USA Fall 2009 - Pittsburgh & Camping @ Ohiopyle

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USA Fall 2009 - Pittsburgh & Ohiopyle

It was a passing thought that crystalised so well that we ended up being is USA in Fall of 2009.How to utilise mandatory leave of 2009 & where to go was a question that we were pondering over for few days since July.Rome,Hongkong all featured in our discussions & even a thought of visiting Amey in USA that we at that time thought as wild!!Few days after it was a routine mail corrospondance btw Namita & Amey wherein in one of his responses Amey wrote that we shud be visiting USA this holiday.I dont know what happened but that mail from Amey made us fix our decision to be in Pittsburgh for our yearly holiday.In next few days I managed to book our logistics arrangements at some good prices and it was sealed.Mumbai - Doha- Newyork - Pittsburgh & same way back on 23rd Sept plus two small trips in between.One to Orlando,Florida & one to Niagara Falls plus some local siteseeing in Pittsburgh ofcourse. Our Packing expert was at her task already.Namita kept all our bags ready & we were off to USA on the early morning of Sept 10th.How many times do you have a passing thought crystalise so well!

We were afraid that we will struggle with our sleep given the flight schedules that we had.But somehow we managed & managed really well.In fact so well that our physical state was good enough to venture for Times Square in the 5 hr interval that we had btw flight from NYC to Pittsburgh.It was a planned but thanx to my OCD that turned that planned visit into a adventure.When we shared what we did, all reacted with surprised face that how can you execute such a seemingly difficult thing so easily!!First thing that helped us was checking in of our 2 cargo bags immediately when we transferred to Domestic flight.So now we had only 2 hand luggage bags with us.With some help from local staff on directions, we arrieved at Times Square at around 5.45 pm.Our next flight was at 8.35 pm from JFK which is easily 1 hr travel from Times Square.But at that moment the thought of being together at Times Square was no doubt most exciting for both of us!!Anyone can sense that in our snaps below.Even though I did a bit of blunder on directions to 44th Street metro station, we somehow reached JFK in time for our flight.Namita was anxious till last moment.Fear of missing flight may be.But in the end all worked...just in time :-)

In route in one of the smallest planes that we have travelled with capacity of just 48 people,we reached Pittsburgh 20 mins ahead of time.By the time we picked up our luggage it was 10.30 pm.Just when we were wondering where Amey is, I saw him coming towards us.In fact I noticed him first when he along with his friend, Shantanu,came thru gate 6.We were meeting after Jan 09 for the first time.Two cousins but they love each other more than what siblings do ;-) We quickly rushed to Parking lot & from there in Shantanu's car to Amey's place at 5747,Kentucky Ave.

Wonderful house I must say.So wonderful that till next day late afternoon we never felt like leaving outiside.Steps leads you to the main door from where you step into the living room.On left you have kitchen, on the right of which there is a passage that takes you Amey's room on the right & then to his room mate Shreyans Mehta at the end.Bathroom & store room are opposite to Amey's room in the passage.Hosts have prepared some good rice & egg curry for dinner.After eating we slept.The 26 hour journey has ended!!

We have 2 foodies - Namita & Amey and I think I have developed that feature in me off late.So 3 foodies together,what can one expect?Namita prepared some fodanicha Bhat from the rice leftover overnight.Amey left for office ..rather unwillingly we thought!!We both then unwound the bags...did this & that...The house is so wonderful that we never got enough of it.In the afternoon we walked in the neighbourhood for a feel of the place.Walnut street is the nearest place with some shops etc.We came back where we wanted..Amey's house.Our mind was never out of it!!Amey returned home by 6 pm.But before that with Shreyans we had some good enjoyable chat around many topics.I was enjoying a Federar QF at US Open simultaneously.Amey took longer than expected b'use he went to hire a car for our weekend travel.We left together after he had some tea & snax.He took us to his CMU campus.Its the place where he graduated as Masters in IT this year.Impressive campus I must say.Huge.Must be atleast 25-30 buildings ..one for each stream!!It was a mini Pittsburgh sightseeing which ended in Church Brewary somewhere near our house.Apparently its the only Bar set up in a historical church in USA.Whats I liked there.Samplers...8 home made beers with 8 distinct flavours.In Summary we got drunk!!Not literally but good enough for some light intoxication ;-)When we reached home,Anuja who is Amey's cousin was waiting to chat with Namita online.Have you heard of virtual snap.It was longest distance picture taken on camera.Anuja took picture of Amey & Namita in Pittsburgh from North Carolina.Sample attached to this blog!!Fun Unlimited.That night their friends paid a visit to us.One of them had some thing to pass on to their parents who stay in same area as us in Mumbai.we had dinner together chatting over various topics.At night, also went to Mt.Washington to view Pittsburgh at night.Almost 8-10 people rammed into one SUV.On Top, we also took the historical trail up & down from the mountain.Very very well maintained history I must say.Carries some details around how a polluted city in 60's was converted into one of the cleanest city in USA.Amazing subject of study for environmentalist!

Next day morning, we got up late than planned, thanx to our overnight chats.Amey realised that if we leave later than 12 noon, we will loose much of evening for exploring Ohiopyle.BTW, Ohiopyle is the place where we were going for overnight camping.so quickly we left, picked up some snax & must have's on the way from Giant Eagle & hit for 76 West. Fun here was after driving for 30 odd minutes we realised that we are heading in opposite direction so then we drove around in small lanes till we hit the right path.Its a 2-3 hrs drive from Pittsburgh.Amey's I Phone was our make shift GSM which helped a lot.We reached the destination around 4 pm.First thing to do there was to book a plot for us. It was barely 10 mins walk from the front desk.Amey has been a expert at this.Thanx to his numerous outings at camping.So ofcourse, for raising the tent, he was our director & we did whatever he asked us to do.Our first effort didnt turned out to be satisfactory.But we learned from past mistakes quickly & finally after good 50-60 mins of pure hard work,successfully raised our tent.Hip Hip Hurray ;-) Now we were hungry so we ate what we have brought over & then kicked off to explore the surrounding area.Among other things what we will remember for some time is how Nam fall down while we were on the banks of Ohiopyle River.Fortunately she was not hurt much.Amey was by her side when this happened.But before he could react, she was on the ground ;-) Iam sure whenever they both remember this moment, they lauhg a lot.It was getting dark now so we decided to come back.Back at Tent,we started preparing for barbeque.Amy & Nam were at it & I was working on igniting the fire & suataining it.We seperated the jobs as per what suits us.As it started getting drak, we started having due which in turn made it difficult for us to ignite fire but I continued my effort with Amy's cap & finally we all finished our tasks simultaneously.Drumsticks were ready & so is fireplace.We had amazing time eating those!!Torch hanged on the car bonnet was our source of light in that dark jungle.Chichen never tasted better to us.After food, it was time for a night movie show.It was getting a bit cold as well so we all got our bedsheets on.We watched Lion King on Amey's laptop.Its DVD's was gifted to him by his employer's mom.Great movie to watch on a night out in the jungles!We never realised when we slept that night..but ofcourse aftre ensuring that our tent is fully zipped so that nobody can enter it!

Next day morning was bright & sunny.We ate the snax that we have picked up previous day from Giant Eagle.Took some great snaps in & Around tent, before we bring it down.Bringing it down was easier that raising it.But both activities were ample fun!After packing stuff into our car, Amey took us to nearby restaurants for breakfast.All of us had what they liked..tea,coffie & Capuchino.Post that petpuja it was time again for some adventurous fun.I mean fun for all but adventurous for me & Nam b'use we were about to ride the bicycle almost after 10-12 years.We were both a bit nervous but I think some consultation from Amey helped.We borrowed two bicycles - One tendem for Amey & Nam & one sports bike for me.Amey did a bit of rehesring with Nam on tandem bike & so did me on mine for 5-10 mins & then we kicked off.Amey has been there before so he went ahead.I started in the pedestrians route by mistake but then realised that,reversed out & picked up the right trail.Ohio River on one side & dense forest on another,our path was specially made for cyclists.Shed of trees thruout.After starting on a steady note, I picked up momemtum soon & was able to catch up with Amey & Nam on the trail.You should see the video captured by Nam while sitting behind on the tandem bike.For me it was as beautiful to ride my bike as it is see both of them on tandem along side or ahead of me.We must have padalled for 6-8 km when we decied to take a break.There was a nice spot leading to river bed.So we parked our bikes & went down there.Water of the river was really cold.After realxing a bit we resumed our journey back.Both to & fro was amazing fun.If I have to rate my experiences in Ohio Pyle, this one will feature in top 3 for sure.absolutely amazing!!

After returning the bike, Amey & Nam bought some ice cream for themselves.While eating that, unfortunately me for,my jaws got locked up as I opened it a bit to wide.We had that captured on our camera too!Even in afternoon, it was not scorching warm in the woods.Nearby there was a pizza shop.We decided to had pizza for lunch there.I guess 2 medium size chicken ones is what we ordered.From there, we drove straight to our return journey.On The way, there was some place that we went to see but after knowing the entrance fees, ruled it out.I think a residence of some celebrity which is visited by many to marvel its architecture.This time on way back, we didnt make any mistake on directions. As we approached Pittsburgh, Amey diverted the car to one of the malls there,named Waterfront malls.It has shops from all major brands in US,namely Marshals,Mecy's,GAP etc.We window shopped a lot till we got tired.I think Amey bought some casuals for him from GAP but that was the only shopping that we did as I remember.From there we reached home around 6.30 pm I think.Amey dropped us & went to return the car as it was overdue now.I went out to bring some household items.Nam cooked some good dinner & rest of the evening & night was spent recollecting all those wonderful moments that we had on previous 2 days.

Next day ie Monday morning, Amey left for his office & so did Shreynash.We had the chance of exploring Pittsburgh that day.Thankfully for Amey, he has left his I phone with us so that navigation for us becomes easy.We had some heavy food & stepped out.On the card we had University of Pittsburgh & Its Nationality Rooms.This features of one of top 10 attractions of Pittsburgh on all websites.We went walking.It took us good 30 odd minutes to reach there.University of Pittsburgh is almost 42 storey high & is considered to be 2nd tallest University building in the world.On I think 2-3rd floor we have Nationnality Rooms.These rooms have been intentionally decorated to give students a flavour of how a typical classromm in each country around the world looks & feels like.It covers almost 25-30 nations.we saw all but the most impressive is our own Nalanda Room representing India.More than 50 % of students studing in Pittsburgh are Asians & majority of them are from india.Rich tradition of India in pioneering organised education in the world is very well depicted there.We felt proud to be Indians after visiting those rooms.Rest of the building is stone wall architecture on both sides.We even sneaked a chance to pick up the elevators & be on 42nd floor of the building from where you get a nice view of Downtown Pittsburgh & university area.Whatever cities around the world that I have got a chance to visit to far, I have somehow always managed to be on the tallest structure of that city & have a view.Pittsburgh got added to that list.Others in that list includes New York (Empire State),Las Vegas(Stretosphere Casino),London (London Eye), Tokyo (Sun Shine 60 building in Ikebokuro & Govt Metropolitan Buidling in Shunjuku,Prudential Tower in Boston, Revolving Restaurants in Jaipur & Mumbai.Climing up & down, we now were exhausted so decied to grab some food at the cafe in basement of University building.We ate it sitting in the campus.Downtown area was closed for public on that day owning to some concert so from there we returned back to home.That day was slated to be day of the Men's final at US Open tennis.I watched that game between Federer & Del Pedro live on CNN360.com on shreyansh's laptop.Uniterrupted live telecast.Though final outcome of the match was opposite to what me & Shreyansh wanted, it offered us a very good evening with some nice bhajiyas & beer at home.Next day monring we had flight to pick up from Pittsburgh Airport for Orlando on our 4 day vacation there.So after dinner we didnt spared any time to go to sleep.


Top experiences of First four day in Pittsbught & our Camping at Ohiopyle.

1) Cycling at OhioPyle jungle tracks.
2) Stay at Amey's place - I think we never got enough of it till we left.
3) Dinner & Drinks at Church Brewry
4) Visit to Times Square on arrival at JFK on Sept 10th evening.
5) Erecting the tent at the jungle.You should watch the video of this in our collection.
6) Barbeque Chicken in evening & campfire at night in the jungle.
7) Nationality Rooms & view from top of Pittsburgh Unuversity Building.
7) US Open Mens Final on CNN360 with Beer & hot Bhajiyas
8) Mt Washington at night & ride on its trails.
9) Walking trails on the banks of Ohio River on arrival in the evening.
10) Neighbourhood at 5747,Kentucky Avenue

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Comments

[prakash Kanade]

real simulation !
After reading I felt virtually I had second visit to Pitts & around.Hats off to your writing skill! keep it up