How Do You Know?

Now that I’ve lived in the Pittsburgh-area for about three months—and I’ve explored the city and immersed myself in the culture a bit more—I'm beginning to see I was way off in what I originally thought about Pittsburgh.

I guess that happens any time you move to a new place, right? How can you know exactly what it’s going to be like?

Before moving here, I was optimistic about what to expect, but didn’t really know.

The thing I wasn’t expecting is that I really love living in Pittsburgh.

I thought I would have to scrape by to find places to eat and things to do. And though I tend to be more of a bookish, indoor type, I was scared the weather would be horrid and that I’d never play outside again. And yes, I know this winter was extremely mild.

But I was wrong about these things.

I’ve been to so many great places in the city. I had a meal the other night at Toast! in Pittsburgh that was superior to most meals I’ve ever eaten. I would also reccommend Echo in Cranberry and I can't stop driving to Bartram House Bakery in Pine for the macaroons.

When the weather is nice, I see so many people outside walking and running around—it’s like I’m still in Southern California. I'm thinking it may be time for me to get a bike again.

On the other hand, I also thought it would be easier to meet people.

Although I've found everyone extremely friendly in the 'Burgh—as well as very welcoming—I’m not in college anymore and I, for the most part, work from home. How do you make friends?

That will all eventually fall into place, I know, but I'm just glad to be enjoying my new city so much and to keep exploring it.