointed, and it took me time to adapt, but I still love this place despite everything especially the greenery.

When I landed in Washington, it felt surreal because we don't have tall buildings back home, and the only exposure that I had with tall buildings were in movies or videos. Seeing it right in front of my eyes, I was the happiest I had ever been in weeks or maybe months. The people would smile and greet each other, and despite being the capital, it was still quiet and peaceful. It had a beautiful beige aesthetic, historical monuments everywhere, museums, I fell in love with DC almost instantly.

As soon as I landed, I was off to see the White House just for the Christmas tree they had set up, and that tree was just beautiful. Then, I was off to see the Washington monument because of Spiderman and walked from the monument to Lincoln Memorial. One thing that I really wanted to see was the Cherry blossom trees on the way to the Lincoln Memorial, which I missed because it only shows up during spring, but I can't wait to be there again. I was there for a week, and that indeed was the highlight of my winter break.

After a week, I traveled to Virginia to meet my relatives, finally got to eat good food, a lot of Momos and curries. I went to the Air and Space Center, and trust me, I couldn't believe what I saw in front of my eyes. War Planes from World War II, Nasa's rocketship, and I forgot the names of the rest, but trust me, it was cool. I also went to the winery at the Bull Run, but sadly it was closed, but the best part was the home food which I miss dearly.

Then, I left for Maryland to attend a Comic-Con which was extremely fun, went to the Potomac River, which is the closest I have been to an ocean or a beach, went to the National Harbor, watched a football match with three strangers, traveled downtown and was off to Pennsylvania.

The main reason I went was for the ice skiing, and it definitely was an experience to remember. Since that was my first ever ski, I can't even remember the number of times I fell on my butt, BUT at least I can tick something off from my bucket list, and also I got to experience my first ever horse race.

Thinking of my winter break, I certainly had one of the best times since I have been here, but I missed Lindenwood like no other. You get me?? It did welcome me with a snowstorm and three uber drivers rejecting my ride, but I am back more refreshed than ever. I can't wait to see what this semester has in store.