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Oakland


I'm reading a book, titled "On Writing Well", by William Zinsser. Thanks to Deweu, my college best friend who gave me this book. This book is really good, yet I need to struggle to finish it :D One of its sections that interests me most is the one that discussed about how to write about a place. As a practise, I want to write about Oakland, the area where University of Pittsburgh resides.

- picture taken from wikipedia -

Visiting Pittsburgh will not be complete without going around Oakland, the home of University of Pittsburgh's buildings, with Cathedral of Learning stands tall and proud as its landmark. As the tallest building in Oakland with its greyish color, cold, and gloomy, it attracks every eye to look at its gigantic shape, that no wonderly becomes a home for 26,000 Pitt's students. Fortunately the park around the building is full of big trees, at least it makes the face of the building a lot nicer and friendlier.

However, different than the cold and gloomy face of Cathedral of Learning, the overall Oakland is a warmth area where many difference meet each other. It's where old generation meets young generation, where Asians meet White and Black, when science meets art. It's also unique because Pitt's campus is integrated with the town. You can always enter a campus building, then go to the next building which is a non-campus shop, cross a street to other campus building, and so on. It integrates the campus spirit and the city's rythm of life.

If you are walking down Fifth Avenue, you will feel like flying to your college years, when you felt a lot younger, energetic, and full of spirit. Some students going out of the campus book store to the bank, their school, or bus stop. Although they dress differently on each season - tank top and mini skirt in the summer, bulky coat and boots in the winter - the atmosphere remains busy and energic throughout the year, with some exception on summer break, when Oakland suddenly becomes empty and quiet.

Now let's leave Fifth Ave and go to its parallel side, Forbes Ave, where you can find more casual places for students. Just say which kind of place you want to hang out with your friends, and you can find it here. The Hemmingway's is my favorite cheap bar with half-off meal every night after 9 pm. In addition for the half-off price, you can also get one dollar beer for a particular brand. Off course this place is smokey :) If you want a cup of coffee, yes you are right, you can find a Starbucks here. Or if you want a local coffee shop, you can try Crazy Mocha with its free wireless zone. Last but not least, don't forget to stop by at Dave n Andy's home-made ice cream on Forbes and Atwood. Once you try, I bet you will ask more.

Is that all Oakland have? No, you can still explore more by visiting the Carnegie's museums. But that's all for now, cause I'm sleepy now :) hehehe
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