I'm back from my visit to Baltimore. I was scheduled to leave Feb.9th but due to the insane snowstorms on the east coast all flights were canceled. I rescheduled for Thursday the 11th and thankfully the weather cooperated in time for my arrival at 11:00 pm. It was great to see Jason again. One of the first things he said was, "It's weird because now we're going to have to be quiet when we bad talk people since now they can understand us." C'est vrai. It was refreshing to be around him, I had almost forgotten how much fun we have together.
Since Jason doesn't have his drivers license I had the privilege to drive everywhere while there which was an interesting experience. Not only because it was in a city I've never been but also because the already narrow streets were even more narrow due to the snow build up on the sides. Jason was able to experience the "Bree doesn't like getting lost, especially whilst driving" temper. Not really fun for anyone. (Sorry Jase.) But we both survived and I was attempting to learn the confusing freeway system there before I left. I wasn't there for very long but was able to do a lot with my time while there.
We went to DC for an evening and Jason's uncle gave me a driving tour of the city and even took me into Arlington, Virginia to see the cemetery and view of the city from the hill. Very cool. Later in the week Jason and I took the train into DC and spent the day. We had a tour of the Capitol, visited the Library of Congress, Ford Theater, walked as close as we could to the White House and Washington Monument then walked around the Smithsonian Museum. I loved seeing DC in the daylight and have decided that I can see myself living there someday. Definitely a fun city with a lot going on.
Jason and I also took the megabus to NYC and spent a day. Unfortunately it snowed pretty much the entire time we were there but it was still such a cool experience. It was crazy to walk around Time Square and see all the tall buildings! We decided to take a tour of the NBC Studios and while we were viewing the SNL stage, Will Forte was practicing a skit. (Love him!) Afterwords we attended a new play on broadway featuring Christopher Walken "A Behanding in Spokane". It was only the second night after opening and I was totally star struck when the curtains opened and I saw Mr. Walken himself on the stage. The man is mad talented.
After the show Jason and I stood outside by the stage door and watched all the celebrities walk by. Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell, Timothy Hutton, Carey Mulligan, and last but not least John Krasinski with his fiance Emily Blunt... None of them really struck me as the friendly type. I was disappointed but not surprised.. I mean, if being recognized by people in the streets everywhere you go is your biggest problem in life... boo-freakin-hoo. After the celebs climbed into their big black escalades and drove off, Jason and I walked to Charley O's and grabbed some dinner then caught the bus back to Baltimore.
The city of Baltimore itself was not what I had envisioned. I guess I was imagining a more public transportation friendly city with less scary neighborhoods. Then again, I'm from Utah... But it was definitely a fun trip and I look forward to going back. I don't think I could ever live in Baltimore but I think I'd enjoy DC or even NYC. In the end, it didn't matter where I went or what I did as long as I was with Jason. Because really we can have fun anywhere. Even if it's just eating lunch at Panera's. :-)
I was scheduled to fly home on the 20th but to my surprise when I showed up at the airport Delta told me that my ticket was invalid. After making several phone calls and trying to speak with a native English speaker, I had missed my flight. So I went back to Jason's and tried to sort out the mess. After an hour long phone call I was re-booked for the 22nd, which gave me two more days in Baltimore. Quite perfect really since I had lost two days due to the previous snowstorms. Karma was giving back.
It was a great adventure and I'm already looking forward to going back. (Hopefully next time will be less snow and more sun.)
