traveling

I just returned from a trip to Pittsburgh, going through Atlanta and Cincinatti. I barely saw the Atlanta airport, since I was power-walking in heels on the moving sidewalk to catch my flight. I spent a lot of time at Pittsburgh's airport. They have a Mall in the hub of the airport, and I started thinking about the kind of life that was being forced on me by these stores. They aren't the stores I shop at at the mall. They're upscale, not just in content but also in layout. The whole venture seems designed to make you feel rich, or at least like you have the right to lead the life of the rich, even if you don't have money. If I were 20 years younger, I would've loaded my credit card and gone to town. Maybe. I at least would have felt the need to buy something. And I think that's what I'm really reaching for here. The entire weekend, I felt pressured to spend money. If I wasn't spending money, I didn't have a right to be somewhere. Boy, that's tiring! It's a lot of pressure--I want to sit here a while and work, so what should I buy? I've been feeling the same thing since I got back, because I need to go out to coffeeshops and bookstores to grade, but I'm sick of spending money. Much better was the morning I spent in Cades Cove, birdwatching. No money spent there at all! And yet I felt utterly welcome.

I will say that despite the financial aspect, I enjoyed my trip. Pittsburgh is a welcoming city, once you get your stride. The Omni William Penn is a fantastic place to stay: large rooms, posh linens, and best of all a tall showerhead with good pressure. There's a great pizza place called Villa Reale that's about 2 blocks from the hotel, too. Next time, I'll try to stay longer so I can take in more of the city.