Day 1: What it’s all about

When people found out I was doing this trip alone they inevitably would respond with something along the lines of “Oh I could never do that” or “Wow aren’t you nervous!?” Truth be told as it got closer and closer I got more and more anxious. I’ve never done anything like this before. Never driven for extended periods of time on my own. Hell I’ve never been off the East Coast. So getting in the car this morning and actually starting this trip was nerve wracking to say the least.

As I started driving though and the miles and hours passed by, I was becoming less and less nervous. I was paying more attention to the scenery and landscapes around me. I was taking in sights that I had never seen. Yeah it was rainy and foggy for most of the drive, but when that sun broke? When it shone over green hills in Pennsylvania? It was picturesque.

Rolling into the hotel at about 5:45 pm was pure excitement. It was sunny, it was warm and I was ready to explore. First stop? Primanti Bros. The first meal on this trip was a pastrami and provolone sandwich piled high with coleslaw, tomato, and fresh cut fries with a Yuengling. There was absolutely nothing about that meal that was typical of me. I’ve never eaten pastrami or provolone, never cared for coleslaw, and (as anyone will tell you) am not a beer drinker. But I’m in Pittsburgh and Primanti and Yuengling are staples. Maybe a bit touristy staples, but staples nonetheless. I decided I was going to take the whole “When in Rome” mantra to heart. This trip is about trying new things and having new experiences.

Sandwich and beer both gone, I took off for PNC Park. Not to go to a game or anything, but just to see it. Pirates hat firmly atop my head I walked the street toward the park to get a few pictures. I saw the statues of Stargell and Wagner and Clemente. Then I decided to check out Heinz Field. A quick Google Maps search showed it was only about a 10 minute walk away. Still with a bit of sunlight to burn before the night completely took over, I set off toward the stadium. Knowing my mother would be having an absolute conniption if she knew I was walking the streets of Pittsburgh by myself at about dusk, I kept my head on a swivel and an eye out for anything that made me unsure. Surprisingly though the streets were fairly empty. Not because I was in a bad area either. They were just…empty. Few people passed by, but nothing like the hustle and bustle I was expecting on city streets on a Saturday night. So I got a few pictures of Heinz Field and decided to try to find a bar to watch some of the Penguins’ game.

As I walked the up the street toward Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36, the river caught my eye. I had noticed it when I drove over it coming into Pittsburgh, but the way it was lit up at night struck me. I decided to forgo the bar and walked down the walk way along the edge. There were a few people there with their tripods set up getting pictures of the bridge and the river. I sat down and just took it all in. The Allegheny lit up with reflections of boats passing by and buildings all around. As I sat there though, I realized that this is it. This is what I wanted. I wanted to be exploring places I’ve never been. Seeing things I’ve never seen. And as I think now about the rest of the trip that lays ahead, I’m not nervous or anxious. I’m excited. I’m excited to try new foods. To see ballparks that I have hats for but have never seen except on TV. To sit on the edge of a river and just take in the night. That’s what it’s all about.

Now I assure you that every post I write won’t be this long or this serious in tone, but for the first day I just felt like reflecting a bit.

I’m going to try to write probably once a day, but I’ll probably post more regular updates on Instagram or Snapchat (Jmeuse6) just because it’s easier to do quickly. I’ll also try to repost some videos and pictures from both of those onto here too.

Hopefully you’ve stuck with me through that jumble of thoughts and words and hopefully you’ll stick with me through the rest of this trip. Because this is just the beginning and if today is any indication I’m in for a wild ride and I’d love for you all to come on it too.