Baltimore…In Pictures!

The World Famous ‘Lexington Market’ in Baltimore, MD!

My cousin’s first meal at Lexington Market. Chitterlings and beer! LOL!

 

Took a picture while waiting on my cousin to come out of a shop.

The Koreans have taken over the stalls in Lexington Market. As you will see, Black people are buying ‘soul food’ from the Koreans. One Korean woman got pissed at me for taking pictures. I wonder why.

Would you ever see this the ‘other way’ around? Hell no! A Korean buying food from a Black man? Those pigs they sell would fly first!

This is the woman that got pissed at me for taking pictures. I guess she didn’t want me to point out the obvious.

I saw not one ‘Black-owned’ soul food stall in Lexington Market. Not one.

Sigh! This is becoming redundant.

This was taken in what I call ‘Little Lexington Market’ because this part is behind the main market building.

This is the last stall in ‘Little Lexington Market’.

Need money fast? ATMs are all over the place.

More ‘eats’ for my cousin. He has gained 5 pounds. He practically ‘lives’ at Lexington Market.

While cous was eating, I was strolling through the market, taking it all in.

Follow the signs.

This was parked one block from Lexington Market. It is the ‘government’s version of heroin’, otherwise known as Methadone. The truck parks on a street and the people line up with their IDs in hand and their daily dose of Methadone is issued to them. The drug dealers wish they could have this great a ‘setup’. ‘Corner drug dealer, BAD! Government drug dealer, GOOD!

I made my way to an Expo at the Convention Center on my way to the Inner Harbor. Took one shot before a street preacher proceeded to spread the world of ‘What If?’ As in ‘what if’ I died today, would I be okay? GEEZUS!

My first stop was an Irish bar, of course. Had to wet my whistle. It was hot that day! GEESH!

I got a partial view of a schooner. I shoulda took a tour before heading into the bar as these next pics may make you dizzy. LOL!

I promise to get closer to the edge. Just didn’t want to teeter and fall in.

I couldn’t pass up the ‘Book Fair’. Y’all know I love to read!

Stopped at the ‘Believe It Or Not’. Didn’t see much to disbelieve there!

These next pics, I go Inner Harbor crazy!

I will never get used to that view!

One more…

I lied!

…and here she comes, ‘The Spirit of Baltimore’!

Meanwhile, back at Lexington Market, my cousin was digging in for round 4 or was it 5? He and an acquaintance were thoroughly enjoying themselves. I hated to disturb them.

So, I decided to take a few more pictures of Lexington Market.

Food, food, everywhere!

This is a picture taken inside the subway station across the street from Lexington Market.

I know it’s just a blur, but this is our train coming in as we head to Mondawmin Mall.

It felt good to be a ‘true’ Baltimorean again. LOL! A nice guy had to show me how to use the subway ticket machine. I am SO out-of-touch with Big City living. Y’all excuse this clueless southern girl from the stix.

Standing outside Mondawmin Mall, I just had to take this picture. Mondawmin Mall was the first Black mall in AmeriKKKa! I love Mondawmin Mall! I love Baltimore!!!

And lastly, another outdoor street view of Baltimore.

Just one more and I am done! (For the moment)

I See Through The Eyes Of Baltimore!

I see through the eyes of Baltimore,

Her pain, I feel and I feel it deep.

For her and her people,

I cannot help but weep.

 

She welcomed me with open arms;

Told me that I was her child again.

Baltimore is in my blood

coursing through these veins underneath my skin.

 

When I see the drug addicts nodding on the streets,

And the hopelessness in the eyes of so many,

I wonder just what if anything I can do,

Yet, I am not ready to write Baltimore’s obituary.

 

As I connect with her people while walking her streets,

I see the welcoming smiles and I answer with my own.

Though Baltimore’s people are down, they are not out

And so Baltimore’s fate, I will not bemoan.

 

Like Baltimore, they are survivors!

Pictures by Shelby I. Courtland

Poem written by,

Shelby I. Courtland

©2016 Shelby I. Courtland

Folks, I am back! And as soon as I come down off this Baltimore high, I will get back to the business of kicking ass and taking no prisoners. I know that I have missed out on much; police killing more unarmed Black people, election mess and what all else I don’t know. But I shall get around to catching up on your blogs because I have only just got connected today. Items were misplaced and or broken during the move and I was just too busy to even be able to see straight, but give me a few days and I’ll be up to the challenge of…well…more nitty gritty reality.

I hope you enjoy seeing Baltimore as I do! And I hope that you can tell that I love her! I am HOME, like I’ve never been home before!