you can always go home.

Happy Tuesday, kinfolk.

I’m back in New York from a whirlwind weekend in D.C., where I celebrated my 10-year college graduation from Howard University (long live #HU15).

I’m exhausted from the long weekend — and sore joints are a reminder that I am firmly in my thirties — but my heart is so full. I believe that everyone should experience Howard homecoming at least once in their lives.

Here’s where I stayed and what I did during homecoming weekend.

I try to stay at the Thompson when I come to D.C., because it is, perhaps, one of the best values with World of Hyatt points in the U.S.

The hotel is a Category 4 hotel, with awards starting at just 12k points per night, so redemptions are usually reasonable.

But there are added benefits that prompted me to stay here. Because of my Hyatt card, I receive a free night certificate that I can use at any Category 1-4 hotel worldwide. I applied my certificate for one night and paid about $350 for the second night, which I consider a solid deal for homecoming weekend.

Generally, I stay at Hyatt hotels thanks to my Hyatt Discoverist status. Having elite status always comes in handy, especially during a busy weekend like homecoming. I got into D.C. around 9 a.m., and just as the train pulled up to Union Station, I received a text that my room was ready. Usually, check-in is at 4 p.m., so I was thrilled to check in early — it gave me time to unpack, shower, nap, and unwind before the hectic weekend.

Another reason I like staying at the Thompson is its convenience. It’s a four-minute walk from Navy Yard Metro (which serves the Green Line), and is a few minutes from Nats Park, a bunch of restaurants, and the Bullpen (which I’ll talk more about down below).

The playlist in the lobby is an eclectic mix of deep cuts, house, and R&B. The hotel uses DS & Durga products, so the rooms and the lobby smell amazing.

The Thompson has a lobby bar, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar. The lobby bar is pretty standard (if not a little pricey), but the rooftop has excellent views of the city.

I didn’t spend much time at the hotel on this trip, but it’s become my go-to whenever I’m in the city.

If you’re looking for a high-end, but affordable, hotel in D.C., you can’t go wrong with the Thompson.

The class of 2015 had a full weekend of events to celebrate the 10-year milestone.

I started the weekend on campus at the Yard. There was an impromptu meetup with my class

After the Yard, I ended my Friday night at the after-party at Onyx in Dupont Circle (which used to be Ozio — iykyk). I partied for hours with old friends, hearing old songs that were the soundtrack of our graduating class and remembering dances we used to do. It was nostalgic in the best way.

Saturday saw me at the Bullpen in Navy Yard. Howard discontinued the free tailgate a few years back, and so promoters have taken advantage of the lull of events on the Saturday of the football game to throw their own parties.

I didn’t get a ticket this year, so I didn’t have much expectation of getting in. However, I ran into a former student outside the venue (thank you Sommer Hill!) who got me into the VIP area.

Bullpen reminded me of the tailgates from #OldHoward: line dancing, good food, strong drinks, the smell of good and terrible weed in the air, and the beauty that is joyful Black folks.

Ten years have done my class well: I congratulated newly minted doctors, lawyers, business owners, parents, and homeowners.

There were full hearts and empty cups. Hugs were abundant — those all-encompassing, rocking side-by-side hugs — as were “I’m trying to get like you!” and “I’m so proud of you.”

D.C. is a little strange right now, but the love and exuberance in the city during homecoming were intoxicating.

As life marches on, it's easy to forget the memories and places that have shaped who you are and the lifelong bonds formed. It’s a reminder that, no matter where in the world you are, you can always go home.