I live at the edge of Baltimore City. While I feel it’s less savory aspects are continuing to lap up upon the shore of my quiet suburbs, I also find a deep peace in this city of two faces. It’s a cultural center, which is varied areas (Fed Hill, Fells Point, Charles Street, Little Italy, etc.), a sports lovers dream (Orioles, RAVENS central), and a home to many different people (business people, hipsters, college kids, families, homeboys (and gals), Hons). It’s also a drug den, a broken place, industrial, and in some ways, forgotten. It can be like an ugly child only a mother (or local) could possibly love. And I love it.
It’s a great place to spend a cold, near Christmas night. The city was strung with white holiday light, couples strolling hand in hand as the harbor glistened all around. Shoppers were darting around shops for gifts, and some cooks could be heard in the kitchens singing Christmas tunes as loud as they could.
I hope our newcomer enjoyed the patchwork quilt that is Baltimore. I guess somethings can be wonderful and terrible at the same time. I have never been so aware of my city as I was clutching my shopping bags on the rickety metro train watching the scenery shift.
Baltimore Harbor
I couldn’t have said this better myself. The newcomer left in his Flacco jersey today; I think he was sufficiently impressed :]