What a day!

I felt like a child again! I went to the National Aquarium today and got the ultimate experience. And it was worth it! There are so many amazing creatures: sting rays, big fish, small fish, turtles, crocodiles, sharks, dolphins, etc... So cool. I spent hours wandering around the facility. The temporary exhibit was the Australian outback... oh, so excited to see the real thing! Then I went to a 4D movie on Shallow seas. That was a hoot: the seat poked you in the back when a creature jumped out at the camera, sprayed water in your face when a whale splashed, blew air when flying above, bubbles and snow... oh, it was incredible. I was laughing along with the children and it felt great! And, I also got to see the dolphin show, and sat in the splash zone! Overall, it was a great time and made me feel so happy!

This morning I went on a tour of the Baltimore Basilica. It is across the street from the hostel and was alright. Just sad that again, a wealthy church with homeless people sleeping on it's steps. And after the Aquarium, I ventured out to Lexington Market and maybe I was a few blocks too far. I thought it would be a fresh food market. Instead, it had sandwich and pre-cooked food. They were chaining the doors closed just as I tried to leave. And I was the only white woman for 4 blocks. I wasn't worried but just felt out of place. Maybe it was all the chains and protective covers over shop windows. Needless to say, I got back on the Charles street and went to the supermarket for my dinner. Mozzarella and Tomato salad and hummus with veggies... a light fare, exactly what I want. I had a large lunch: Chipotle shrimp and crab soup, crab cake sandwich with slaw and fries, and cheesecake. Yummy!

So, it has been alright. I leave for Philly tomorrow so I get to sleep in! I might need it because I feel like going out tonight. Now, I just need to find some companions!

Talk to you from Philly!

Love, Lisa