Charmed, I'm Sure

Me and Darcy riding the metro 

After a really stressful couple of months, I got a chance to unwind in Baltimore (a.k.a Charm City) with my freshman roommate, Darcy (who happens to be an excellent hostess).  It was so fun to catch up on old times.  We crammed so much in over four short days-- it was as though we had channeled the energy of our 18-year old selves.

Outlet shopping. Ikea. Costco. A late-night movie. Sightseeing. Anthropologie. Good eats. A concert. A half marathon (well, that was really just Darcy). Reminiscing. A classic Lifetime Movie.

One of our first stops was for some lunch at a little Greek restaurant.  It was SUPER good and not at all blurry, like the photo suggests.

We drove by John Hopkins and Darcy showed me where she worked.  We saw Charm City Cakes (Ace of Cakes, for you Food Network lovers).  We toured around Baltimore which is littered with wonderful, old architecture.  There's something about rows of beautiful, old buildings and cobblestone roads that starts my imagination churning.  I have a secret wish to travel to the past to see first hand how those buildings looked brand new and what they were used for and how they were decorated and how people lived and what kinds of sounds and textures were to be found then.  If only Billy could soup up a  Delorean for me in his lab...

We went to Sound Garden where Darcy picked up the latest Belle and Sebastian album (the band we were seeing the next day).  Then, we walked down to the harbor to wander around.    

 

    

After some frozen yogurt at Mr. Yogato's, we walked across the street, continuing our stroll through Fells Point and there, outside an art gallery sitting on a sidewalk display, I saw a familiar looking print.  My brother, Aaron's, work to be exact.  I was so surprise and proud!  The gallery had half a wall full of his prints and even some originals.  We chatted with the owner and I felt a tiny bit famous...

Thursday, we headed to D.C. for some sight-seeing and the concert.  After reading "Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" last year, I was particularly anxious to see Ford's Theater.  That book was so detailed and interesting, I couldn't wait to see the landmark in person.  It's surprisingly unassuming.  We didn't go inside as it is still a working theater.

I call this photo, "Waiting for Lincoln"

Across the street was Peterson's Boarding House, where Lincoln was brought after he was shot and ultimately died.  It was under some renovations, so I just sat on the steps.

We headed toward the World War II Memorial.  It was absolutely beautiful and I think I'm safe to say, we both got a little choked up looking at the series of bas relief pictorials depicting iconic scenes from the war. 

After that, we headed up the street to the DAR Constitution Hall for our concert.  My favorite band (probably of all time), who I last saw perform in Scotland over ten years ago, played to a crowed house and did not disappoint.

Waiting for the show to start

Belle and Sebastian

Friday was spent shopping.  Bargains were had by all.  Saturday came too soon.  Darcy had her half marathon, so we headed down to the Inner Harbor and watched the full marathon for a bit before we said our good-byes.  It was such a fun trip.  Darcy has promised to visit the South, soon and I can't wait!

P.S.  Darcy made a better time than she expected on her race. 

Congrats, Darcy!