Washington, DC (USA)

[work - at around 1500, the company CEO contacted me to ask if I wanted to go to the Mandarin Oriental DC Chinese New Year Celebration - since I didn't already have plans, I agreed to go (fortunately, was dressed well enough!) - at around 1700, I walked down to the hotel and got there a bit before they opened the doors - at 1730, the event began with gifts ($2 bill, cookies) and I got to eat a bit before the crowds arrived - the food was delicious, the entertainment (Dragon Dancers, music) was excellent, I met a lot of nice people (from airlines, hotels, embassies, MedStar, etc.) and saw Michael the bartender from our 2018 company Holiday Party - the prizes (hotel stays around the world, free round trip airfare from Cathay) were a real “wow factor” - I didn’t win but was on the edge of my seat throughout - I met a nice lady, Tara, and saved a seat for another lady named Quinn - stayed until the end of the awards (1930) and then headed home via Metro]