Embracing Change: Our Washington D.C. Adventure & Quick Caprese Eggplant Pizza Recipe

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of monumental changes, setting the stage for an entirely new chapter in our lives. It’s a story of packing up, moving on, and settling into a vibrant new city, all while carrying the cherished memories of our previous home.

To give you the essence of our journey, Juan and I meticulously packed our lives into a formidable collection of four colossal suitcases and three carry-on bags. What didn’t make the cut for the immediate move found a temporary home at Juan’s mother’s place. With our beloved apartment in Las Cañitas, Buenos Aires, officially vacated, we boarded a Delta flight bound for Washington, D.C. This bustling U.S. capital will be our home, at least until the close of the year, marking a significant pivot in our personal and professional lives.

(For those curious about the specifics of our relocation, the primary catalyst was Juan’s acceptance into a prestigious fall internship program at the Organization of American States (OAS). My decision to accompany him was driven by a desire to explore life in a new city, embracing the challenges and opportunities that D.C. has to offer, and to support Juan during this exciting phase of his career.)

Our arrival in the U.S. capital was on a warm Sunday, August 30th. We first touched down at the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), a gateway that efficiently connects travelers to the heart of D.C. From there, we opted for a convenient SuperShuttle, which transported us directly to the vibrant and rapidly developing NoMa neighborhood. This area, known for its modern architecture and burgeoning culinary scene, welcomed us with open arms. Our temporary sanctuary for the initial few days was a lovely Airbnb room, where we were greeted by our incredibly friendly and accommodating hosts, Kristi and Nathan. Their warm welcome instantly made us feel a little more at home in this unfamiliar city.

After the long journey and the initial flurry of unpacking essential items, we took the much-needed time to get our bearings and refresh ourselves with a long shower. The D.C. sunshine was blazing hot, yet its energy was infectious. Without wasting any time, we ventured out, eager to begin our immersion in the city. Our immediate priority was to embark on the daunting task of finding a suitable apartment for the next few months, a quest that would soon become a full-time endeavor.

The apartment hunt proved to be a challenging, yet ultimately rewarding, experience. Over the ensuing days, our routine became a dedicated cycle of online searching, relentlessly poring over listings on platforms like HotPads, Padmapper, and Craigslist, in addition to extensive Google searches. Once we identified potential options, the phone calls began, a non-stop effort to connect with landlords or real estate agents to schedule viewings.

We had, unknowingly, arrived in D.C. during a peak period for apartment rentals. This meant not only high demand but also a common preference among property owners and building management for longer lease terms, typically six months or more. Many of the listings we contacted quickly lost interest once we explained our specific requirements: a short-term rental period of just three months, and crucially, a fully furnished apartment. This significantly narrowed our already limited options, adding layers of frustration to our search.

Despite the initial setbacks and the growing exhaustion, our perseverance, and a touch of divine intervention, truly paid off. After five intense and grueling days of non-stop searching, filled with viewings that didn’t quite fit or outright rejections, we finally discovered a gem. We found a fully-furnished townhouse unit in West End, a truly picturesque and centrally located neighborhood. Its prime position meant we were just a ten-minute walk from Georgetown, one of D.C.’s most charming and historically rich areas, renowned for its beautiful streets, boutique shops, and vibrant dining scene.

Our new place exceeded all our expectations. We are more than pleased with its exceptional location, which offers easy access to everything we need. The interior is thoughtfully designed with beautiful and tasteful furnishings, creating an immediate sense of home. Moreover, the ample space provides a comfortable living environment, far more than we could have ever imagined or hoped for given our specific rental criteria. It felt like a true blessing after a week of uncertainty.

Recounting these events makes them sound like an overwhelming amount of activity packed into a short timeframe. And while it has indeed only been about a week since we departed Buenos Aires, the transition feels as though ages have passed. The speed at which we’ve adapted to new routines and surroundings, coupled with the intensity of the apartment hunt, has truly made time feel distorted.

This past Sunday marked a significant milestone for me: it was the first day I felt sufficiently relaxed and settled enough to take out my camera and truly embrace “tourist-mode.” Washington D.C. is a city brimming with history, culture, and stunning architecture, and there are still so many parts that I haven’t had the chance to properly explore. I have countless photos of this magnificent city waiting to be captured, and I’m eager to begin documenting our experiences here.

Amidst the myriad of tasks and new responsibilities that come with relocating, there are a thousand other things on my mind. However, one item on my enormous to-do list that I’m particularly keen to tackle is finally catching up with this blog. My aim is to post a bit more frequently, sharing both our D.C. adventures and, of course, some delightful recipes that complement our new life.

Today, I am excited to share a wonderfully fuss-free, super simple recipe for mini caprese eggplant pizzas. This dish is the perfect example of comfort food that aligns with our current busy lifestyle – it’s quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. We’ve been looking for recipes that are easy to whip up after a long day of exploring or settling in, and this one has quickly become a favorite.

I’m talking about a meal that can be prepared and cooked in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a spontaneous snack. What’s more, it’s not just fast; it’s also remarkably tasty and delicious, ensuring that every bite is thoroughly enjoyed. The fresh flavors of caprese—sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella—are perfectly complemented by the earthy eggplant base.

The best part about these mini caprese eggplant pizzas? They are entirely gluten-free and grain-free, making them a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional pizza. So go ahead, indulge without guilt and eat up to your heart’s content!

P.S. If any of you happen to be in D.C., please don’t hesitate to reach out! I would absolutely love to meet up, connect with old acquaintances, or make new friends in our exciting new city!

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