My family is preparing for a trip back east this summer. Being in Oregon with two children and having families that have spread out around the country, it is a challenge to get to see everyone on a regular basis. On top of this sports and school put limits on our travel. So, we are spending two weeks between New York/Long Island, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore/Annapolis. On the “must do” list for every city (and stops along the way, Like Morgantown, WV, where I attended WVU for my undergraduate and Master’s degrees) there is food. Pizza tops the list. I love the pizza in Pittsburgh. I played youth football on Mineo’s Pizza (recently voted “Best in Pennsylvania”), and it is a personal favorite. There is also Campiti’s, Beto’s, et al. Each has its own unique deliciousness. My wife grew up in New York—specifically, Oyster Bay, Long Island. I lived on Long Island on two occasions, as well. While I have no NY favorite, I have had enough NY pizza to know that it is some of the best (maybe the best—if I set aside my Pittsburgh biases) in the country (world?). Sorry, Chicago, I have had no better pizza than what can he had in these two cities. I live a desperate life on the west coast. But, pizza is a personal preference. Who am I to judge another’s taste (or lack, thereof—kidding!) in pizza.
There are many kinds of pizza. Pizza will never taste the same from region to region, in part, due to the diversity of recipes, but also because of the water. It seems that local water is the one ingredient that can’t be match from city to city and is what gives pizza its uniqueness.
Like pizza, we are all unique. We all have personalities and preferences that are affected by where we were born, raised, and where we have lived or are living. We are connected to our history. We tend to think our history is the best—that our unique experiences are better than the next.
While I persist in thinking that I grew up in the best city in the world (thankful I didn’t grow up in Cleveland) with the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins—the City of Champions, I appreciate the diversity of culture within our nation. It would not be the same if our towns, cities, and states were all the same.
Pizza would be less enjoyable, if it all tasted the same. Life would be boring without diversity. There would be nothing to reminisce. No memories to relive without diversity.
Appreciate uniqueness. Celebrate our differences. Experience the diverse flavors of life. Carpe momento!