From Buenos Aires to Washington D.C.: Our Relocation Journey & Delicious Mini Caprese Eggplant Pizzas

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, or in our case, orchestrating a whirlwind of significant changes in a remarkably short period. Over the last two weeks, my partner Juan and I embarked on a monumental journey, trading the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires for the bustling avenues of Washington D.C. This wasn’t just a simple move; it was an international relocation, a leap of faith into a new chapter, filled with both daunting challenges and exciting possibilities.

Our departure from Argentina was a flurry of activity and emotion. We meticulously packed our lives into four colossal checked luggages and three carry-on bags, a true testament to how much one accumulates over time. Our remaining belongings, too precious to part with, found a temporary home at Juan’s mother’s place. With our beloved Las Cañitas apartment lease officially terminated, a bittersweet farewell to our cherished neighborhood, we boarded our Delta flight. Our destination: Washington, D.C., a city that would serve as our new home, at least until the end of the year.

(For those curious about the specifics, our move to D.C. was primarily driven by an incredible opportunity for Juan. He was accepted into a fall internship program at the Organization of American States (OAS), an experience that promised significant professional growth. As for me, I’m here to support him, embrace the adventure, and explore what life in the United States capital has to offer.)

Arriving in the Heart of the Nation: First Impressions of Washington D.C.

Our journey culminated on Sunday, August 30th, when we touched down at the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). From there, a convenient SuperShuttle whisked us directly to our initial refuge: a lovely Airbnb room in the rapidly developing NoMa neighborhood. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by our friendly hosts, Kristi and Nathan, whose hospitality instantly made us feel a little more at home in this unfamiliar city. NoMa, short for North of Massachusetts Avenue, is known for its modern architecture, growing array of dining options, and excellent connectivity, making it an exciting area to begin our D.C. experience.

After the long flight and the initial flurry of unpacking essentials, our first priority was to get our bearings. Following much-needed showers, we ventured out into the blazing hot D.C. sunshine, ready to explore and, more importantly, to begin the daunting task of finding an apartment that would serve as our home for the next few months. The city’s energy was infectious, even amidst the summer heat, and we felt a renewed sense of purpose as we navigated its streets.

The D.C. Apartment Hunt: A Challenge Met with Persistence

The subsequent days were dedicated almost entirely to the apartment search. Our mornings typically began with extensive online research, scouring popular rental platforms like HotPads, Padmapper, and Craigslist, alongside a healthy dose of targeted Google searches. This digital legwork was followed by a relentless series of phone calls, hoping to secure viewings. We quickly learned that we had arrived in Washington D.C. during a peak rental season, where demand for apartments was exceptionally high. Compounding this challenge, most property owners and buildings in the city prefer longer lease agreements, typically six months or more.

Our specific requirements – a short-term rental of just three months for a fully furnished apartment – significantly narrowed our options. Many listings we contacted lost interest as soon as we mentioned our preferred rental duration and the need for furnishings, making our quest feel increasingly difficult. The search for a suitable short-term apartment in D.C. felt like an uphill battle, testing our patience and resilience.

However, through it all, a sense of hope prevailed. And true to form, divine intervention seemed to play a hand. After five grueling days of non-stop searching, filled with countless calls, emails, and viewings, we finally stumbled upon the perfect place. It was a fully-furnished townhouse unit nestled in West End, a beautifully manicured and centrally located neighborhood. Its proximity was a major selling point, being just a ten-minute walk from Georgetown, undeniably one of the loveliest and most historic neighborhoods in D.C.

We couldn’t be more thrilled with our new residence. Its prime location offers unparalleled access to everything D.C. has to offer. The interior boasts beautiful and tasteful furnishings that make it feel like home, and the ample space is far more than we had initially hoped for. It truly felt like a blessing after such an intense search, providing us with a comfortable and stylish base for our D.C. adventure.

Settling In and Embracing the D.C. Lifestyle

Putting all these events into words makes it seem like a monumental amount of change, and indeed it was. While we’ve only been here for about a week, it already feels like ages since we left the familiar comforts of Buenos Aires. The transition, though swift, has been profound, marking a clear division between our past and this exciting present.

This past Sunday finally offered a moment of respite. It was the first day I felt sufficiently relaxed and settled enough to truly embrace “tourist-mode” and take out my camera. Washington D.C. is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture, and there are still so many parts I haven’t properly explored. My camera is eager to capture the iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the unique pulse of the capital. I’m looking forward to discovering new perspectives and sharing them with you.

Amidst a thousand other tasks and new responsibilities, one significant item on my mental to-do list is to finally catch up with this blog and commit to posting more frequently. Sharing our experiences, from international relocation tips to culinary adventures, is something I’m passionate about. Expect more updates on our D.C. life, our discoveries, and, of course, delicious recipes!

A Taste of Simplicity: Mini Caprese Eggplant Pizzas

After such a busy period of moving and settling, finding joy in simple pleasures, especially in the kitchen, becomes incredibly important. Today, I’m delighted to share a recipe that perfectly embodies this sentiment: a fuss-free, super simple recipe for mini caprese eggplant pizzas. It’s the ideal meal for those hectic weeknights or when you simply crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

I’m talking about a meal that can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes – from prep to plate – and is undeniably tasty and satisfying enough to be thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The combination of tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating can also be incredibly flavorful and quick.

The best part about these mini caprese eggplant pizzas? They are naturally gluten-free and grain-free, making them an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional pizza. So, go ahead and eat up to your heart’s content, guilt-free!

P.S. If any of you are currently in D.C. or planning a visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I would absolutely love to connect, meet up, or make new friends in this fantastic city!

Print