I have just returned from a brief trip to Baltimore. I am happy to report that I have found an apartment! It was an exhausting trip - lots to think about and consider. I was glad to have my mom along to help process - and it was fun to be able to share my new world with her. And now that I have had a few days to settle in my decision, I know I am at peace. I will be living in a building called "The Madison" on St. Paul St. (shown above) and is about 2 blocks from Peabody.
I will be living on the 8th floor, the top floor. So I have a view of the city with no buildings directly across from me - most of the surrounding buildings are only 4-5 floors.
I've included a picture of the view out my bathroom window. I am excited to have some great "building buddies." My next door neighbor is a researcher, beginning a fellowship at Johns Hopkins. She has just moved to the U.S. from Italy - so it will be fun to get to know her. I also have been in contact with a fellow Peabody masters student who will be living 2 floors down. She is from PA and will be beginning her masters in voice this fall. I am looking forward to having community in my building, and also being able to have my own space. I realized that I have been living with roommates for the past 8 years - and during that time, I've been blessed to have lived with over 20 different people. But I am feeling the itch now to have my own place - and I am ready to live alone, at least for this year.
I will include more pictures once I have moved in (after I make my IKEA run and have scoured craigslist for furniture!). The building has recently come under new management, so they are remodelling as each unit is vacated. My apartment will be getting a "facelift" and will have brand new carpet, linoleum, tile, paint, etc. - so it will be clean and fresh when I move in. I am looking forward to being able to make this space my own - adding the touches that make it feel like home to me. AND I look forward to creating an atmosphere that is welcoming to others - to the new friends I have yet to make, and to the old, dear friends and family that I hope will come visit! You are welcome any time!
