Weary traveler

Got back from 4.5 days in Baltimore just recently. I do love Baltimore--such an interesting, active city. It reminds me of my own hometown on steroids. Same problems, same quirky charm, just much more of everything.

I love the almost European plazas and townhouses in Mt. Vernon around the Washington Monument, and the feeling in Hampden that you've returned to the 1950s, but not in a comforting, nostalgic way. I loved the Irish pubs of Canton and the cobblestones of Fells Point. Oh, and the Thirsty Dog in Federal Hill, where the house shot is Grand Marnier.

And of course, I loved the endless row houses.

I know it gets hot in Baltimore, but while we were there, I learned that, in some parts of the country, it actually cools off at night during the summertime. Like, a cool breeze on your arms, and you could almost imagine wearing a sweater. That hasn't happened here since early May. I'm ready for fall.