Bye, Bye ‘Burgh

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Pittsburgh is a beautiful city (during the spring and summer; the sloshy snow doesn’t do it for me).  Surrounded by three rivers and flanked by hills, the city is connected by many bridges and tunnels. 

Pittsburgh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This… makes… traffic… a… nightmare.  The impending bridges tunnels makes drivers SLAM on their bricks in a way that I’ve never experienced in other cities.

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So – being 90 miles from the airport and having a 9:00 AM flight meant that I got up at 5:00 AM and was out the hotel door by 5:15 AM.  It was either rise ‘n shine early or get stuck in wicked traffic.

 

Grabbed a snack at a gas station on my way to the city:

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I’ve noticed a new trend at convenience stores – many now carry these squeezable, pureed fruits.  I think they’re technically baby/kid food, but I really like them.  Definitely a healthier alternative than something highly processed; plus, it’s really easy to eat them in the car.  My favorite one so far has been the Peter Rabbit Pea, Spinach, and Apple Squeeze ‘cause there’s a dose of veggies in there (and it’s organic, too).

 

And once I arrived at the airport, a grown-up breakfast – eggs, potatoes, and grilled veg.

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Have I mentioned how AMAZING the Pittsburgh airport is?  Lots of shops, art, and fun things to do.

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There’s even a T-Rex!

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I’ve always thought that dachshunds reminded me of T-Rexes because of the short and stubby arms.  And ferocious attitude, of course.

 

Time to board!

{ 51 comments }

 

  • J @ Ess and Jae V2.0 October 18, 2011, 8:34 am

    Cool airport! Like the Smithsonian but with planes!! Your breakfast looks good, also because I haven’t had mine yet. Happy flying. Oh, wait, did you use the tub? 🙂

  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine October 18, 2011, 8:40 am

    You always eat so healthy on the go. It’s impressive—and inspiring!

    • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed October 18, 2011, 12:07 pm

      Agreed, I always eat terribly while in airports! Although I’m in them like once a year (maybe) so it’s a little different haha.

      • CaitlinHTP October 18, 2011, 1:30 pm

        I travel so much that if I didn’t eat well while traveling, I would end up feeling terrible all the time!

  • Rose October 18, 2011, 8:45 am

    Oh, that airport! Glad you had a good time in WPA!

  • Taylor @ Crumbs Don't Count October 18, 2011, 8:48 am

    I guess if you have to be stuck in an airport…that is a fun one to wait around in! Virginia has a couple of bridges/underwater tunnels that REALLY cause backups. When there is a wreck, it is miserable because there is literally no where to go.

  • Heather October 18, 2011, 8:48 am

    Good thing you got out of your hotel quickly this morning because traffic this morning was ridiculous in Pittsburgh. Glad you enjoyed your time here. My kids love the fruit and veggie purees but I haven’t tried them other than the straight applesauce one.

  • Aine @ Something to Chew Over October 18, 2011, 8:49 am

    I often find “kids’ foods” make the best snack options when you’re on the road!

  • Amanda October 18, 2011, 8:52 am

    hahaha I love the dachshund/T-Rex comparison. Every dachshund I’ve ever met does seem to have a pretty big personality. 🙂

  • Ashley @ Good Taste Healthy Me October 18, 2011, 8:53 am

    haha that’s so weird in an airport!!

  • Jen @ Jen is Green October 18, 2011, 8:58 am

    I love pittsburgh! I’ve been there a few times since my boyfriends parents live there. The half marathon is fun, too. 🙂 I could see myself living there in the future!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife October 18, 2011, 9:01 am

    What a crazy airport!! Never been, but maybe it’s time I get there!? Haha.

  • Jill @ justfocuswell October 18, 2011, 9:05 am

    I have secretly wanted to try those squeezable fruit things. They look good! Have a safe trip back 🙂

  • Molly @ RDexposed October 18, 2011, 9:12 am

    Chicago cab rides are plenty crazy for me! Nice TRex comparison!

  • Carolina John October 18, 2011, 9:24 am

    Be safe getting home! That does sound like a really nice airport.

  • Kim @ wonderings October 18, 2011, 9:28 am

    My husband grew up outside of pittsburgh. We always fly in there for Christmas. Still haven’t explored the city.

  • Amanda @ JustAmandaJ October 18, 2011, 9:49 am

    Virginia has terrible traffic too around the Navy base areas, there are at least two tunnels involved and if you hit one at certain times of the day be prepared to sit in traffic at least 2 hours if not more. I was scared to death to go into labor at the wrong time!

  • Eileen October 18, 2011, 9:49 am

    yay Pittsburgh! I grew up there, and my whole family except for me went to Pitt. I’ve had plenty of visits to Oakland to hang out with friends who went to school there, and have always loved that area. I can’t quite decide if I’d want to move back though ~ the traffic drives me crazy, and I’m not a fan of the lack of sun and crazy snow in the winter. But it’s fun to visit, anyway! Glad you enjoyed your trip 🙂

  • Khushboo October 18, 2011, 9:50 am

    I love fun airports…I think LAX might be the worst I’ve been to yet!

  • Shannon @ Mon Amour October 18, 2011, 9:52 am

    I lived in Pittsburgh for 4 months last year and now I am completely obsessed! It is my favorite place ever. And that airport is simply amazing too!

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life October 18, 2011, 9:53 am

    My two year old neice loves those squeezable fruit snacks! I actually tried one last week and it was surprisingly really good!!!!

  • Katie of Cabbage Ranch October 18, 2011, 10:06 am

    Those fruit snacks rock. They’re about the only convenience food we buy for my toddler. You’re not the only adult eating them, though. My brother (no kids) loves them!

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen October 18, 2011, 10:07 am

    I just saw a kid (like 1 to 1.5 yr old) at the table next to me at dinner the other night drinking that exact thing so I do think they’re baby food 😉 Good to know they taste good though!

    • CaitlinHTP October 18, 2011, 1:25 pm

      hahah i’m just one big kid!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb October 18, 2011, 10:20 am

    that is a pretty stellar breakfast for the airport! safe travels home 🙂

  • HTPDad October 18, 2011, 10:21 am

    “I’ve always thought that dachshunds reminded me of T-Rexes because of the short and stubby arms. And ferocious attitude, of course.”

    totally reminds me how I could turn any conversation to cycling.

    • jen October 18, 2011, 12:53 pm

      lol! funny dad.

      • CaitlinHTP October 18, 2011, 1:25 pm

        he is funny 🙂

  • Jamie @ FoodinRealLife October 18, 2011, 11:06 am

    I love the Pittsburgh airport, it’s my favorite!

  • Moni'sMeals October 18, 2011, 11:21 am

    Never been to Pittsburgh but gosh that first photo looks beautiful, I had no idea. 🙂

    Great breakfast you got going there!!

  • annie October 18, 2011, 11:22 am

    I love Pittsburgh and I’m SO GLAD that you do, too!! Thanks for featuring it in such an awesome light these past few days… I just moved to Charlotte from PGH this year and I have enjoyed hearing how much you love its charms. Makes me homesick but happy that the burgh is special to you, too! Hail to Pitt 😉

    • CaitlinHTP October 18, 2011, 1:24 pm

      Oh you’re in Charlotte now? FUN!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats October 18, 2011, 11:39 am

    I keep wanting to buy those fruit packets, but I’m afraid I’d look silly eating them in public! Good to know that they taste good though!

  • Kara October 18, 2011, 12:30 pm

    You’re eating baby food now? Ugh, I can’t imagine sucking down pureed peas for a “snack”. It’s bad enough to clean it up after my baby decides it’s more fun to squeeze the pouch at the dog than it is to actually eat it.

    It’s also probably one of the most expensive ways possible to eat what is basically applesauce (with a few other things mixed in). I mean, I buy them because it’s ideal for a toddler, but as an adult, I’d spring for straight up applesauce, generic brand. 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP October 18, 2011, 12:47 pm

      I swear its good though!!! LOL

      I would get regular applesauce but they don’t have any at gas stations!

      • Kara October 18, 2011, 12:49 pm

        Should have gone to a Wawa… 😛

    • Susan October 18, 2011, 4:41 pm

      I agree those squeezable fruit/veggie snacks are better than most other food out there at airports, but I actually don’t think they’re as great as people think. Even if they’re organic and contain no added ingredients, in order to get them to be shelf-stable, the fruits/veggies have to undergo a process that essentially strips a lot of the nutrients out. Not at all saying they’re bad – they are clearly better than chips or other typical processed, fat/sugar laden fare, especially when fresh fruit is not an option but I would only eat them when fresh fruit isn’t an option.

  • Amber K October 18, 2011, 12:47 pm

    What a fun airport! Have a safe trip 🙂

  • Katie October 18, 2011, 12:50 pm

    Caitlin – I apologize, in advance, as this is completely off topic:

    I was wondering if you’d post a question on your blog about vegetarianism. Specifically, do your vegetarian readers cook meat for their non-veg spouses/partners?

    I went veg a little over a year ago, and have been cooking strictly veg fare at home. My husband is a pretty adventurous eater and hasn’t said much… until now. He recently asked if I would buy and cook beef for him, and I honestly replied that I’d prefer not to. I’ve always been the cook in our relationship, but the deal has been since going veg that he can cook his own meat (or microwave a hot pocket) if he wants that kind of food.

    I don’t think this is unfair but he was kind of put off by my direct response it seems. Anyone have a similar situation or a better way to deal with this??

    Any suggestions are appreciated!

    • Errign October 18, 2011, 1:05 pm

      Katie,

      I’m not a strict vegetarian, but I do prefer veggies & tofu & meatless meals over meat. I do eat fish and occasionally a burger or something, but generally, at home I don’t make it. I live with my dad who is a strict meat & potatoes sort of eater, though if I make something that is not too “weird”, he happily scarfs it down. I do most of the cooking too, but our compromise is usually that he requests deli meat for sandwiches, which covers lunches and if he wants meat for dinner, he grills it, since he likes meat & grilling. I buy it, but he cooks it.

      It sounds like trying to keep up the situation you’ve got going on with your husband might be best – if he wants meat to go with whatever you’ve made, than he can prep & cook it. Maybe try sitting down and explaining/talking it over with him, so it’s not just a direct no response & he’ll understand where you’re coming from. You’ve made a decision to be veg, just like he’s decided to not be & neither one of you should have to compromise in your choices too much, like if you don’t want to prepare meat. 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP October 18, 2011, 1:22 pm

      I put your question in my post this afternoon! 😉

  • Erica October 18, 2011, 1:01 pm

    Yay Pittsburgh! I grew up there and love that town! So crazy – you were in Chapel Hill over the weekend, which is where I’m moving in December, and Pittsburgh today which is where I grew up. I am in Michigan now – any chance you’ll be visiting sometime in the next two months to really creep me out!?! 😉 hahaha

    • CaitlinHTP October 18, 2011, 1:23 pm

      I’m stalking you!!!!

  • katie @ KatieDid October 18, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Thats a pretty legit breakfast for an airport I’d say! Looks yummy, and you even squeezed in 2 servings of veggies this morning… that’s impressive for traveling!

  • Army Amy* October 18, 2011, 3:08 pm

    I saw Pittsburgh’s bridges on the food network once. (It was an extreme cake challenge: bridge cakes.) I absolutely love them! I had never really noticed any bridges before that.*

  • Yolie @ Practising Wellness October 18, 2011, 4:44 pm

    Love airports! <3 Fond associations, and all that! Loving Pittsburgh – that sounds so cool! That TRex is awesome…so funny that you liken daschunds to them! 😛 xyx

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel October 18, 2011, 5:57 pm

    Whoah, VERY intrigued by those pureed fruits. I’ll have to find some and try them out!

    And airports are a blast–well, the big ones are, at least. I sometimes fly out of JFK in NYC & there are plenty of shops to wander into..plus good food!

  • AmandaonMaui October 18, 2011, 5:59 pm

    Wow, that hotel breakfast looks delicious. When I flew out of Seattle early in the morning I couldn’t find a good breakfast. I tried to eat a fruit cup at Seattle’s Best, but it was the worst fruit I’d ever had. It was underripe, and seemed like it had citric acid or something on it. Blech! I was so glad I had some of my own food left in my carry-on.

    Safe travels!

    • AmandaonMaui October 18, 2011, 5:59 pm

      Airport breakast I meant, not hotel.

  • Annie October 19, 2011, 9:46 pm

    Glad you enjoyed a visit to the ‘burgh. I moved here a little over two years ago for grad school and its been an interesting cultural adjustment…I was shocked the first time I saw french fries on a salad!!! Im just glad Im not the only one who thinks people drive like crazy people and “over brake” at the slightest thing. Drives me nuts!

    Go Steelers!

  • Sophie @ threetimesf October 22, 2011, 12:22 pm

    Looks like a cool city! 🙂

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