Seattle Spring
So, I've been here a month and hardly written a thing. I've been wandering, and wondering. Seattle is both familiar and strange. I've been here before many times -- even lived here from '88 to '94. I know the city. But, I never feel quite at home here.
This time I am trying to look at Seattle with new eyes. I have not lost my wonder at the whimsical art that can pop up around any corner. And I still feel love for Pike Place market with all the color and smells and the music of the buskers. It is spring now and the trees and gardens are exploding with blossoms. When the sun comes out (it does that once in a while!) the city is glorious.
Pike Place -- famous flying fish
The thing that has intrigued me lately is the architecture and the way spaces are used. I love the juxtaposition of old 'wild west' brick buildings next to shiny glass high rises. I love the way the telephone poles are covered with posters and how buildings will be plastered with huge Banksy-like stencils. I love the graffiti and the murals. I love the trees and parks and wide green spaces and the bikes and pedestrian paths. This is a city of art - and heart.
And I still enjoy people watching. There is such a spectrum of styles. In one minute I stand next to the red mohawk-ed man in a man skirt and leather jacket, and in the next minute there is a thin girl with yellow and green hair wearing a frilly dress with stockings held up with long garters. No one seems to be out of place; no one gives eccentrics a second look.
Above all, there is the Seattle civility. Everyone is so polite. I tried to take a picture of the horse policeman in front of the funny eye sign, but he moved. When I crossed the street, he said 'hi' and I mentioned how that would have been a good shot. He immediately offered to go back to the sign and pose for me.
Yes, I am back in Seattle.
slideshow
This time I am trying to look at Seattle with new eyes. I have not lost my wonder at the whimsical art that can pop up around any corner. And I still feel love for Pike Place market with all the color and smells and the music of the buskers. It is spring now and the trees and gardens are exploding with blossoms. When the sun comes out (it does that once in a while!) the city is glorious.
Pike Place -- famous flying fish
The thing that has intrigued me lately is the architecture and the way spaces are used. I love the juxtaposition of old 'wild west' brick buildings next to shiny glass high rises. I love the way the telephone poles are covered with posters and how buildings will be plastered with huge Banksy-like stencils. I love the graffiti and the murals. I love the trees and parks and wide green spaces and the bikes and pedestrian paths. This is a city of art - and heart.
And I still enjoy people watching. There is such a spectrum of styles. In one minute I stand next to the red mohawk-ed man in a man skirt and leather jacket, and in the next minute there is a thin girl with yellow and green hair wearing a frilly dress with stockings held up with long garters. No one seems to be out of place; no one gives eccentrics a second look.
Above all, there is the Seattle civility. Everyone is so polite. I tried to take a picture of the horse policeman in front of the funny eye sign, but he moved. When I crossed the street, he said 'hi' and I mentioned how that would have been a good shot. He immediately offered to go back to the sign and pose for me.
Yes, I am back in Seattle.
slideshow