B'Town, Day 6

Even though my former boss swears up and down that maintaining a blog is a surefire way to eff up one's academic career, I've decided to start up a B'town blog anyway. The London one was good times and I don't feel like my career is in any more or less jeopardy because of it. And really, "academic career," is a strong way to put it, so the stakes are low. If the blog magically disappears one day, you'll know I've had a change of heart.

First, the move went smoothly -- it was really gorgeous. I couldn't recommend Randy at Twin City Movers (217-355-1516) more. Yeah, it cost us some money but the movers were fast and courteous, the total amount was exactly the number that Randy quoted us, they showed up when they were supposed to, they did their job without any hassle, and we've unpacked probably about 75% of it and so far nothing is broken! *Heart* Randy. Also, he has no thumbs. But he is one hell of a mover! He's also a talker, so be prepared for that when you call. Once again, that number is 217-355-1516.

Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to acknowledge my own mad packing skillz with this telling photo:
Points to anyone who can guess what that is!! I hate to unwrap it because my work is so awesome (and I kind of like the Eiffel Tower look of it now) but I think that will be the project for tomorrow. Yep, that's our apartment in the background. I will post better pics of everything after we have it set up properly but for now, consider this a teaser.

Here we are, Day 6 of the relocation to Baltimore! So far, I'm giving the city two thumbs up! We've been unpacking and doing logistical work for the last 6 days. Obtained: 1 temporary residential parking permit that required me to show passport, visa paperwork, car registration, apartment lease, and driver's license and explain where exactly Alberta was; groceries – Lucerne cheese, who knew I'd miss your mediocre qualities so much?; Thai takeout, yum. Also much time has been invested in finding places for Monty to take a dump (so far the block and a half across the street from the apartment building looks like the only place for miles, though he totally shat all over the pavement a couple blocks over one day and didn't seem to mind too much).

The cable guy visited the apartment and used his powers to set up the internet. He also gave us cable TV which I haven't had for 6 years!!! I've become completely hooked on Project Runway reruns, Pawn Stars, and live sports. Sports! There appears to be baseball on at all times, either the Washington Nationals or the Balto Orioles. I've learned the difference between the two, and that's the first step. When the cable guy was here, we had a mysterious exchange.

Cable guy: You all from a different city?
Me: Yes. We've just moved here from Champaign, Illinois.
Cable guy: Oh no!

??????????? What did he mean? I look forward to one day knowing the answer.

But because we've spent so much time unpacking and whatnot, today we decided to just walk around and see what's out there. It's about a 45 minute walk from the apartment building to the Harbour, just straight down one very pleasant, rowhouse-lined road. It was gorgeous! There was a boat!
We were looking for places to get a steamed crab but really the harbour was crawling with tourists (ie// NOT us, because we *live here*). Spotted: a frozen custard stand, with chocolate-vanilla softserve twist cones. Fuck, yeah! So I'm going to remember that for later. All the restaurants were too packed so we trudged back up a different street and bought 6 steamed crabs to go. Pics to follow!!!

The Washington Monument is about 20 minutes from the apartment building so we passed it on the way back. It's the first Washington Monument erected in America because blah blah…American history… blah blah. So I made E take a picture of me in front of it. Unfortunately, she neglected to warn me that my hair looked like a merkin (for those who don't know what a merkin is see here and here) so I won't be changing my profile pic on facebook to this any time soon.

Whatevs. Here is a pic of a random building we were seated across from as we decided to purchase the 6 crabs.

Crab extravaganza to follow!