1) Seattle weather report: Thus far, the weather here in Seattle has been very good. It seems like there is a general pattern here: It's cool/cold in the mornings, with overcast skies, sometimes with a bit of drizzle. It is warmer in the afternoons, on some of which the sun makes an appearance.
Despite all of this, it has been sunny for the majority of the days I have been here. The weather has been nearly perfect since I got here one month ago. While I know me posting this is likely to jinx the weather and bring the never ending clouds/rain, I am going to believe the conspiracy theory that it doesn't actually rain that much here in Seattle; it's just a big scam Seattlelites tell outsiders so too many people don't move here, which would lead to a soon to be overcrowded city with insane living costs. Speaking of which..
2) The cost of living is significantly more expensive, at least relative to Atlanta standards. Gas is about 40-50 cents more expensive per gallon. Car insurance is a couple hundred more bucks per year. Standard groceries--for example, a bag of shredded cheese--will go for a buck or two more per item. even grocery bags cost 5 cents. Granted, Seattle will almost surely remain cheaper than the likes of Boston, D.C, and of course the Bay Area and New York. I can't imagine how much more expensive everything will be in Seattle in spring 2015 when the minimum wage is raised to $15.00 per hour… yikes.
3) Sports are bigger deal here. They're simply part of the Seattle culture--the flags, the banners, the colors, the jerseys, even the socks have a significant presence here. There are Seahawks colors* versions of everything, including bungee chairs, socks, blankets.. Some would argue that being so invested emotionally and financially into sports is silly, but the affect that sports have on this town is probably the best (sorry Boston) representation of how sports can bring a city together with its community, camaraderie, and solidarity. The number 12 (for twelfth man) is a true thing here.** It's actually quite sad that Seattle doesn't have an NBA team, when cities like Atlanta and their absolutely horrendous fan base*** do. People enjoy living here, and really do care about their sports teams.
* I'm actually a pretty huge fan of highlighter green (and all other highlighter colors).
** on an unnecessary side note isn't the 12th man somewhat sexist? I mean, female fans play a big part in the 12th man as well, right? And theoretically, isn't football an open-gendered sport, one where if a woman was good enough to play she would? Just saying. I really don't care that much though, to me, 12 will always be only for my man Tom Brady.
***I once attended a Hawks-Celtics playoff game where tickets were $13 off of stubhub for 3rd row balcony seats. 13 bucks! Those would go for $100 in a good sports town.
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| They even have a 12th man themed beer! |
4) Ultimate frisbee is a big deal here, especially on the youth scene. This point is perhaps my favorite point on this list. Ultimate is simply part of the culture up here. Take for example, the (the K-8) school that I work at. Ultimate is THE MOST POPULAR SPORT at the school, by a far margin. Nearly 45 percent of middle schoolers play--the school is expected to have three 7th/8th grade teams, two grades that total only 90 students. This is simply incredible. Whether it is students consistently found playing ultimate and tossing the disc at recess, the fact I see more "5" ultimate apparel than nike apparel being worn among youth, parents understanding the rules and concepts of the game (although maybe not at the more competitive levels…), 5th grade students throwing better 30-40 yard flicks than a handful of my college teammates (sorry Elijah), the constant youth tournaments, leagues, and events sponsored by DiscNW, or the simple comfort that no one here needs an explanation or has a confused look when I tell them I play ultimate: it is awesome. There are even turf fields LINED FOR ULTIMATE here! Ultimate is part of the norm here. I mean, the school is sending some of its ultimate playing middle schoolers to Winnipeg, Canada to participate in a youth tournament there. How nuts is that?
5) Seattle is a more exciting city than Atlanta. Don't get me wrong. I love Atlanta. It is a great city. To be honest, if I had the choice, I probably wouldn't have left. But there really is so much to do here in Seattle. If people were to visit me in Atlanta, I honestly couldn't think of too many places to take them. Stone Mountain? Cool, I guess. for an hour or two. CNN, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium? Great places, but I'm not shelling out $70 to see those places. There really isn't that much to go by.
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| Sunset view from Golden Gardens Beach, Seattle |
But here in Seattle, oh man. There are several large parks within 15-20 minutes driving that have incredible views. There are three National Parks within a two hour drive. There are beaches, forests, hills, lakes, rivers, mountains... You can hike, bike, run, kayak, paddleboard... the lists go on and on, yet the city itself is a bustling metropolis with great architecture and scenery, a great urban life, great food*, and a young, diverse (Asians!) population.
*two of my all-time top five favorite dishes reside in Seattle. (1) Paseo's Caribbean Roast and (2) Pike Place Chowder's Seared Scallop Chowder.
Seattle is a wonderful city. But as I've learned so quickly upon my arrival...
6) The people make the place. As awesome as Seattle is, it has been of an adjustment adapting to to the city because of the lack of people and relationships I currently have here. You could be in the best place in the world, but if you have no one to share it with, it doesn't mean anything. The same thing goes with happiness in general, really.
My dream scenario would be to take everyone I had in Atlanta (or Boston, for that matter) and simultaneously relocate them ALL to Seattle. We would have so much fun together here. We really would. Unfortunately, it doesn't really work like that. Here's to hoping I actually make some friends soon.
Seattle, I'm giving you a chance, the potential is definitely here. Although it has certainly been an adjustment, I will give you some time. I hope my patience will be rewarded. Friends, reach out to me, or better yet, come visit. People back home in Atlanta, I miss you, more than you could ever imagine. But I'll see you soon.
-JTF
