Crossing into downtown over the Fort Duquesne Bridge

Sometimes meaningful travel happens right in your own backyard. Rediscovering one’s hometown can be just as magical as exploring a far-off exotic location. For the last seven years I have lived and worked in Philadelphia. When I got into the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Education I decided to make a change and move my life back to my good old hometown. This transition has not been as smooth as it might seem. Even though I grew up here, it still feels like I’m discovering a brand new city. Learning my way around is a huge challenge for me (I never owned a car in Philadelphia) and the roads are confusing even to locals. There is a whole bar scene here that I was never old enough to enjoy. There are scores of unique neighborhoods that I never got to appreciate and many places that I never had the impetus to experience until now.

Follow along with me and enjoy Pittsburgh as this native son rediscovers his home after a seven year absence. There is much to see and much to learn. For example, did you know that Jonas Salk created the polio vaccine here at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School in 1955 or that Pittsburgh has more bridges than any other city in the world? Did you know that this area once produced 30% of the world’s steel? Did you know that the city has a thriving arts community, is one of the greenest cities in the countryand was the site of the G20 Summit in 2009?

Join me as I explore America’s Steel City whether you are a Pittsburgher, a Pittsburgher at heart or  just curious about the place.
Let’s go!