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!