PITTSBURGH, PA - Through Eyes of the Undead.

The trip from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was bound to be a long journey with much in store for us. We had no idea as to what exactly awaited in this city of the "dead". As the miles carried on and grew in number behind our truck, we entered Ohio under the cover of moonlight. As dawn broke to the surroundings of rolling hills and forest, a bridge emerged in the fog and carried us over the Ohio River and into the northern wild of West Virginia. Pennsylvania came without notice in the fresh summer morning air. Pittsburgh was not far off and so far, the area seemed very appealing and easy on the eyes for the nature lover. The road gave way to multiple lanes and the skyline was interrupted with concrete structures standing tall in the mid day sun, like gravestones along the horizon. We have arrived at our destination.

We had planned this vacation for months and booked our hotel online using Priceline. We took the exit ramp towards our hotel, which was an Extended Stay America on top of a hill in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. I looked over and seen a look of surprise on the face of my girlfriend. The hotel was very nice and was located in an area which seemed safe and was just minutes from downtown. The price at which we booked the room was unbeatable. $45.00 got us a nice room with a decent view in a good location, with a kitchenette. Our next stop was down the hill to the Right Aid to gather some things to stock the fridge with for our stay.

Settled into where we are staying for our Pittsburgh experience we realize that we should have brought the GPS with us. Working off of Google Map print outs and navigating through the city was a task I have to admit, but it gave way to get lost and get found again while doing some sight seeing that you might not be able to do if you stay to the beaten path. My friends band, CHILDREN OF OCTOBER (Pittsburgh, PA), were in town playing "The Corpses Without Borders" show at The Inn Termission Lounge located at 1908 E Carson Street with The Renfields (Charleston, WV), Theatre Zombies (Noroton Heights, CT), and Telezombies (Livorno, Italy). The drummer for Children of October, Rick O Mortis, had spoke with me prior to my visit about where I should go to eat, go to shop, and just hang out in general. I did find a few places I had to see on my own while I was in town. All in all I was very pleased with my time in Pittsburgh and wish to someday go and stay for a few more days to explore more areas.

The area known as the South Side is where we spent a lot of the time on East Carson Street. The area was culturally diverse with all different types of people walking the streets and having a good time. We had a wonderful time and I hope this tale helps those of you, into the same things that we are, have as much if not more of an enjoyable time in the lovely city of Pittsburgh.

PRIMANTI BROTHERS - The various menu items were all great and although I did not try them all, I wish I could have. They top your sandwich off with french fries and coleslaw. The idea was new to me so I went all the way and added a fried egg on my turkey sandwich. The portion was so big that we split the meal and were both full from it. The prices are a steal!

THE NATIONALITY ROOMS - You are walking across the campus green towards a huge tower and when you enter all you can think is that you were transported into a real life Hogwarts from the Harry Potter franchise. The traditional gothic architecture is beautiful and left me without comment. You just have to experience it.

HOUSE OF THE DEAD - Nestled on the corner in this neighborhood of narrow streets and artwork lies this diamond in the rough. Two Zombies are in the store front windows to greet you, perhaps eat you if they haven't been fed their daily feast of flesh. Once inside, the walls are decorated with posters and shirts that were done by local and national artists. The store owners can guide you to any of the various horror or zombie related attractions around town. I am leaving a lot out because you just have to experience it yourself and I really advise that you take the time to do so. You can find anything zombie related at House of the Dead from undead teddy bears to "Monroeville Zombie's" hockey apparel. I wish you the best of luck with this very joyous celebratory store of the living dead. Have fun!