Pittsburgh: Static, Sweat, and Seriously Strange Smells
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 1169692… that’s the number of times i’ve checked my phone in the last 24 hours. 1586205456… honestly, it’s just a string of numbers now. it’s like a bad omen. i landed in Pittsburgh yesterday, and let me tell you, it’s… a thing. the air smells like burnt sugar and something vaguely metallic. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the temp is 22.48, feels like 21.36, min 22.48, max 22.48, pressure 1007, humidity 22, sea level 1007, grnd level 983. it’s unsettlingly consistent.
I was supposed to be photographing the Warhol Museum, but honestly, the whole city feels like a slightly off-key exhibit. I stumbled into this dive bar called ‘The Rusty Nail’ - seriously, it was rusty - and a guy with a handlebar mustache and a surprisingly detailed knowledge of vintage synthesizers told me someone told him that the best pierogies in the city are at a place called ‘Baba’s Kitchen’ but only if you go before noon. i’m not saying it’s true, but i’m also not not saying it’s true. it’s Pittsburgh, right? everything’s a little suspect.
I spent the afternoon wandering around the Strip District, which is basically a chaotic marketplace crammed into a narrow street. It’s a sensory overload - spices, pickles, weird meats, and people yelling about everything. I grabbed a kielbasa sandwich (probably not Baba’s, but close enough) and nearly got run over by a guy on a scooter pushing a cart full of… well, I’m not entirely sure what it was.
My gear list is a disaster, as usual. Camera (obviously), a ridiculously heavy tripod, a notebook full of scribbled ideas, and a half-eaten bag of gummy bears. I also brought my lucky drumstick - you never know when you’ll need to lay down a beat. Seriously, the rhythm of this city is… odd. It’s like a broken metronome.
*Pro-Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot* of walking. And maybe bring an umbrella. The weather is… unpredictable. It shifts between drizzly and surprisingly sunny in a matter of minutes. Check TripAdvisor for the latest updates: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
I overheard a group of college students talking about a secret underground tunnel system beneath the city. Apparently, it was used during Prohibition. Someone told me that it’s still accessible, but you need to know the right password. I’m not sure I want to know the password. It felt a little… creepy. I’m leaning towards exploring the Carnegie Museum of Natural History instead. It’s a solid bet.
If you get bored, Cleveland is just a short drive away. Or maybe you’d prefer to check out the breweries in East Liberty. Yelp has some good recommendations: https://www.yelp.com/
I’m staying at this Airbnb that’s… let’s just say it’s “characterful.” The owner, a woman named Agnes, keeps leaving cryptic notes about the history of the building. She claims it was once a speakeasy. I’m not entirely convinced, but it adds to the atmosphere. She also keeps offering me pickled beets. I politely declined.
I heard that the best place to see street art is in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. It’s a bit of a trek, but worth it. I’m planning on heading there tomorrow. I need a change of scenery - and maybe a less metallic smell.
Seriously, the humidity is clinging to everything. It’s like a damp, grey hug. I’m starting to think I should have brought a dehumidifier.
I’m also trying to find a decent coffee shop. This city is surprisingly lacking in quality caffeine. I’m going to check out a place called ‘The Commonplace’ - hopefully, they have something stronger than instant.
Don’t forget to check out the local events board: https://www.eventbrite.com/
Okay, I’m officially exhausted. Time for another coffee (and maybe a stiff drink).