Baltimore Harbor and the Aquarium
Sunday after church we organized to go to Baltimore’s Aquarium. Doing it this way, Miquel and Jenny wouldn’t have work and could go too. In fact, Miquel did the driving, which was perfect for me. He put on Queen radio, and a few Queen, Journey, and Bon Jovi songs later, we were into Baltimore.
Driving into Baltimore, the Orioles season was well into display with orange banners everywhere. They were having a game as we drove in.
After parking we just walked across the street to the Harbor. The aquarium is to the right, the Baltimore World Trade Center is in the tall building and the U.S.S. Constellation Historic ship is to the left.
Most Marylanders love our Aquarium and most outside visitors are very impressed by it. It’s showcase of more than 16,000 animals including sharks, birds, dolphins and jellies.
Walking to the Aquarium, Alejandra notices La Tasca, a Spanish tapas bar. It’s Sugar below, we gave a visit later.
We are finally at the Aquarium. The Australian section to the left, the main building in the middle, the Rainforest top right and the dolphins are the triangular roof in the background.
What I hadn’t counted on was the Aquarium being SO BUSY! There was a long line of people and a man with a megaphone telling us due to the crowds there would be a limited and timed entry into the Aquarium. I guess I had never gone on a weekend before.
While we waited, I showed Alejandra our state flower, The Black Eyed Susan.
Finally, I had tickets in my hand!
I won’t post every photo taken here, as I have had many trips to the Aquarium in Baltimore and many photos can be seen here.
One different creature in the Australian section, I had never seen before was the Flying Fox (also called Fruit Bat).
The group wanted a shot by the bubbles.
In the main building it was as if Alejandra didn’t know what to look at first; the zebra sharks and sting rays below or the amount to yet be seen above.
The first floor is about Maryland and the Atlantic. A cute bullfrog has been added to the exhibit.
A Diamondback Terrapin is also most welcoming,
The Aquarium is a many leveled multi- direction place. We tried to show Alejandra as much as possible.
Riding upwards to the next level.
When we got to the Amazon section, these two River turtles just stole the show. I don’t know if they were being “frisky” or fighting, but they were extremely aggressive.
Upstairs in the Rainforest, the closest view of the Sloth I have ever seen, we got a surprise, a spraying of water, which no one complained. It’s HOT in there!
Technically, there is no longer a Dolphin show, but when we went to see the dolphins and trainers, we actually did get to see a more informal “show” with the dolphins that was just as good as the timed shows they had before in years past.
Two lovely ladies pose here after looking at the Jelly Fish exhibit.
After winding around all the amazing sharks, fish, and Sting Rays, and a close view of our Giant Turle, we went back to the Harbor. Something new next to the World Trade Center, a tribute to Marylanders who passed away in the 9-11 attacks.
Next, a happy visit for Alejandra, the Cheesecake Factory!
We had a GREAT seat outside, until it started to rain! So, we braved it for a little while but I had to put my camera away. This was taken with the cell phone, Alejandra at the cheesecake factory with her selection, an Oreo Cheesecake.
We finally had to go inside to finish our meal, but when we came out, were blessed with a rainbow!
Laura suggested we go inside It’s Sugar, which suited Alejandra just fine. We all found something to purchase…from Angry Birds, to Pez items…an adorable shop!
Here’s three now trying to decide what to get.
A last look at the harbor as it grows dark.
It was an absolutely perfect day. So glad we were able to show Alejandra the Aquarium, the Harbor, and just be silly the whole day, too.
Hi Barbara,Enjoyed the pics of your Baltimoe visit. When we took the triplets to the aquarium they were about six or seven I guess. We were umprepared for their astonishment at the big buildings; they exclaimed, look taxi cabs! when they saw taxis. We had forgotten that they were born and raised in this small town and had never seen a big city. It was so much fun seeing the sights through their young eyes.
I hope that your lovely guest had a good time.
Oh, aquarium…oh, cheesecake…oh, harbor area…LOVE IT!
hugs