Yes, it never ceased to amaze me that I could stand in the lobby of the nation’s preeminent hospital and think of its being totally surrounded by nothing but rot. It really is a fortress when you realize all of its buildings that encompass city block after city block, are connected internally, and there’s no need to step outside (fortunately).
Baltimore is like that. There are some nice things, but they are surrounded by filthy slums. I had a friend from out of town discuss his Baltimore vacay itenerary with me. He planned to take his family for an all-day walking tour including Harbor Place, the Aquarium, Little Italy and a game at Camden Yards. When he got to the part about walking to and from Little Italy after dark I stepped in and suggested that he consider taking a cab, or eating at Harbor Place. He would have none of it and did it his way. I later asked him how it went. He ruefully admitted to me that every place that they visited was filthy, including the aquarium. He had to constantly warn the kids not to touch anything. After dinner they were hounded by aggressive panhandlers all the way back from the restaurant to Harbor Place. And the Orioles lost. (You don’t need to be Kreskin to see that one coming.)