In Love With Dusk

Whenever I have a late night craving for pizza or beer (granted it's not the best pizza nor the most-affordable beer), I can simply take a short stroll down an alleyway near my apartment that leads directly to a number of local stores. It's a walk I've grown to enjoy, although I'm sure most tourists would feel differently due to the fact that it's lined with desolate-looking apartments and occasional vine-covered brick walls. Whereas some might consider walking this alleyway at night to be unnervingly creepy, I find it to be eerily beautiful. Perhaps this is a representation of my feelings towards Baltimore as a whole.

The truth is, the general public tends to depict Baltimore as an impoverished city that is dangerous and unwelcoming, but that's not what resonates with me. Sure, there are bad areas and the crime rate is pretty high, but I'm not bothered by that; I feel that's all overshadowed by the city's quirky culture, historic architecture, and unique charm that I've become accustomed to over the past five months. I've actually had visitors on both sides of the spectrum. For instance, I've had some family friends visit who seemed uneasy traveling around the city at night, but I've also had lots of friends visit who've found the same charm in the city that I have and realize that there's nothing to worry about. I truly am happy with my decision to move here from Abingdon. I've even felt more at home here than I have in my hometown lately (speaking in geographical terms, not necessarily in social terms).

I love Baltimore. There's just something comforting about it.