charm city, city charm.

Did a little joiner of some old photos I took this past winter when I first got my Diana Mini. Need to start using it more and really get to know all of it's quirks. I've yet to master getting a full roll developed without 50% of the images (accidentally) being overlapped.

These were taken at a bar in Baltimore called Mt. Royal Tavern. I don't know what it is about little hole-in-the-wall places that are so charming and alluring. It's literally across the street from MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art, for those who are unfamiliar) and while in the evenings it attracts many a MICA student- apparently- I've only been there that late a couple of times- during the days it attracts the nuttiest, most hilarious, certifiably genius crowd of elders.

I love the electric blue bar top with coins etched into it (though many are mere wooden holes since, as one bartender puts it "those goddamn mica kids are always picking them out.")

I've met the most delightful people there- though I suppose most people are more delightful with a beer in hand... but some, can be just the opposite.

A handful of regulars who you quickly know by name, greet you as you walk in the door, and everyone is there to laugh, share stories, and have a good time.

It also has an especially awesome juke box selection. Patsy Cline, mhm.

One man, who was probably pushing late 80's if I remember correctly, teeth missing, hearing impaired, memory lacking, spent an afternoon telling me about his time in the military, his time living in Spain, his love of bull-fights, and how he should have married the woman he fell in love with there.

(He was never married.)

It's rare for moments like that to find you. The ones when you're in the right place at the right time, and there's someone next to you who's willing to tell you the story of their life.

I suppose his age probably had a lot to do with it. His son was there, and seemed a little less fascinated, I'm willing to bet he's heard those stories many times.

But I really enjoy the wisdom and pictures that those who've seen a lot more life than I have can offer me, especially if they're great story-tellers. I could see every last detail in my head, as he was explaining the food his girlfriend's family would cook, and feel the panic in my bones when he talked about bulls ramming into people.

I've tried to find a bar as charming in Houston, but have come to realize that every city has it's own unique charm, which is what makes those rarities so special.

I have a whole new place to explore, and I'm going to take more advantage of that.

On another note, I came across this today in Free People. I never thought I would admire Vanessa Hudgens' little sister's wardrobe but... I do. There, I said it.