West Baltimore...Dangerous...? Not a chance!!

Woke up this morning around 8 AM to the sound of Nick Cave's soothing voice belting out Wanted Man. We left Wilkes-Barre after a quick leftover breakfast of last night's pizza and arrived in Baltimore at around noon. This city immediately seized me, for its charm, character and antiquated architecture. Gorgeous churches and museums that go sky high. We parked at the hostel we are staying and walked to the inner harbor, one of the most unforgettable places. The views are magnificent and the pier and harbor walks are the definition of serene tranquility (Mark, I know that's redundant.)

We had lunch at this little place called the Waterfront Hotel, which Tyler had researched on one of his favorite tv shows, Homicide: Life on the Street. This was the bar/restaurant where the cops came to shoot the shit, get drunk and eat some crab. By god, I understand why. Awesome specials every day and 1$ Pabst bottles all day every day! We ordered veggie quesadillas, exquisite. We left afterward to go checkin to the hostel, which by the way, is the coolest way to travel. Great place they have here smack dab in the middle of downtown Baltimore. Julia and Betsy checked us in, some of the the friendliest people we've met on the trip so far. Loved our dedication to the habs and baseball. Once we got settled in, we knew we had a couple hours before the Habs game, so we went to check out Edgar Allan Poe's burial ground in West Baltimore. One of my all-time favorite poets, this was definitely on my bucket list. We also went to check out his house that he lived in while he lived here, and the street corner where he was found unconscious and eventually died in the hospital down the street from our hostel. Little tid-bit!
West Baltimore was awesome, not at all shady or dangerous as mentioned by many people who will remain unnamed. It showed a lot of character, and reminded me a bit of old Harlem in NYC.

Anyways, just before we go start dinner, we go check out this Irish pub down the street called O'Sheas (didnt look as cool as Duffy's though...) Tyler went in and asked the question I dreaded to hear the answer to:

"Are you guys showing the Habs game?"
"They playing Pittsburgh tonight? Yeah, we'll have that on."

My jaw dropped. You guys know where i'm drinking tonight. Favorite bar in Baltimore. :)

Tomorrow will be another day.

Jay

P.S. GO HABS GO BABY!!!


Driving Time today: 3 hours

Favorite song of drive: Les Boys by Éric Lapointe

Favorite album of drive: Adrenaline Disc 2 by Éric Lapointe

Quote of the day:

"It is NOT God's will that two homosexual men sleep together, this is the will of the demons within THEM!"

- Crazy Guy yelling on the corner of the street in West Baltimore