A Story About Maryland (Learn English and About American Culture)
Characters
Anna — visiting Maryland for the first time
Marcus — grew up in Maryland
Anna looked out at the water.
“Wow! There are boats everywhere.”
Marcus smiled.
“Welcome to the Chesapeake Bay. It's one of the largest bays in the United States and one of the things Maryland is most famous for.”
They watched sailboats move slowly across the water while seagulls flew overhead.
“It feels peaceful,” Anna said.
“It is,” Marcus replied. “Many people here love boating, fishing, and spending time by the water.”
The Blue Crabs
At lunch, Marcus ordered a big basket of Maryland blue crabs.
Anna looked confused.
“Where are the forks?”
Marcus laughed.
“You don't really need one.”
“So... how do I eat this?”
“With patience.”
Anna picked up a crab and tried to open it.
Five minutes later she looked at Marcus.
“I think the crab is winning.”
Marcus laughed.
“That happens to everyone the first time.”
Walking Through Annapolis
Later they visited Annapolis, Maryland's capital.
The streets were lined with colorful brick buildings, small shops, and cafés.
Marcus pointed toward a large campus.
“That's the United States Naval Academy,” he said. “It's a school where future Navy officers are trained.”
Anna watched the students walking through town.
“It must take a lot of hard work to study there.”
Marcus nodded.
“It does. Students come from all over the country to learn and prepare to serve in the Navy.”
A Trip to Baltimore
The next morning, they explored Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Street musicians played music while families visited museums and watched boats.
Anna smiled.
“This city feels full of energy.”
Marcus pointed toward the water.
“And don't forget the famous National Aquarium.”
Inside, they watched sharks, sea turtles, colorful fish, and playful dolphins.
“I could stay here all day,” Anna said.
One Last Treat
Before heading home, Marcus stopped at a small bakery.
“You have to try these.”
“What are they?”
“Berger Cookies. They're a Maryland favorite. They have a soft cookie on the bottom and a thick layer of chocolate icing on top.”
Anna took one bite.
“So much chocolate!”
Marcus grinned.
“In Maryland, we believe that's a good thing.”
Anna laughed.
“I think one cookie is enough…”
Marcus smiled.
“That's what everyone says before they eat the second one.”
Heading Home
As they drove away, Anna looked across the Chesapeake Bay one last time.
“When I thought about Maryland,” she said, “I didn't know much about it.”
“And now?” Marcus asked.
“Now I think of beautiful water, friendly towns, amazing seafood, history, boats... and cookies with enough chocolate to make anyone smile.”
Marcus laughed.
“That sounds like Maryland.”
Anna smiled.
“I'll come back someday. But next time…”
“Yes?”
“I'll let you open the crabs.”