There and Back Again

Reading: The Flanders Panel
Listening: Life Goes On (LeAnn Rimes)
Pondering: Dreams are the touchstones of our character (Henry David Thoreau)

The Public Market, the Space Needle and the numerous Starbucks locations – other than that, Seattle was nothing exciting. Not a place I’d stay in for more than a day. The coffee shops that line up every corner, every block were a delight too but how much coffee shop can you visit in one day? The Public Market was bustling but nothing new. If like me you couldn’t possibly buy any of the fresh seafood nor afford the over-priced handmade crafts they were selling, you’re reduced to browsing the stalls, which you can do in one hour. The Waterfront – which is highly recommended for viewing by most travel books – wasn’t all too exciting for my taste. I got the same, if not better view, of the ocean – or bay, whatever body of water it is - from my hotel room in Vancouver last year. And the Space Needle was “high” but once you’re up there and done the 360-degree viewing of the city, the stadiums, the dome buildings of Seattle, you’re done! Heck, the wait to get to the elevator of the Space Needle was longer than the time required to enjoy the top of the tall landmark.

No, the only exciting part about Seattle was Howard Shore, the Seattle Symphony and the Lord of the Rings. Yes, the concert was worth all the expense of the trip. Too bad I only had tickets to one show. I would have loved to sit through the six movements again the next day. The concert just brought back so much memory of the story I love so much. Oh, if only Mr. Shore would bring his genius creation to San Francisco…

That was Seattle in a nutshell. I don’t anticipate going back anytime soon except maybe if I was going on a cruise to Alaska and had to start the trip there. Or if Keith Urban decides to have concert there. Or even better, if Howard Shore decides to return for an encore performance. I’m so there!