My husband and myself decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather today and walk down to the Strip. For those unfamiliar, the Strip is probably one of the most whimsical and authentic spots in Pittsburgh. Not only is it culturally diverse, but it has a rich history of fresh markets as well as a history of getting others to realize the importance of people and community in the city of Pittsburgh.

We stopped along to grab a bite to eat or look at one of the shops we 'could not quite remember.' However, at the end of the long Strip, we felt the need to step into Wholey's Fish Market. It's funny because I have known my husband for about seven years and never have I heard him talk about Wholey's as much as he talked about Wholey's today. For me, I always remember the fish market to be an intriguing and rather exotic place. I distinctly remember going there as a child and thinking about the rather bloody fish on the chopping block as well as the live lobsters in the back. There was always a smell that stuck with me as I headed out the doors. A smell that said, "Spread me around and don't forget me. My aroma will shape you in some way." For those who have remained loyal customers, I think the Strip has shaped all Pittsburghers in one form or another.

Apparently my husband used to stroll along there when they first moved from China to Pittsburgh. The Strip was a place they went every weekend for fresh fish and a stop at the Lotus Store to buy Chinese ingredients. And as we are both talking and thinking and smiling, we remarked upon how the "three little bigs" who sing and play the banjo still work as well as the train that used to catch our eyes as raw fish wafted through our tiny noses. We were like little kids again. Filled with that same awe and love and wonderment. Wholey's tends to have that affect on people. 

Though business (I'm sure) has changed throughout the years.I think and I hope that the Pittsburgh Strip will always exist. And flourish. And grow. But more importantly, it will always remain loyal to the city of Pittsburgh as it continues to connect many faces among one city. One whimsical day after another.