Summer

I started my hand building class at Greenwich House Pottery.  This is a very well run studio because the studio manager came and introduced himself and told us the rule of the place and every administrative person seems to have a very well defined role.   But there are just way too crowded.  Once again, in life, it is hard to be perfect in any situation.

We came back from our mini vacation, Baltimore and Washington D.C.  This time, it's three of us,  I love our little family that we do everything together!  When I used to live in Maryland,  I went to the aquarium quite often, but it was so long ago and it has expended the facility to twice of its original size.  I also love the fact that there is no more dolphin show anymore and it is a dolphin exhibit.  The reason behind it is that dolphins are not born to entertain human beings and we should observe them as the way they are.  Eventually, the aquarium wants to incorporate Chesapeake Bay into its facility.

 

I also love the hotel we stayed,  Hotel Monaco Baltimore, a Kimpton Hotel.   This was restored from the old B&O Railroad headquarter back in 1906.  I just love these stairs and windows and I really admire builders who can manage to restore buildings instead of demolition and build brand new ones.  

 

We would never leave Baltimore without having a feast!  On top of this big plate of seafood, we had lobster, raw oyster, clams, and beer.  This is good life! 

After Baltimore, we headed into Washington D.C.,  the last time we were here was 10 years ago.  How time flies.  Under 90 degrees weather, we walked around at the Mall where we went to the Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum.  We stayed in my favorite area, Dupont Circle, and had another wonderful meal at a Moroccan restaurant.  Of course, my favorite spot is Teaism and it is still here.  Before we left, we stopped by the farmer's market.  Look at those gorgeous peaches.  We had a good vacation!