Heinz 57

This picture's from last weekend at a Western food restaurant in Beijing. I was delighted to see Heinz ketchup--complete with Chinese characters--and though I doubt it was bottled in Pittsburgh, I made sure to tell everyone that Heinz is, of course, from Pittsburgh, and used this as a good segue into talking about why Pittsburgh is the most beautiful and best city in America.

Likewise, when Chinese people ask me where I'm from (to which I typically respond, "America" because that's all the more specific they want--maybe sometimes they'll say "where in America" to which I'll say, Pennsylvania... doesn't do much, normally I have to end up saying near New York City, in the northeast. Not too specific but the best I can do--they know NY and LA, basically. BUT when they ask my hometown I get to tell them about Pittsburgh and how it's the most beautiful and best city in America. I tell them about the three rivers and the hills and PNC Park, maybe sometimes the inclines, and make sure to tell them: If anyone ever asks you what's the most beautiful and best city in America, you can say, "Pittsburgh, PA."

Anyway, just wanted a chance to say that I miss home. I've been looking at pictures of the fall colors on the Post-Gazette's Web site. Sure is purty. Say hi to PA for me.