Baltimore - 2 Churches

A disclaimer seems appropriate given the photographic content of this post. I am not a religious person by anyone's definition. On my best days, it could be said that I am spiritual, but even that is sketchy. At the end of the day, though, churches fascinate me. It's the architecture - the creativity and skill that went into the designing, planning and constructing of such buildings. Like any big city, Baltimore is filled with churches.

 

One of my favorites is the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church. Located near the George Peabody Library, this Victorian Gothic beauty dominates the skyline along Charles Street.

The building is made [of] six of different types of stone. Its extraordinary color (especially when wet) comes from the use of the now rare green serpentine metabasalt from the Falls Road area of Baltimore County, and buff and red sandstone trim.  (from the church website)

The stone carvers' marks, evident on every stone, 

 bring to mind hand stitching.

It is impossible, for me, to pass this beauty without touching the carvers' marks and wondering at the history and stories behind them. Did each stone carver have a signature mark? Did it vary based on the stone? What thoughts occupied the carvers minds while their hands produced such beauty, etc.

I would love to see the inside as well. A kind lady stopped while I was photographing 

and assured me that the inside is just as spectacular. 

I did try the front doors, but they were locked. Perhaps on a future visit...

.........

The Baltimore Basilica's facade is quite a contrast. 

It presents a very imposing front, complete with  majestic columns.

I must admit to being a bit baffled and disappointed as I walked up the steps, finding this church more akin to a federal building than my idea of a cathedral. And then I entered.

 The lightness of the interior stopped me mid step and all disappointment fled 

to be replaced by awe.

Baltimore - George Peabody Library

Greetings from Baltimore, Maryland! I'm in town for a few days to visit friends and explore the city. Yesterday, I strolled along Charles Street and stopped in at the George Peabody Library.

I've seen photos of this glorious library before, never realizing that it is open to the public. Walking through a smaller room to step into the doorway and be greeted by this spectacular site was one of those jaw dropping, breathtaking moments that will forever be remembered.

The Peabody Library building, which opened in 1878, was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind,  

in collaboration with the first provost, Dr. Nathaniel H. Morison.  

Renowned for its striking architectural interior, the Peabody Stack Room contains five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies, which rise dramatically to the skylight 61 feet above the floor.

The ironwork was fabricated by the Bartlett-Robbins Company.*

This architectural gem is truly awe inspiring. A second visit was required on my way back to the hotel later in the afternoon. Many of the tables were occupied and I couldn't help but wonder what one would think if I sat down and took out my stitching. Another time...


*exerpt from George Peabody Library History

London - Day 2

After sleeping late yesterday morning...oh! it felt so good to sleep in...we took our time deciding what to do.
First order was to find brunch - yes, it was that late before we got going. So...off we went.

 From the tube, we walked and I took photos of a fish sculpture hanging in a pizza place,

then stopped to wonder what my calligraphy friends would think of No 28.

 We soon arrived at our brunch spot, The Modern Pantry, where we had the most delicious meal.

 

Back out on the street, we began to walk...we do a lot of that.

Got a chuckle from seeing a bit of Oz had followed me to London.

 Floral inset in wall.

 Never discovered the significance of this building or the carving, but am still in awe of it.

 Once again, the design and

 architecture of London caught my eye.

 I'm assuming the flags are flying for the upcoming Olympics. 

A perfumery window.
Deb -This display brought to mind your raincoat. 

We'd finally walked so much that a rest and a snack were called for. The cappuccino 

was as delicious as it looks...as was the lemon cake in the background.

While we enjoyed our treats in the coffee shop, I mentioned that Fiona had suggested a paper store to visit and wondered if it was in the area. John got out his iPhone to map the address. Seems we'd been within a block of it at one point - turned left instead of going straight!

A short tube ride later and we were at Shepherd's Bookbinders, Ltd.

Fiona - What a great paper store! The selection is amazing and the best parts are behind the staff only sign. Those paper pajamas [below] begged for a closer look.

These reminders on the road always make me giggle yet I am thankful for them as well.

From across the Thames, the Eye of London, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

Tic tac toe anyone?

50 golden street pianos have been set out across London for anyone to play. They are part of the City of London Festival. This was my first sighting. Fortunately, the woman playing was quite good and had a nice crowd gathered to listen.

We're getting another late start today, Sunday, as well, but isn't that what vacations are for? Brick Lane Market is on the menu. There are treasures to be hunted out...a tea set for the little urchins per their request. Keep your fingers crossed that we find one!

London - Day 1

I'm one of these people who still find it quite amazing that one can board an airplane in the evening,

sleep a bit while in flight and land in another country clear across the Atlantic the next morning. 

Thursday night I boarded an airplane. 

Friday morning I landed in London.

 After a much needed nap, my husband and I began to walk

and I began to look up

 and out...at London Bridge...

while we searched for a place to eat.

The architecture,

the art,

the design found here is wonderful.

A bit of a rest was called for so we took a seat by the Thames

and enjoyed soaking up the ambiance of the area.

Strolling again, I found a river running through the street

as well as a bit of London yellow.

The area has been inundated with rain so when the sky shone a brilliant blue, 

I nearly expected to hear cheers all around.