Week 17 - Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is another city that I never really gave much thought to...and I was pleasantly surprised! It is a smaller city, but a beautiful one. With three rivers making the "point" in the city there it was easy to navigate. I took a day and traveled the city by foot. I went running along the river and went to lunch on the South Side and took the incline up to Mt. Washington. This spot is a very scenic overlook of the entire city. I then went to Station Square, which is similar to Navy Pier. Here's some shots:





I also had time to get in a Pirates game at PNC park. One of the best ball parks I've been to as far as technology goes. There's a Hi-Tops there too that we hit after the game.



There is a bunch of contests throughout the game, and a guy lost, so he won...Fabio!


Saturday night Carolyn didn't feel like going out and I still hadn't seen "The Strip" area, so I decided to head down solo. Besides going to events, it's the first time I've gone out to bars by myself. I went to dinner at Primanti Bros. which has great sandwiches and then I went to a sports bar to watch some of the Phillies vs. Steelers game. There, a guy started talking to me and got my story and then introduced me to his entire group. People seem to be so amazed by this adventure they ask a ton of questions. This group was so nice they invited me to go out with them. So the night turned into a "Where can we take Kari next?" night. We all had a blast, hit a lot of spots and ended up being a very late night! Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera out with me that night!

We were only Pittsburgh for 5 days but I really enjoyed that city. It's probably my favorite city on the east coast so far. I just arrived to New York City and am the true tourist here with all my public trans maps, etc. I think come November I'll be looking forward to coming back to the city where I know how to get everywhere...or maybe I'll forget!

Miss you all!

Weeks 15 & 16 - Philadelphia, PA and a day trip to Cape May, NJ

It is true..they do have the best cheesesteaks in Philly! I personally enjoyed Jim's the infamous joint but also liked the steaks at the ballpark. It's a good thing they don't have them on every corner in Chicago otherwise I'd be in trouble!

We did a lot in Philly. It was a pretty cool city. The night life was alright..kinda small...but there was plenty to do during the day. We worked a lot while we were here. Carolyn and I went out downtown one night for dinner and hit a few lounges. It seems to be the popular thing. Among the cobblestone streets there's plenty of lounges and restaurants all in a 3 or 4 block radius.

The second week Carolyn went on vacation and I had a couple days off. I hit Veterans Stadium for a Phillies game. I got pretty good seats and talked to many of the locals and the Phillies won! The new stadium is being built next door, and is supposed to be finished for next season. I think they are making it like Wrigley. Here's a few pics...



And here's Liberthal at the plate...


When work days came around, Carrie from the office flew out to cover for Carolyn. We had a great time. We were insanely busy working federal buildings, but we did have a day to take a day trip to stay with Jen Sanders parents in Cape May, NJ. I've never heard of it, but it's an amazing Victorian beach town. The homes there are amazing! Jens' parents were gracious enough to let us stay in their home, and her mom took us around town to see the sights. I definitely want to go back. There's great seafood restaurants, beaches, shops and bars. Jen's dad even caught fresh crabs for us that we had for dinner. It was great having a home to be in and a few home cooked meals! Here's some pics...





We then headed back to Philly for a couple days of work and before Carrie had to fly back to Chicago we did some shopping due to a down pour which also forced us into an Irish Bar downtown. Jen's friend Joe met us out and took us to Cuba Libre and introduced us to Mohida's...they are great!


My final day there, I was solo again waiting for Carolyn to get back into town so we could head to Pittsburgh. I went to a place about 6 miles our the the city center to Manayunk. It is a cute, cobblestone street with over 60 boutiques and restaurants. I walked though the shops, rented a bike and took about a 12 mile ride along the river, got a pedicure, and had sushi. A great day! On my ride I rode through the zoo, museum campus and witnessed the infamous "Rocky stairs" Check it out.