Pittsburrrrrrrgh!!!

Mary and I spent the weekend in Pittsburgh, PA. One might ask, "Why would you go to Pittsburgh?" My answer would be in the form of another question, "Why would you not go to Pittsburgh?" This posting will not only be a travel log but also a formal invitation to see all that the "Steel City" has to offer. However, do realize that some of these are situational (for example: Candyland can never be recreated.)

Top: Mary, Kyle and I in the incline. Bottom: Mary, I and the incline conductor.

1. Pittsburgh really is a beautiful city. I was expecting a dirty, industrial city. I found it to be an inviting city that was beautiful at day and at night.

In the city, there is an incline that takes you to the top of a hill where you can overlook the entire city. It is breathtaking and a perfect spot to have meaningful conversations. You all know how I love good conversation and a great view!!!


Mandy, Krista, Mary, and Kyle's minds are eager to learn.

2. Pittsburgh has beautiful churches and cathedrals throughout the city. The most outstanding cathedral in the city is called the "Cathedral of Knowledge." It is a 44 story cathedral on the University of Pittsburgh campus. The entire structure is dedicated as classrooms and study areas. This was hands down my favorite hot spot of Pittsburgh.

Inside the cathedral there were study spots in every nook and cranny that you could imagine. I wanted to grab a book and read for hours. Another feature of the cathedral is that the first three floors have classrooms that are decorated and designed to represent classrooms from all around the world. This is something that everyone should experience.


3. Our apartment elevator had a sign that said, "This elevator is very quiet. Please press your desired floor once." What it should have said is, "This elevator is very slow. Please take the stairs." This sign provided daily laughs for all of us. Each time we were in the elevator we would all say, "Shhh. It is a very quiet elevator." We whispered until we were off the elevator. Dorky.


Top Right: Mary, Kyle, Krista, Dan, Mandy, Pres. Brigham, Monica, and Jen.

Bottom: Mandy, Dan, Krista, Mary and Kyle in the heart of Candyland.

4. So there I was in Pittsburgh attending a Young Single Adults conference. The conference speaker was Elder Hinckley and his wife. They discussed leadership and talked about the qualities of leadership that were possessed by President Hinckley. After their talk, we had a picture taken with them. Unfortunately, somebody started the dance music to early and the Hinckleys had to be in the dance listening to the song "Let's get it started in here". I felt uncomfortable. However, Kyle made the situation light by asking Sister Hinckley to dance. She said no.

I do enjoy talks and lessons by church leaders but I do not enjoy the whole ambiance of a YSA conference. This years dance theme was Candyland. I felt like I was thrown back into time to when I was 14. There was candy everywhere, gingerbread houses and men, and interesting dance moves. Dan, Kyle, and Pres. Brigham wanted to make sure they got the most out of their YSA donation money so they took pounds of the candy from Candyland. (This behavior continued through the entire weekend. They made out with pounds of candy, a dozen muffins, 12 water bottles, and a 16 count box of hamburgers. I am so proud.)

The second night we had a Make Your Own Pasta dinner at the Carnegie Science Center. We were also able to play with all of the exhibits in the center. You have to watch the video for some priceless footage. It was set to the back drop of our favorite song "Da Burgh". Whenever we were in the city, we would play this song with the windows down and the stereo up. It was a great weekend shared with new friends and brand new friends. Life is good.

Public Service Announcement# : To practice a different kind of steel click here http://www.wikihow.com/Do-the-"Blue-Steel"-Pose-from-Zoolander