A Couple of Impressive Places in Western Pennsylvania

After our stop in Jamestown, NY, we arrived at our next spot...Pittsburgh, PA.  We didn't have much on our agenda since I think we both needed some time to just chill.  However, we did stop by the University of Pittsburgh to see the Cathedral of Learning.  The Cathedral is 42 stories tall and is known as the  world's tallest schoolhouse.  It has a great Commons area that was full of college students visiting, studying and passing through on their way to class.  Here is where the Nationality Rooms begin. These 29 rooms were gifts to the University from the city's ethnic communities.  All are designed to reflect the cultural period prior 1787, the year the University was founded. They have authentic furnishings. Many of the rooms were in use for classes being held on Monday morning, but we did get to look at a few unoccupied rooms.  This was an amazing place to see.  Pictures here in my collage are (top to bottom, left to right):

Irish room, Irish room (another view), Romanian room

Romanian room (another view), Scottish room, Cathedral of Learning

After our visit to the Cathedral of Learning, we drove an hour and half to Stoystown to visit the Flight 93 Memorial. In 2002 Congress designated the crash site as a national memorial.  At the visitor complex, we saw exhibits that included excerpts from television broadcasts that day, items found at the crash site, info about the search for those responsible, info about each of the people who perished on that flight and much more. There is also a walkway that shows the pathway of the flight, leading to an overlook of the crash site. The most touching thing though, was being able to listen to messages from 3 victims that were left on home answering machines for their loved ones.  It was so sad to hear them telling their loved one what was happening and it was very interesting to hear the way in which they explained why they were calling.  All expressed their love.  One apologized for most likely not being able to come home and cried.  One was very calm and really did not even tell her husband that the plane had been hijacked.  The last expressed her love for her sister several times, and explained where her personal papers were located, even giving the combination for the lock.

At the memorial, there is a black wall that extends the length of the outer edge of the crash site. A large boulder has been placed at the point of impact near a hemlock grove. There is a white granite wall with each name carved on one panel.  This was a beautiful place.

Most people visiting the complex were our age or older.  You could see everyone was remembering that day.  I saw several older ladies visibly shaking as they watched the broadcasts announcing what was happening that morning, especially when the second plane flew into tower number 2.  I know I remember where I was that day.  I am sure you do too.

Tomorrow we are flying to LA for a week.  We'll spend time in the sun, sightsee, and attend a Rams game on Sunday.

Can't wait for the  sun and beach!