second day...

in Baltimore, now again at Pratt, around 11, lots of heat in the city, will meet Robin for dinner around 6.
Yesterday, walked to ball park from hotel, must be about 10 blocks, almost due south. Went down Howard Street to see what was there. Lots of street people on the block, also people waiting for light rail, which travels on the street. Struck between street people congregation in the same spaces where lofts and apartments for young professionals have been created. What is it like to live in those buildings? Do the street people remain through the evening, or are they dispersed? Thought about this as I walked to Camden Yards, got a nice ticket in the upper deck, right behind home plate for $15.00. Wandered around the ball park before seating, ramps in the back are vast, looked at different areas that surround the ball park, then went to seat.
Game began, first batter was Nick Markakis, former Oriole and one that was liked very much by fans; we all got up and stood for him as he took his place at the plate---a very moving moment---shows both the game and the fans at their best.
Game was a "pitchers duel", no scoring for first six innings---you might call it a close game, but for me it was just another example of two weak hitting teams playing each other.
Had a great time, really great to be in a ball park rather than watch on TV, and follow each play from its beginning to its end, with my eyes. Still left after six innings for various reasons---walked east on ball park street, than another, until I came to Charles. Moved very quickly down the first few blocks of North Charles, by 300 block, several bars and restaurants were open, drawing, I suppose because it was Monday, a fairly small crowd. Some runners out, some young professionals returning home; since I am not accustomed to streets with few people on them, I walked incredibly quickly.
Arrived at my Hotel, the Indigo (very pleasant stay, by the way) and went upstairs to chill out. Returned to lobby a few minutes later and sat at the bar for a while, ordered a beer, but really too full to drink much of it.
No real conversation there, so I returned to my room and fell asleep.
Today, before library, wandered around the streets near the hotel, what the city calls the Mount Vernon area. Fairly placid, some, but not many people on the street---interesting how many new apartments are being built in the area. Wonder how filled each of the buildings are.
What would it be like to live in this area? Very quiet at night---streets fairly empty, yet one never hears of any crime in the area. Some of the brownstones on the streets surrounding the hotel, are very beautiful.
Will continue this exploration in the time that I have left.
What about after this? Afternoon could be spent in the library, or in the Walters, which is free to all. Still remember meeting Karen C at Walters on that Saturday after our (at least for me) "amazing" hook up the night before.
(but we were friends before that). Long memory after 51 years, but still remains, Had to bring it up. Will continue tomorrow, before my trip home...