Apparently many people are a little ticked off about the Baltimore episode.

Although I do agree that normally Tony really does try to present a place in its best possible light and that maybe that did not happen here---you have to understand the experience of visiting Baltimore from an outsiders POV. The first time I went there, I thought it was a very destroyed city. Seriously---and I did not go in with a judgmental attitude. I went to go to the aquarium and other such things, all of which were amazing. However, my overall impression was negative.

HOWEVER...and I do not mean offense to those who live there either---I live in New Jersey and I know there are a lot of stereotypes surrounding NJ that I do not agree with...and I do get offended when people make fun of where I (and Tony) come from. However, my impression of Baltimore was actually much less great than Tony's.

I travelled to Baltimore a few years ago and can honestly say will never return unless forced to. The streets were lined--LINED---with a string of organized professional-like beggars---nearly every 2 feet there was a person begging, not even in the same vein of NYC, where there is a fair share of begging, this begging was ORGANIZED. Not to say it isn't for good reason. I am sure they were all forcibly marginalized from society wrongfully. However, when visiting a place, you aren't thinking about the socioeconomics of a place, you go to enjoy yourself. There was an army of beggars. Granted, I felt sorry for many of them and ended up being out a few 20 dollar bills by the end of the trip.

Then, I almost was arrested because I was in a CD store and suddenly felt very ill from some nasty food I ate. I had bought a CD in the store, paid for it, but was still browsing, and placed it on a stack of other CDS that I did not purchase. I began feeling as though I was about to barf from the nasty pizza I ate. So, I grabbed the CD i bought, UNAWARE that I had accidentally grabbed another CD as well that I did not purchase, and ran outside to barf. When I came back in, I was surrounded by personnel yelling at me that I am a theif. I started crying, saying that NO it was an accident and that I dont even WANT nor desire the CD I accidentally brought outside with me.

Needless to say, I was forced to buy the CD---a band called "Girlpope"...wtf?...or they threatened to call the police.

No offense to Baltimore, but in a city where there is a lot of theft and drug use nearly 5 feet of every establishment, my accidental CD lifting really should not have not been treated that seriously. I did try and explain it was an accident.

That said, the aquarium was awesome, the food was good overall, and the hotel was nice. The harbor area was pretty to look at and some parts had beautifule old-style cobblestone streets. However, it was just the overall impression the city gave me was of a place that felt a little bitter and a little destroyed.