*

One of the biggest Baltimore tourist destinations (second only to the Harbor) is the World Famous Lexington market. I took these pictures for my out of towners, but my local folk will prolly be the most impressed. Why? you may say.....

Look at the floors and stalls....clean! OMFG! 4 years ago, it would not have been out of the realm of possiblity for me to have caught a rat posing for one of these pics LOL! the spot was DURTY as hell and it really stank. The crazy part is that I used to eat something out of there damn near ere day!...LOL! Just imagine...funky ass chinese food, open fish markets (where they scale and gut the fish for your free of charge), chitlins cooked by the bucket, greasy chicken stands ( side note: If you ever want the true Baltimore "chicken box and Half and Half" experience visit Park's Chicken....so crispy and the T is EXTRA Sweet!), homeless people, dope fiends....Baltimore Baby!

*

I caught the bus in front of the market everyday when coming from school (who remembers the 28 Cherry Hill/Baltimore Highlands?) and I LOVED the piping hot peanuts and hot dogs from Konstant's. Once upon a time it was the only place I would eat them. I love them burnt and when I say "Well Done Beef Just Chili" they know what I am talking about! The best time of the day to get one is about 1/2 hour before they close....the semi spicy all meat chili has been simmering all day and the hot dogs are busting at the seems.....man o man! Talk about a real treat! I only had the intention of getting one, but yesterday....I ate 2...LOL! I'm so bad! I can't say this market (in particular Faidley's) is the best place to get a crab cake because at $10 + a whop (jumbo lump)....I'd rather buy the meat and hook them up myself.....but if you are coming to town....I'd say give it a shot...they always have a LONG line so they can't be that bad!!!

Now that the "West Side Development Project" is underway....Downtown Bmore is changing in a major way. High Rise luxury Condos, Performing arts theaters......& STARBUCKS!!! Who would have imagined a Star Buck's Down town. Man times are a changin!

*

I stopped by Club International on Baltimore Street last night! I must be gettin old! I haven't been to any spot that even resembles a club in sooooo long. I was bored out my f*cking mind....LOL! It wasn't the music (Scotty B was DJ-ing- pictured below) nor the company I found once I got settled (ran in to Bobby Drake of Major League Unlimited and Sonny Brown)...that was great... Its just that last night I realized how much Baltimore's Hip Hop scene is a community within itself. I missed yall!!! I am so used to going to events alone because I know that I am going to know someone when I get there. I didn't even feel comfortable drinkin...LOL! Not that I am a lush, but a drink usually helps me to become more charming...LOL! I am from W. Bmore and used to go to Internationals back in the day (when I was too young to get up in anybody's bar)....but I ain't know a damn soul up in that jawnt! The realization that all my peoples are parents, dead or in jail became so abundantly clear. ALSO.........I am so not used to dealing with bouncers that don't show love to pretty ladies....that was crazy! He had to be gay because I was looking good last night if I might add! Dude actually wouldn't let me give out my flyers in the club because it didn't have their name on it...NEVER mind that the event was on a day that they aren't even open. LOL! Dude, was workin waaaaaaaay to hard for his $50. All my lil gripes aside.....I think that I would go back tho. It's soooooooo true: you can take a person out the ghetto, but you can't take the ghetto out of em. I am so hood siddity! The music was real good and the vibe was like an '86 house party...yall know I love that ghood shit! I wouldn't recommend this spot to any one unless you are very street smart and/or know how to fight (if need be). Many men have been laid out (literally) in front of this spot for acting too slick.