Two Weeks in Baltimore, Maryland

So two weeks in the Murder Capital of the US! As seen in an American paper two weeks before I arrove - yes I have been looking forward to this site!

The real bonus is that the Hospital Johns Hopkins is one of the most famous hospitals and sits in the top3 in the country. It is a great place a true centre of excellence.

I didn't meet a single Mary!

Baltimore seems not actually be too bad a place as long as you stick to the inner harbour and the old area called Fells point. This is where I found a great Irish pub to watch the Rugby - the main focus of this week. Thankfully had the week to find the pub! $20 to get in but that doesn't matter England are playing - therefore money is never an object - wish I could be in France !

So Matt and I spent a lot of time in the various different bars putting the company to rights and remarking on how excellent the staff and hospital is in general. We even befriended a few barmen along the way - resulting in the inevitable free drinks.

Work really was great as everything was done for us and they were very organised. Always makes the days easier and shorter. Very few problems indeed. Sarah came to join us for two days to learn how to do it - well something like that.

Spent the weekend watching the rugby and eating and drinking. Met some Enlgish people too and ended up heading out with them, was really great to meet some fellow Brits and see how they get on living here in America.

The second week was much the same, work somewhat harder and longer days but still not particularly trickey. Someone was shot outside my hotel at 0230 one day and that is always a novelty. 4 shots, screaming followed by the inevitable sirens - a constant background in Baltimore. they have had over 300 murders (homicides - depending on place of origin!) since the start of the year - my maths is awful but that is at least one a day. A sobering thought - best go back to the pub!

Final night in Baltimore after a VERY VERY long two daysm went out to celebrate with the guys from the hopsital and ended up out a little late! they really are a very nice crowd though and  if i could work in any hospital in the future, this would be it. Infact they even offered to find me a job if I ever wanted it... it's always a thought.

So to weeks went by very quickly and all round - minus the shooting bit - was a fantastic two weeks and even learnt a few things from Matt, think he learnt a thing or two as well AND we won the rugby - bring on the final! Speaking to soon for sure but we are getting there, and we are technically still world champions, for the next 3 weeks anyway.

Off to vegas for the weekend, courtesy of Sally's miles, can't wait to see her. the first 2 weeks apart for over a month - seems like for ever. Hopefully all this rubbish about me not moving will get sorted and we can have a chance at a life together, fingers crossed and praying for that.

Onwards as ever...