A Visit to Hogwarts, AKA University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning

I took this photo this past weekend at the West End Overlook! I have this weird, deep, intense love for the city I was born and raised in: Pittsburgh. I have lived here for all 24 years of my life, besides the 4 years I spent in Virginia for college. I love a lot of places in the world, but my #1, 'bae' as the kids are saying these days, will always be the 412 (Pittsburgh's area code). I think the word 'passion' gets thrown around a lot and, in turn, has lost its worth... think about all of those cover letters you have written that have said you are 'passionate' about _____. But, when I think about 'my city', the word passion is the only logical description.
Someday, I may leave, but I know that I will always come back. I think a lot of Pittsburghers feel this way. I know the feeling is one that a lot of people have about 'their city', but I think that it is pretty extraordinary that most of Pittsburgh's residents feel the way that I do. 
I think, with most large cities, you can never fully explore every nook and cranny. I am 100% a city girl and the thing I love most about any city is that there is always something to discover... always an adventure to be had. 

My cousin, Paige, is a freshman at Pitt which is a university located in the city in the Oakland neighborhood. Its' next door neighbor is Carnegie Mellon University and is in the neighborhood chock full of hospitals and museums... also some pretty yummy restaurants... and Dave and Andy's ice cream. YUM.
Anyways, Pitt's iconic building is the Cathedral of Learning, the second tallest educational building in the world. I learned from my cousin, Paige, that the students call her 'Cathy'. I pass the building daily and have known it since I was little... you really can't miss it. Well, I had never really been in it... until now. 

And really, who knew the school of witchcraft and wizardry was in my own backyard?! I was also able to visit a few countries in the span of about an hour via the Nationality Rooms. Yes, Cathy has some very redeeming qualities. I wanted to write this post because I like to share my life experiences, but I also like to share things that make me proud of my city (like this video clip). The Cathedral of Learning combines life experiences and Pittsburgh pride all in one. 

Dress/ Pearls/ Flats 

I had three favorite rooms: The Swiss, Ukranian and Austrian. All were very different but so neat! We had some fun goofing off pretending we were professors. We didn't go to the top but I've added it to my to-do list. I've heard the view is amazing! Before we headed to the Cathedral of Learning, we had dinner at Hello Bistro which is definitely a new favorite of mine. It's in Oakland and they have the best salads ever. It reminds me a lot of Sweet Green (in DC) but they have even more toppings and you can get fries/burgers/etc., too. We also had to pit stop at Dave and Andy's because of their waffle cones... SO good. Have you been to the Cathedral of Learning? Have a fabulous day! Yours,