[Photo: Taken with my cell phone camera, the view from my sister and brother in-law's International District condo in Seattle. On a clear day you can see Mount Rainier (Little Tahoma). Click on image to view larger. Photo copyright 2007 Jesús Manuel Mena Garza. All rights reserved.]
I enjoyed (maybe not) a short respite from Cali when I visited Seattle earlier this month. It was my first chance to visit the region for an extended period. I even drove the three hours to inspect Portland. Let me give you my short evaluation of the city of Seattle.
- Overcast and dreary (go to REI and buy a trendy little winter outfit and blend in)
- Cold (yes, I prefer warm temps)
- Three hours from Portland (more of the same stuff except not as much cash)
- Rain... rain... rain...
- Great downtown (I give downtown Seattle an A)
- Contemporary music scene (more music than Jimmy Hendrix can shake a guitar at)
- Plenty of nightclubs (you won't be bored in Seattle.... cold yes!)
- Plenty of coffee (you may need it)
- Not very friendly (Seattle cool)
- Thriving (business is booming)
- Mountains (rugged and snow capped)
- Where are the sandy beaches?
- Water, water, everywhere... plenty of lakes and the ocean
- Bridges (Portland and Seattle have plenty of them)
- YUPPIES everywhere (where are the Latinos?)
I had a chance to check out Seattle and ended up a bit envious. The city has a dynamic downtown and interesting neighborhoods. Seattle has plenty of clubs, bars, restaurants and shops. Parking in much of the city is impossible though. One night I just turned back after finding no parking spaces available. I heard summers are pleasant in the Great Northwest. In August, I will probably not find a parking spot but at least I will finally see the sun.
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