11 Apr 2023
I’m probably naive, but this is not what I was expecting. To be clear. I didn’t actually expect to see a ghost. I have serious doubts that Poe is still walking the streets of Baltimore. I was expecting to be guided through Fells Point by someone with a much more intimate knowledge of the area than I possess. Our tour was 100% scripted and void of any passion for the city or its rich history. No discussion of the oppression of women, just anecdotes about sailors and brothels. It was advertised as family ages 0-99, but the guide recited gruesome tales to the 5-8 year olds in our group (we were not together, they were just in the tour group) that were completely inappropriate, possibly even traumatic given the recent school shootings. We basically walked, looked up at some windows, listened to some stories that will never be substantiated. $30/ticket, $120 for 4 of us. Then we’re told at the end to also tip with cash or Venmo. Save your $$ for fish and chips at Slainte, instead.