We toured Annapolis Harbour underdressed on a fake steamship in a chilling breeze off the bay, keenly aware our boat was made of steel. It was warmer in Baltimore.
A tour is for, well, for tourists. Yet it's a good way to get your bearings before you wander off in search of seafood sandwiches and microbrews. So we did it, gaining our sea legs on the top deck as we churned up the Severn River past the Naval Academy, did a 180, then down into the Chesapeake for few a minutes, then another 180, and back to Main Street where the scooters are lined up in the morning, and the Harleys in the afternoon, and where Midshipmen walked about in double file looking for lunch and admiration, and getting both.Irish pubs abound in Maryland near the water, and we have toured a few of those, too. The Midshipmen, as far as we could tell, drank water at lunch, their hats on the floor as James Joyce looked down upon their burgers.
I bought a gray T-shirt that says "NAVY" for half off, and a crabcake sandwich and a Smithwicks at full price. I checked out a cupcake shop to discover what all the buzz is about and was surprised to find them stocked with just cupcakes.
Annapolis is a busy place. Baltimore is a busy place. Home tomorrow, and its quiet comforts. I'm wondering if the juncos will be gone.
copyright 2010 J. O'Brien, all rights reserved
