In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free.
For information, head on to http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
And as planned two weeks before, Chai and I hit the Inner Harbor for some learning experience. However, we didn't end up following the itinerary I arranged due to some unexpected company. Veena and her three roommates decided to come along. But since stream locomotive didn't quite interest them, two of us chose to meet them at Downtown after we were done with B & O Railroad Museum for lunch. This decision, I liked very much simply because that meant less pacing to and fro Pratt Street. I rather settle left and finish the day nearer to Inner Harbor.
SoraK and PingF bailed on us last minute for assignments. That's understandable. Grad school isn't easy, I can say this from personal experience. So I had Chai for myself. (HuiJ wasn't happy about this, but honestly, I think it's because she couldn't come along.) Anyway, little boy was ogling at the trains and he couldn't keep his mouth quiet about them, explaining how the engine works and what not. Yikes, I thought I was attending a thermo-combustion class or something. At 10am, we were sure to leave the place in an hour. Before we did, I was playing with a kid while waiting for the circulatory bus to arrive. He had this mischievous smile with the cutest jacket. Another man (who so happen to be there) began tearing up. Puzzled at that, we all simply asked if he was alright. "Oh it's nothing. I just had a flashback of my boy when he's your age." He said, referring to the kid who was sitting on my lap. Guess what the kid said? "Mama says big boy don't cry." Awww...
At 12.30 noon, Chai and I watched a street performance at the Inner Harbor while waiting on the four girls. Situated in front of the docked USS Constellation, a small amphitheater was crowded with people as they all stared at this disheveled individual playing with fire. The man had a certain charm, making typical American jokes and getting interactive with bystanders. Clever with words and tricks, I can see he will be tipped a lot. I mean, at the end of his performance, you can see people flocking toward his bucket, all of them beaming with smiles. "Got no money? I understand. I was like you once upon a time ago. That's okay. There's an ATM right across the street." And he winked. Haha^^
Chocolate bars are everywhere on a good day like this. But the girls were more interested in shopping, except for Veena. She had back problems and I had ice cream cravings. Thank goodness for the seats near the fountain and Rita's. Italian ice can be a real treat on a good clear day. I was disappointed for not making it to the American Visionary Art Museum, but I suppose spending the day away with good friends override that one loss of opportunity. There's always October. Them museums will be free again for all.
Rain is falling,
Vonnie S.
