New York Minutes: Seattle

So yes, the big trip to Seattle. I left at the crack of dawn with a coworker, flew for 6 straight hours and landed on the west coast at 12 noon. Thank you, time change. We rushed to the already-in-progress in time to here the luncheon speaker introduced, but sadly, we missed lunch. The introducer caused quite a stir when he announced, "Mr. Bill Gates...senior." It was pretty funny because you could tell the whole audience was expecting Bill Gates, and didn't know quite how to react to his father. Anyway, the conference was interesting and I learned about a few other programs, but for the most part I think conferences are pretty overrated. I did enjoy going on a site visit to some supportive housing units specifically for formerly homeless families with lots of kids.

On Saturday my Westerville friend KellyB, who lives in Seattle and works as an ASL interpreter, picked me up and gave me the grand tour of the city. It was great to tour with an expert! I like the city a lot; it is very densely built, but also interspersed with lots of trees and hills and water. A good mix to keep things interesting. There are also lots of cute, distinctive, walkable neighborhoods. And lots of parks. And bakeries. You really couldn't ask for much more. Except maybe some sun. I would love to visit again in the summertime, when it's not so overcast and you can see the surrounding mountains.

Saturday was caucus day in Washington, so Kelly and I stopped by her local elementary school to cast her vote. I've never seen anything like it! Everyone from the neighborhood milled around the school until they found their designated spot (hers was in a corner of the library, along with three other districts), and signed in with their choice. After everyone was signed in, one person was allowed to speak for one minute in support of each delegate, then there was a short period when people could mill around and ask each other questions. They, the precinct captain asked if anyone wanted to change their vote, then tallied up the results. She announced Obama the winner, to lots of cheers. From there, apparently, they elect a certain amount of delegates to go to the official state caucus and cast their votes. It was all very interesting to see the democratic process in action in a way in such a community-oriented, hands-on sort of way, that you don't usually get to see.

After the caucus we met my cousin Alan and his wife Michelle at Pike Place Market, which is like El Mercado in San Antonio only a lot cooler (Sorry, San An). In addition to the usual touristy souvenirs, the market also sold lots of fresh fruit and fish and cheese and products from local artists. You could wander in there all day. I spent the night with Alan and Michelle (many thanks), and in the morning they took me for a run around a nearby lake before heading to the airport. There was a Valentine's Day 5K going on called "Love 'em or Leave 'em," which made me laugh. Then it was time to go, and that was that! Next weekend is a holiday and I am headed to Texas, so lots of traveling going on. Until next time, a few pictures.

Skyline view from across the lake.