Explore the Pittsburgh Man’s Epic Journey Across All 7 Continents
Out of over 8 billion individuals worldwide, it’s believed that fewer than 1% have visited all seven continents. Among these rare members is someone who resides in the Pittsburgh region.
As soon as you enter Steve Rudinec’s Rostraver house, you will be greeted with mementos and collectibles sourced from all around the world.
Amassing what he thinks is nearly a million air miles wasn’t his objective. Rudinec, from Donora, didn’t travel extensively during his youth.
“He mentioned that our longest trip during vacations was to New Jersey. I had never flown in an airplane before, nor had I ventured beyond the western section of the state,” he stated as he sat at his kitchen table.
When he began his career in the mining industry, work took him to Europe in 1984, followed by Africa in 1993, Australia in 1995, South America in 2004, and finally Asia in 2012. These journeys across twenty different nations spanned six out of the world’s seven continents. Even though these travels were primarily for professional reasons, they provided opportunities to witness both the remarkable attractions and inherent risks present at each location.
“On my way out of the lion park, I decided to go in and pet the lions, and this little guy right here took a bite out of my boot,” Rudinec said about a trip to South Africa.
After visiting China in 2012, Rudinec started realizing he could achieve what so few have been able to see.
“I was kind of kidding around for a while that I would like to get to Antarctica and do all seven,” he said with a laugh.
It became a goal. Rudinec started looking up how to travel to one of the most remote parts of the globe. In 2021, everything almost came to an end. He went for a stress test, his face went numb and his heart stopped.
“I took that as, OK, anything can happen at any moment. I really wanted to get to do all seven. That really drove me more to want to do all seven,” Rudinec said.
In February of this year, he took the journey and ticked off that last box.
“Everywhere you look, there are penguins, whales, and seals. It’s simply an incredible location,” remarked Rudinec regarding Antarctica.
Just like a real yinzer, a Terrible Towel accompanied him everywhere he went.
“Antarctica contributed this item. Typically, I hand it over to whichever host is looking after me,” Rudinec stated regarding the Terrible Towels.
It’s challenging to pinpoint a single favored spot or recollection when you’ve explored numerous distinct cultures and locales. However, during his global journeys, Rudinec has gleaned this wisdom: despite our disparities, people share far more similarities than they realize.
“He mentioned how genuinely warm everyone is, and then it dawns on you that people are fundamentally alike everywhere. Conversations often turn to children and personal interests,” he explained.
What comes after? Rudinec has explored 48 out of the 50 states, only missing Hawaii and Alaska.
“That will be my upcoming objective. Indeed, indeed. I was nearly there, just like reaching Alaska,” he mentioned with a grin.
After traveling to the far end of the globe, an additional few hours for states 49 and 50 seems negligible.