Maryland

First things first, it is insanely enjoyable for me to be plunged into a new environment and do nothing but sit around and watch...watch and learn. I should be paid to do these things for a living.

With that said I have only spent three days in Maryland and already I must say I am somewhat impressed and taken aback. I have never seen so many different cultures and ethnicities in one place. Its hard for me not to stare if only to try and guess the language or the region of the world they come from. I am coming out of a place where Hispanics and the occasional Indian was to be seen, now I am surrounded by Africans, Arabs a multitude of Asians and people I don’t even know what they are.

Its all very much a treat to one like my self.

The churches are built like high schools. Massive multi-storied buildings, I am used to big churches, but how many times back ‘home’ did I see a church and think “Oh so that’s the local high school?” God is a pretty big deal around here.

I’m used to slow drivers, to be sure, however I haven’t seen such bad drivers in a long time. Not since I met a guy from New York and tried to follow him through traffic as he lead me to his apartment. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if people didn’t get into so many wrecks as a result. Just getting here there where four wrecks on a stretch of highway that was a distance equal to I435 from 119th street to 95th street Olathe to Overland Park. We sat on the highway for at least an half and hour each time. Then, when on the surface roads it doesn’t get any better. Meh, I’m just glad I don’t have to drive. Then again with the National news showing a multi-fatality wreck of the metro system out here just days before I arrive…doesn’t really make me want to use public transportation either.

This whole thing feels like I have just put in a grand theft auto game and am trying to make my way around the city on foot. I only know a few blocks from where I live and everything else is shaded in black.

Well for those that care I’ve arrived safe and sound. Other than that its just a race against time now. Start the five month countdown.

I like it, so far so good. Just a long as I can get a half way decent job that doesn’t make me want to strangle people, and then myself...this place wont be half bad.

(Ha) I wish myself luck.