The Blog

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m in Baltimore, MD for three months this summer, for an internship with the Associated Press. I’ve moved to an apartment in the Charles Village neighborhood of the city. It’s been quite the experience so far…this being my first time living anywhere besides California.

This was my first week, so I’ve spent most of my time getting used to my new home. The red-orange building in the photo is where I’m staying. I’m conveniently located near markets, a neighborhood pub and the Art Museum (to name a few things). The liquor store on the corner is the perfect amenity because it carries laundry supplies and my favorite beer. But on my second day here I was reminded of what city I’m living in.

The corner store is owned by a woman and her son. The woman happened to be standing just outside of the store on Tuesday night, when five teenage boys approached the corner and mugged her. At the time, I was sitting in the living room and I heard a blood-curdling scream (the type of scream that you don’t ignore). I ran to the window and I saw all five boys running up the street. Seconds later I heard a gunshot. The woman’s son had run out of the store and fired a warning shot in the boys’ direction. One of the boys left his bike. Minutes later the police were there to take a report. From what I’ve gathered from neighbors, the woman was not injured. Later, a Charles Village couple I met on my first night brought her a flower to show their concern.

*Faces are not shown on purpose…just being cautious. I’ve seen The Wire, which I’ve already been told, more than once, is eerily real.

Neighborhood Farmer’s Market

Spud and Steff (the couple) are two of the nicest people I’ve met in a while. On Saturday they showed me around the neighborhood farmer’s market, accompanied me (or rather I accompanied them) to the Charles Village Festival (which I’m glad I didn’t miss), and introduced me to several people in the neighborhood. They both “keep it real” with me about Baltimore City and about the neighborhood. Had they not told me anything, reading the City Paper would be convincing enough. Baltimore is a rough city.

There’s a column called Murder Ink that describes, in detail, murders that have occured within the city limits. Last week there were 8 murders. There have been 94 homicides this year…and counting.

Baltimore has its nice parts, just like any other city. There’s fun to be had. During the school year, my apartment is passed down from generation to generation of University of Mannheim (Germany) exchange students. The three who lived here for the last year were still in town when I arrived. I spent my first Saturday night with them. We went to Dizzy Izzy’s (also known as The Dizz). They are famous for burgers/drinks and are right across the street from Charm City Cakes. (Spud and Steff are next door neighbors with Duff. I’m determined to meet him and have my picture taken with him. I digress.) Before we knew it, 2 a.m. rolled around and we all agreed to play some fussball. We did that until about 3 a.m.

The flamencos and Christmas lights in The Dizz.

I suck at fussball!

Some things I’m looking forward to this summer:

Pile of Craft, a DIY art and craft show
Artscape, a gigantic art and music festival
Eating Baltimore crabs and crab cakes (which I can’t afford to do yet)
And making new friends, while keeping in touch with old ones…