June 18- Where will I go?

To recap, I have-since the start of 2009- been to a few key cities in the U.S. Since I've hit up Miami, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, and LA, I think there's a new list of ten cities I'd like to visit (perhaps after my summer job wraps up. That's right: they give me a job for the summer...you know, when every other teacher gets off? That's when I work. Ooh de lally!) Here we go:

1) San Francisco- Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, Full House, Basic Instinct? Sign me the fuck up!

2) Seattle- I know of a couple people who are on the move to the Emerald City. Also, I can go to the top of the Space Needle (which, by the way, may be the funkiest/coolest-looking landmark in America)? Sweet. Definitely sign me up for Seattle....

3) Washington, DC- Last time I went to Washington, I was in high school and trying to work out a makeout session on the ride back home. Suffice it to say the times have changed and so I'm looking to get down to DC to check out the Obama-era climate....and to talk about how awesome the Jefferson Memorial is.

4) Charleston, SC- why not? Seems to be a hotbed of historical significance (which, sadly enough, IS a major determining factor in my vacation destinations)...also, southern cooking. I will leave my belt at home in favor of elastic waistbands.

5) New Orleans- I would love to see how far the city has come in the last 5 years post-Katrina and have a cocktail and some creole in the French Quarter...perhaps write a murder mystery novel based on my experiences (ya know...minus the murder)

6) San Antonio- Because Houston's too big, apparently? Here's the deal: if I make it to Texas, I'm DEFINITELY making the rounds to numerous cities (Helloooooooooooo Lubbock!)

7) Phoenix- One, to scope out job opportunities. Two, to soak up some sun (sike!). Three, because I could then leave my belongings in a hotel room while I set out into the desert to find myself (or, rather, to find the gaping hole in the ground...and some Joshua Trees)

8) Denver- Because, if I do it in the summer, I won't be as pressured to ski (which, I don't know if I told you this, but I'm terrible when I'm not on my feet (and even then there's no guarantee that I manage to thrive))...and I'd really just love to check out the Rockies.

9) Milwaukee- Beer, brats, Brewers, Badgers (UWis)....bring it on!

10) Portland- I hear it's beautiful...and between Portland and Seattle, I can plan a Twilight tour!!!!!! LOL ROFL! (gag me). But seriously, I want to soak up some west coast flavor, so if you're in that part of the country, I'm going to be knocking and asking about use of a couch. Soon. So get ready.