I have lived the vast majority of my life in or around Pittsburgh.  Some would consider that to be a shortcoming.  I don't.  That's not to say that, someday, I won't re-pot myself to another part of the country, but, for the time being, I'm content to stay where I am.

I remember the days when the city was gloomy, dirty, and smelly -- not a pleasant place.  As Pittsburgh's economy shifted from manufacturing to tenchnology, the city became cleaner.  These days, the steel mills are a distant memory and the city is striking in its beauty.  The skyline is particularly impressive, day or night.  Whenever we entertain an out-of-town guest, I make certain to take them for a ride on the incline so they can take in the view from Mt. Washington

Probably the most impressive, and easily the most distinctive, building downtown is the PPG building.  It looks like a giant, glass castle, and is every  bit as impressive in person as it is in  photos (and on the big screen -- it was featured in the movie, Inspector Gadget, one of a surprising number of movies filmed here.)

One thing is certain about Pittsburgh:  it's one of the most confusing cities to navigate in the country.  One wrong move, and you're miles off-course, and it usually quite difficult to get back on track.  My hubby is very apprehensive about driving downtown.  I tell him that the most important rule to remember is that if you don't cross a bridge getting into town, you shouldn't cross a bridge getting out of town.