It was time to board the train again, so my father-in-law drove us back to Philly to catch the Amtrak to Pittsburgh. The train ride took all day and we arrived at 4 p.m. and were warned of taking a real vs. gypsy cab by the tour book. We refused a ride by some sketchy guy in his own car and called a service. Well, a few minutes later, who's calling our name but said sketchy guy. Looks like the legit and gypsy cabs were one in the same. Our driver did managed to get very lost, but luckily, in a neighborhood of B&B's so we were more annoyed than freaked out. He finally found our inn, The Appletree Inn. It was located in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, which consisted of beautiful brownstones and Victorian homes. We reserved the tastefully decorated Cortland Suite. It was and still is to this day, one of the best rooms I have ever stayed in. It had the required amenities a whirlpool tub, gas fireplace, and giant four poster bed, but they also had wonderful breakfast, not to mention homemade cookies and iced tea waiting for us every afternoon. I think this place was worth the trip to Pittsburgh alone.After we had unpacked a bit and freshened up, we strolled down the street to the Soba Lounge. Another plus for the neighborhood was the plethora of great restaurants within walking distance as we were presently without a car. This was an Asian-fusion restaurant. I had an unbelievable cold sake sampler (where I discovered the joy of nigori, a milky-white unfiltered cold sake with a pleasant melon-like flavor), a saketini with lots of pickled ginger, and a perfectly rare seared tuna steak. Adam had a vegetable filled red curry. We sat outisde on the upstairs patio and just reflected about our travels so far. When it got dark, we strolled home to the awaiting comfort of our cozy room.
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