(no subject)
So on an impulsive thought, Teddy and I decided to go to Pittsburgh this past weekend. I took off Friday and we drove up into the city. I have to say that the architecture alone makes this city beautiful.
Our first stop had to be at Kelly-O's. We had just watched the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives episode and the Turkey Pot Pie Soup and Haluski was even better at first bite :) Afterwards we headed to our hotel and it was just as good as the Doubletree in Boston. A nice king-sized bed, decent view, only one neighboring room. Only downsides were the cheap TV with no DVD player and no fan in the bathroom. Thank goodness for matches! For dinner we drove back into the city and went to the original Primanti Bros. to get their famous sandwich and some Iron City beers. Classic Pittsburgh meal :) We called it a night after a quick visit to a nearby Target and watched Role Models which made me laugh so hard for a straight hour and 45 minutes. Highly recommended.
Woke up on Saturday morning and ate the breakfast we ordered because I totally wanted a breakfast in bed in a hotel room moment. I love Teddy for indulging in that with me. It was a satisfying breakfast and then we got ready and headed into the city to go to the Heinz History Center and peruse the six floors of the building. I just loved the Sports Museum section and all of the interactive exhibits they had. I rule at mini golf and balance tests, that's for sure. I'll leave Teddy to do the quarterback throws of glory. For our late lunch we headed to Kaya, this nice Carribbean restaurant in the Strip District, upon a local recommendation. I had this incredible Cuban sandwich and Teddy got this Black Angus Burger to die for. Needless to say, we had our fill of food to last the rest of the day. We walked through the Strip District, stopping off in cute farmers' markets and Oriental stores and bought random types of food to enjoy later on. We also made a stop at the IKEA and Toys-R-Us where we goofed around and then just sat in awe at the displays in IKEA. I bought a few items to add to my apartment and office, same for Teddy, and we had ourselves a celebratory ice cream cone :)
After the IKEA visit (and following joy of going to IKEA), Teddy and I returned to the hotel room and took a swim in the pool, followed by a relaxing dip in the whirlpool. Although I got a clogged ear as a result, it was great to swim with Teddy and see how much he enjoys being a merman :) We spent the rest of the evening watching TV and I passed out early without realizing it :/ Woke up Sunday and gathered our stuff together to check out. We returned some things to Target and then had brunch at Lidia's. It was amazing with three courses including a lovely antipasto bar, an included mimosa, some delicious homemade pasta, and a dessert bar to die for. I had a classic ending with some coffee and tiramisu. Teddy and I were rolling out the front door by the end of the meal and on the road back to Virginia.
It had to be the perfect remedy to the current rut I've been in with feeling exhausted traveling so much to and from Richmond, missing human connections, and just feeling isolated again. I keep going in waves and it gets only more and more frustrating every time. I know it will pass but there are days when I just feel too exhausted to keep positive. I'm glad I got a great weekend with Teddy in a city that I really fell in love with for sure. I recommend a visit to Pittsburgh if you ever get the chance!
Our first stop had to be at Kelly-O's. We had just watched the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives episode and the Turkey Pot Pie Soup and Haluski was even better at first bite :) Afterwards we headed to our hotel and it was just as good as the Doubletree in Boston. A nice king-sized bed, decent view, only one neighboring room. Only downsides were the cheap TV with no DVD player and no fan in the bathroom. Thank goodness for matches! For dinner we drove back into the city and went to the original Primanti Bros. to get their famous sandwich and some Iron City beers. Classic Pittsburgh meal :) We called it a night after a quick visit to a nearby Target and watched Role Models which made me laugh so hard for a straight hour and 45 minutes. Highly recommended.
Woke up on Saturday morning and ate the breakfast we ordered because I totally wanted a breakfast in bed in a hotel room moment. I love Teddy for indulging in that with me. It was a satisfying breakfast and then we got ready and headed into the city to go to the Heinz History Center and peruse the six floors of the building. I just loved the Sports Museum section and all of the interactive exhibits they had. I rule at mini golf and balance tests, that's for sure. I'll leave Teddy to do the quarterback throws of glory. For our late lunch we headed to Kaya, this nice Carribbean restaurant in the Strip District, upon a local recommendation. I had this incredible Cuban sandwich and Teddy got this Black Angus Burger to die for. Needless to say, we had our fill of food to last the rest of the day. We walked through the Strip District, stopping off in cute farmers' markets and Oriental stores and bought random types of food to enjoy later on. We also made a stop at the IKEA and Toys-R-Us where we goofed around and then just sat in awe at the displays in IKEA. I bought a few items to add to my apartment and office, same for Teddy, and we had ourselves a celebratory ice cream cone :)
After the IKEA visit (and following joy of going to IKEA), Teddy and I returned to the hotel room and took a swim in the pool, followed by a relaxing dip in the whirlpool. Although I got a clogged ear as a result, it was great to swim with Teddy and see how much he enjoys being a merman :) We spent the rest of the evening watching TV and I passed out early without realizing it :/ Woke up Sunday and gathered our stuff together to check out. We returned some things to Target and then had brunch at Lidia's. It was amazing with three courses including a lovely antipasto bar, an included mimosa, some delicious homemade pasta, and a dessert bar to die for. I had a classic ending with some coffee and tiramisu. Teddy and I were rolling out the front door by the end of the meal and on the road back to Virginia.
It had to be the perfect remedy to the current rut I've been in with feeling exhausted traveling so much to and from Richmond, missing human connections, and just feeling isolated again. I keep going in waves and it gets only more and more frustrating every time. I know it will pass but there are days when I just feel too exhausted to keep positive. I'm glad I got a great weekend with Teddy in a city that I really fell in love with for sure. I recommend a visit to Pittsburgh if you ever get the chance!