I spent Thursday and Friday at the International Economic Development Council's Marketing Training conference at the Baltimore Sheraton City Center... a really informative, helpful event! I also really enjoy spending time in Baltimore. This was my second time visiting, the first time was two Christmases ago when Roberto and I stopped there for about an hour on the drive up to Pennsylvania. Needless to say, there was a lot more action around the Inner Harbor this time around than there was on Christmas Eve 2008! People were walking everywhere, the shops were full, and I really got the full effect of this gritty, historic city. Baltimore was founded in 1729 and its Inner Harbor was once the second leading entry point for immigrants to the United States (after Ellis Island). This was once a major manufacturing center, and although its economy is now geared more toward the service industry I could still feel its working class roots as I walked through the crowded streets. I'm not sure everyone would agree, but it reminded me somewhat of a smaller New York. Certain neighborhoods in New York.
After the conference, I made the easy flight up to Long Island's MacArthur Airport to spend the weekend with my parents. Although it was chilly (the high on Saturday was 45-degrees and windy, when I'm used to the 70's in NC at this time of year), it was a perfect weekend to visit, I just missed the pumpkin picker traffic! However, the winery tours are still in full swing. I don't think there is ever a time of year anymore that there isn't traffic on Long Island, except maybe mid-winter!We went for a walk along the dunes through my parents' neighborhood and the next neighborhood over. I always forget how gorgeous Eastern Long Island is and it takes my breath away when I go back to visit.
All in all, it was a relaxing weekend! Lots of time spent reading by the fire with my little Bean curled up nearby (or walking around crying loudly... she is 16 years old and definitely in her twilight years, unfortunately). Over too soon, but it was great to see my parents and Bean.
