Although I’ve lived in Baltimore for most of my life, I realize that there are huge swaths of the city that I really don’t know. In Baltimore, the areas that I do know are called “the white L” mimicking the center of the city and then the sections that go along the water, which make an L shape. So, my resolution for 2017 is to venture to parts of the city that are not as familiar to me.
I’ve gotten a little push-back for this, because, as you might have heard, not all areas in Baltimore are safe. I pride myself on my street sense, although I did drop it in High Point, NC a few years ago and got mugged (not kidding!). I know not to go wandering into old buildings or explore areas on foot. I do most of my shooting from the comfort of my car, and if I do have to get out of the car, it is still close by.
My guide in this venture is A Guide to Baltimore Architecture, which is out of print, but still available. This book was published in 1973, and one of the reviewers on Amazon complained about new buildings not being included.
Here are some of the buildings I’ve discovered thus far.
Druid Hill Park, where the Baltimore Zoo is located, is filled with wonderful Victorian-era follies.
I found this abandoned school building when I turned left instead of right.
The Ashburton Pumping Station on a snowy afternoon.
An abandoned building at the Pikesville Armory. Note the Maryland Flag above the front door.
Mount Royal Station on a stunningly gorgeous late January afternoon.
The Stieff Silver Building, now office space. 
I know it’s the end of January, but did you make any resolutions?
After saying there are dangerous parts of Baltimore, you say "I do most of my shooting from the comfort of my car"... do you prefer a 45 caliber, or are you more of a shotgun girl? 8-) Sorry, couldn't resist!
ReplyDeleteHAHA! I couldn't resist saying that, although someone gave me a lot of crap once for saying "drive by shooting". and i mostly shoot with an iPhone 6!
DeleteHello Meg, Taipei has become more accessible now that the subway line has been expanded, opening up more neighborhoods to explore. Pretty much every place is safe--in America, it seems that the most interesting areas are often too dangerous to linger in.
ReplyDelete--Jim
p.s. Happy Chinese New Year!
Thanks! And happy new year to you, too.
DeleteIt's sad that I can't explore the areas I want to at leisure, but safety first. I am sure I can find enough without getting into too much trouble.
I need to do that with London too - I keep going to the same bits over and over!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was working in London during the week and staying in Cardiff on the weekends, I booked into a different neighbourhood each week, so I could explore areas of the city I didn't already know.
DeleteGood for you- it good to get out of your comfort zone. I spent some great times traveling in Baltimore when I worked as a school psychologist there- I could lend you my old ID- no one ever bothered us, "cause you take care of the kids".
ReplyDeleteAwwww... that's nice. I have always found that if I am pleasant and speak to people, they don't bother me. It's more trouble than it's worth for them. I actually had someone pull up next to my car to see if I was okay, because they'd noticed me stopped for a few minutes. Once I explained what I was doing, they said they'd keep an eye on me. And this was a blacked out Mercedes, which gave me a bit of a pause.
DeleteWhat a great endeavor - my visits to Baltimore are always visits to grandchild so I don't do as much touring as I'd like. You have peeked my interest in several as yet unvisited places so I'll be looking forward to more of your adventures. We once had a lovely summer evening picnic in Druid Hill Park, adjoining a fascinating but sadly fenced off model city to help kids to learn about traffic safety - such a great idea! There was a group of men practicing dangerous looking dirt bike tricks, including one who was posted close to a playground to make sure that kids crossing the park road didn't get hit by the bikes.
ReplyDeletececi
Ceci... let me know when you're here next and I will take you to some fun places.
DeleteIs there anyway you could get Press Credentials. Gee you promote the city and The tourism Board need to step ito the 21st Century and embrace and lend credence in the public eye to independant writers/ journalists. You are collecting images for a book, a PHd in art history say someting that makes your pesence an investment with everyone's Baltimore. Reseaching a historic novel-- Bring your dog -- Figue does Baltimore -- it's a children's book or an Internet seach where is Figue today? and we all try to id the location. Oh the possibilities. Your Fishbowl work is linkage.
ReplyDeleteThanks.... sometimes I do get press credentials. Live Baltimore and some of the other local groups are pretty good about getting Baltimore some positive press. I just help things along.
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