Caught in a John Waters movie

In a John Waters film like Hairspray or Cry-Baby, we see an odd and fantastic version of Baltimore. I always thought that John Waters' image of Baltimore was just that: his own.

Jump to last week and my (Matt) weekly visits to Timonium Maryland to work with Internet Software Developers. Someone suggested for lunch that we visit "Village Sub."

It's totally Old School, I was told. I said "Sure, let's do it."

Well, I walk in and see a Sub Place that appears that it has not changed since the 50's.

See for yourself:

What I found more remarkable were the employees:

1st Employee: Odd looking gentleman in his 50's will a bowl haircut. When we walked in, we could have just landed from Mars. That was how he stared at us. I still feel his stare and I'm miles away.

2nd Employee: 30's lady with a giant bouffant hair do. She had unusual clothing and many crosses hanging from her neck.

3rd Employee: The proverbial "Tough Ole Lady." In her 60's with a growl and snort to communicate. She was rought but endearing.

The thing is, these people weren't trying to be kitchy or ironic or smarmy. They are the real deal.

I immediately felt I was in a John Waters film. If it weren't for the people I was with, I might have jumped up on the counter and started crooning a la "Cry-Baby" Walker, with the employees above joining in with fanciful dance moves. Maybe I'll go there alone sometime and try it. Maybe not.

I felt as if perhaps Mr. Waters vision of the world had less to do with his creativity (which he of course has a lot) with SOME elements of reality. I believe I confirmed that he didn't make ALL of it up on his own. This place is strange, but great. It's got flavor. I like flavor. And it has great subs.

So, tonight, I search for John Waters in Wikipedia and learned the following:

Waters grew up in Lutherville, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore.

And the location of Village Sub? Lutherville, Maryland. Damn I'm good....sometimes...