The George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Rin

The George Peabody Library is a beautiful library that is a must see for any bibliophile in the Baltimore, Maryland area. The library, designed by architect Edmund G. Lind, was opened in 1878.

The stacks of the library are impressive and awe-inspiring

Five tiers of balconies surround the reading area of the library

The cathedral-like space is heightened with the giant skylight that stretches the width of the room

The public is not allowed to go upstairs into the stacks, but there is plenty to entertain the curios on the first floor

George Peabody Library Card Catalog and a Tiny Hippo

You can browse the card catalog, they didn’t seem to have any books on Tiny Hippos, though

George Peabody Library Tables with Tiny Hippo

There are plenty of study tables that can be used for research purposes

I found this strange Magic Lantern device, is it bigger on the inside, perhaps?

We had a great time in the beautiful George Peabody Library

Baltimore Sculptures

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Rin

While visiting Baltimore I made sure to take sometime to see the bronze sculptures that grace the parks around the Washington Monument in the neighborhood of Mount Vernon (at the intersection of North Charles Street and Mount Vernon Place).

The Washington Monument stands tall behind the Marquis de Lafayette atop his noble steed.

The horse wasn’t the only dignified creature gracing the parks of Mount Vernon, this seated lion was very stoic, if not a bit aloof.

There was a wee turtle and a child playing in a fountain

A pretty lady was doing stretches in one of the fountains

I found this soldier with a smashing good hat

Isn’t that a great dragon?

There was a series of four sculptures representing different themes. This one is Force, he seemed very stern.

The War sculpture had a helmet that was the perfect for protecting a Tiny Hippo

The Peace statue was very relaxing

Order was the most frightening statue, I had to run away from a very large cat!

The sculptures and fountains that grace the parks of Mount Vernon are definitely worth a visit, see you there!

Jellies Invasion Exhibit at National Aquarium Baltimore

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Rin

I started my visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore with a visit to the Jellies Invasion exhibit!

These little guys are Aurelia aurita better known as Moon Jellyfish. Fun fact: When deprived of food, they can shrink to 1/10th of their size to save energy.

This cluster of Moon Jellies seemed to pose for a family portrait as I was admiring them

Here are some more Moon Jellyfish that were illuminated with blue light

I just love how soft and feathery they look

Northern Sea Nettle or Chrysaora melanaster is a delicate looking jellyfish

Here you can see all of his great tentacles, they can reach a length of 10 feet!

Here you can see all of its great tentacles, they can reach a length of 10 feet!

This Sea Nettle almost looks like a mushroom

Pacific Sea Nettle or Chrysaora fuscescens was one of the more showy jellyfish

This Pacific Sea Nettle tucked its self nicely into its cap while it floated downward on its back

The Blue Blubber Jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus) was my favorite of all the jellies

The Blue Blubbers would flit through their tanks, when an obstacle would present itself, the Blubbers would just bounce off in a new direction, so cute!

This gentleman is, perhaps, a Lion’s Mane Jelly?

The Jellyfish were a delight that I recommend you visit while in Baltimore.

Blue Blubber Jellyfish

Moon Jelly Baltimore

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish

Lion’s Mane Jelly

Blue Blubber Jellyfish at the National Aquarium

Northern Sea Nettle at the National Aquarium

Pacific Sea Nettle National Aquarium

Moon Jelly

This gentleman is perhaps a Lion’s Mane Jelly?

Lion’s Mane Jellyfish

Northern Sea Nettle Jellyfish

Here you can see all of his great tentacles, they can reach a length of 10 feet!

Tiny Hippo Goes to Baltimore

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Rin

I am on my way to Baltimore…

I wonder what I will find.

Tiny Hippo Goes to the Railroad Garden

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Rin

I recently took a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden where I had an immensely good time exploring the Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America. These miniature gardens are filled with all things tiny, I felt right at home. The great thing about this garden, other than the fact that it is full of small things, is that it depicts great American landmarks using many natural materials.

Let me welcome you to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America

Everything is to scale in this garden, the little bridge is perfect for the Sata Fe train

Everything is to scale in this garden, the little bridge is perfect for the Santa Fe train

The Seattle Space Needle looks better than ever made from branches and a large mushroom

I was lucky enough to survive one of the eruptions of Mount Saint Helens. I fear that the poor house at the base of the mountain may be a dire choice.

I was lucky enough to survive one of the eruptions of Mount Saint Helens. I fear that the placement of the house at the base of the mountain may have been a poor choice.

This small Mack Engine delivers open passenger cars to a station.

This small Mack Engine delivers open-air passenger cars to a station.

The hilly landscape of San Francisco is looked down from by a trolly car.

The hilly landscape of San Francisco can be viewed by a trolley car.

In the background, notice the stunning riverboat, the Belle of St. Louis

This wee hiker was traversing the wilderness

Trains chug along tracks high above the ground, they must get dizzy, right?

I just loved the miniature Napa vinyards filled with the smallest grape vines (of the ivy variety)

I just loved the miniature Napa vineyards filled with the smallest grape vines (of the ivy variety)

At the center of the train garden was a small depot housing trains not currently in use

The sign says everything you need to know about the wonderful caretakers of the garden. All of the wise gentlemen volunteering at the garden were very kind and thrilled that a Tiny Hippo had entered their domain.

While admiring Mark Twain’s boyhood home I noticed a colorful tent in the distance…

It was none other than the Ringling Brothers Circus, their famous train can be seen in the background

After seeing the circus I was not surprised when I encountered a train with a face

After seeing the circus I was not surprised when I encountered this train with a face and moving eyes

No tour of the landmarks of America would be complete without a glimpse of the White House

I highly recommend that you take a stroll through the Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America the next time that you visit Chicago Botanic Garden. You will find it more than charming and should you have any questions, just ask one of the wonderful engineers who will be more than thrilled to help you.