Blogs from U-District, Seattle, Washington, United States, North America

I can't think of a better city than Seattle as the very first UNESCO City of Literature. The unique and massive Seattle Public Library, itself an icon of literature, stands as a visible reminder of this city's great literary reputation. They say the long, wet, dreary winters, and the abundance of coffee shops make it perfect for readers. For starters, the four decades old Elliott Bay Bookstore attracts readers of all kinds. I love the name of their little cafe' in the back, the Oddfellows Cafe'. Maybe it is staffed by a guy named Longfellow? As you know, I love visiting libraries and bookstores around the world. My favorites are City Lights (San Francisco), Powell's (Portland), and The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles). For rare, and out of print cook books, head to the aptly named Book ... read more

Finally a day not strapped in a seat. I was able to get up early with Hannah to exercise. We decided to run through the suburb of Seattle. She had developed her sister's plague and started whining about fever, sore throat, and horrible body aches. I am really proud of her though for sticking it out. We saw some interesting sites including a giant chicken statue and multiple coffee shops. After the run I stretched out with yoga. I did wish for exercise room though as I need to bike a lot while on vacation to get ready for my 1st triathlon of the season when we get back. Around breakfast time Tim received a text from his sister wanting to know if we were up yet. Unknowingly she was staying in the same hotel as ... read more

The trip to Seattle was almost overwhelming. The scenery from the dome view keeps me totally entertained. We live in a truly expansive and varied country, it’s amazing it’s kept all together. I was met by my new extended family, taken to lunch, tour of city, dinner, bed at Carroll’s and taken back to the train. Actually I arrived at the terminal, retrieved my bag and began trying to reach the number Duke had given me, without success. I consulted with the info guy re: nearest Apple Store to fix computer. Just as I as contemplating my next move, a woman (looking like my friend Queen) came through the door and called my name. That was Carroll, the grandmother. In the car were Etta and Rhyen, at the house, Al and Dog. What a warm and ... read more

This is around the time that saying goodbye to people began to get real for me. I had been mentally preparing for living in Milan, as well as a more intense research life, for quite a while. It had not yet hit me that being in Milan meant not being with my friends, and family. It sounds silly now that I think about it, but I pushed the sadness of saying goodbye to people behind my excitement for such an exhilarating opportunity, and thus didn't experience the sadness until it became a reality. I spent my last full week in Seattle week half-assedly packing, but mostly spending time with friends and my mom (also a friend, but deserves her own recognition). That weekend, the 22nd-24th of August, I somehow convinced several friends to come camping on ... read more

Fernie (Colombie-britannique) ----- État de Idaho ----- Seattle (Washington) =========== 894 km (Cumulatif=6605) =========== Température : =========== AM : 15 à 18 degrés, PM : 25 degrés, Soir : 12 à 18 degrés =========== Résumé : =========== - Impressions générales : -------- o Enfin de retour sur l’autoroute pour minimiser le risque des chevreuils; o Enfin rendu sur la côte ouest américaine. =========== - Paysages : Un des charmes de notre voyage c’est de pouvoir admirer les nombreux paysages variés : -------- o Idaho : Pas fameux comme état : Très boisé et terrains souvent délabrés -------- o Washington : Belle variété de paysages (Terrains pour la culture, endroits désertiques, montagnes, rivières, lacs, etc.) -------- o Probablement près d’une centaine d’éoliennes dans un secteur où le vent peut écorner les bœufs. =========== - Chevreuil : -------- ... read more