(From top to bottom: view of Seattle from Space Needle Observatory, Pike Public Market, Space Needle, seafood stand inside market, restaurant featured in "Sleepless in Seattle," and the first Starbucks)I spent the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving visiting Seattle, WA. My first impression of the city (after leaving the airport) was that it was dark, cold, and gloomy. Having just left Chicago where the average temperature was in the 40s, I was disappointed to encounter similar weather in Seattle. However, the drive through downtown Seattle soon cheered me up. It was only a 15 minutes ride from Seattle-Tacoma airport which I find very convenient. I find Seattle downtown to be very different from Chicago's. For one thing, Seattle downtown is much smaller. I did not go to the shopping district so I cannot compare it with Chicago's Magnificent Mile. However, what attracted me to Seattle's downtown is the variety of shops, eateries, and markets. There is the famous Pike Place Market where one can find booths and stands selling everything from local crafts to fresh seafood and bakery. I find it really refreshing to have access to so many affordable multi-ethnic eateries including Russian, Turkish, Thai, Japanese, French, etc.... In short, I left with a good impression of Seattle. I don't think I would visit anytime soon but if I get a chance, I just might move here.
