Sightseeing in Seattle

Time is flying. I’ve done a misshapen semi-circle around the US with only 5 workshops more to go. Seattle marked the starting point of the second leg of my journey. And if I may add, it was a rather rainy starting point. I had heard of Seattle in many popular cultural references. (Trivia Time: Seattle was home to bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains and in essence was a breeding ground for grunge music.) What I had not heard of was Seattle’s reputation for rain. Apparently, the city has cloudy/rainy weather two-thirds of the year. People from Bergen (Norway) might find some solace in this fact. ;) And in fact if you ever see a skyline postcard of Seattle and spot a snow-capped mountain in the background, it’s probably Mount Rainier. Yeah, you heard me right! Even the name of the mountain has rain in it.

But what Seattle lacks in climate, it makes up in attitude. It’s the first city I’ve encountered that has a functioning public transportation system that people actually use. I think it’s to do with their whole ‘Go-Green’ approach. And if you, like me, are naïve enough to travel the US without a car, you’ll start to appreciate the trains and buses too. The city’s Light Rail drops you in the heart of the popular neighbourhoods and connects you right up to the airport – making it easy to sightsee. My first stop, of course, was the famous Pike Market. Come rain or snow, this market weathers them all. It’s an archaic community of fishermen and farmers selling only the best of the best. If you’re ever in a crappy mood, the pike place is a great pick-me-up. The sellers have an easy-going, cheery disposition and the fresh food is sure to lift your spirits.

The next obvious stop is the Seattle Centre which houses the Space Needle – probably Seattle’s most recognizable landmark. It’s a needle shaped tower with a circular observatory deck and restaurant on top (pic on the side).  I could spend an entire day at the Seattle Centre. Apart from the Needle, it’s got a Science Fiction museum, art exhibitions, live concerts, food courts and the ultra-cool ‘Experience Music Project’. The EMP focuses on the roots and influences of Rock and Roll music and allows visitors to experience the creative process of music-making. It’s a very unique idea and the ultimate place-to-be for music lovers.

To end your day, go local and eat seafood at one of the restaurants at the Waterfront. I’d recommend the Pier 57. If you’re lucky to have good weather, there’s nothing like grabbing a fresh catch by the bay.

Attractions in Seattle don’t just end here. There’s so much more to do with the Islands around and other hotspot neighbourhoods – Pioneer square, University Street, Bell Town, Lake Union and the list goes on. Seattle is at the cutting-edge of cool. Sleepless or not, you’ve got to love it!

An afterthought

I’ve never been to Canada but if someone told me Seattle was in Canada, I would believe them just based on what I know of Canadians.  Maybe it’s just the geographical proximity but there’s something non-USA about Seattle. But then who knows, like India, US is too large to put into one bracket. Just maybe Seattle is a little piece of Canada perched up in the North of the US and that’s part of the American culture too. Wonder what my Canadian friends would have to say about that..?  ;)