Pittsburgh

It's been a whirlwind weekend so this is the first chance I had to post!

So the trusty trio of travelers started out on a rainy, drab Friday morning. Our trip was quick, nonetheless, and we made it out of NJ about an hour after starting. We then crossed the Delaware into the Keystone State. I'd driven only as far as State College in the past and driving through random mountains on the Penna Turnpike was fun. I think the thing that will stick most in my mind will be the maternal road signs that are dotted along the highway. "Buckle up, it's our law", "Slow down, save a life", "Don't tailgate", "Don't drink and drive-you can't afford it." The best was when we were driving through the mountains:

Sign: Take off your sunglasses
Mickey: Wait, what?
Me: What did that sign say?
Mickey: It said.....take off your sunglasses! And this one...
Sign: Turn your headlights on.
Me: These signs are being fresh.
Mickey: Maybe it ...gets... dark up here.
*Road leads to mountain*
Mickey & Alex: OHHHHH.

So apparently Pennsylvania is truly concerned for your safety while going through their dark mountains. We thank them for that.

We arrived in Pittsburgh at around 5. Traditionally known as the "Iron City", Pittsburgh has transformed from an industrial, working class center into an up and coming, exciting and refreshing town. Instead of the old ideas of steel and the Carnegies, my eyes were opened to the home of Andy Warhol and August Wilson.
We stayed with Mickey's sister, Amelia, and Amy, her partner. Amy owns and operates Enrico's Tazza D'oro, a local gourmet coffee hotspot, which offers more exotic coffees than you could ever have in a lifetime. We visited the Andy Warhol museum (which I adored) and saw the opening night of Wilson's Seven Guitars at the Pittsburgh Playwright's Theater. The theater itself is actual INSIDE of a parking garage. Interesting, to say the least. I do regret not having enough time to experience the Carnegie Mellon Drama Department's project, Waffle Shop, which seemed truly creative and original. The theater scene in Pittsburgh is vibrant and enthusiastic, which, fittingly, is a reflection of the city itself.
We experienced many culinary delights during our stay. Dinette should be mentioned for its entire menu and especially for their Ramps pizza. We also dined at Primanti Bros. in the Strip district, indulging in Pittsburgh's answer to the fat sandwich: two slices of thick white bread, roast beef, tomato, cole slaw and a handful of french fries. And last, but certainly not least, Amy makes a mean turkey burger.
Our final morning was highlighted with the Pittsburgh Marathon, which went right by Tazza D'oro! We got a front row seat of the race. In spite of Pittsburgh being a substantial city, it steadily maintains a fierce sense of community and a small town mentality. Everyone who we talked to was extremely proud to live in Pittsburgh and needed no urging to gush about their hometown. The love was contagious. We need to go back soon.


Next up: Ohio/Kalamazoo