I am in Seattle for a week - personal reasons rather than business - but I am struck by the vibrancy and economic success of this city!
It is surrounded by natural beauty: the Cascade mountains on one side, and the Olympic mountain range on the other. And when the skies are clear, awesome sites of Mount Ranier are available from many vantage points in the city.
That's Mount Ranier, in the background on the bottom right. And on the left is the famous Space Needle - an iconic sight connected to Seattle. You can actually take an elevator to the top and there is a restaurant there.
Seattle is the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix, the rock star - and of "grunge" music. One very popular museum here looks to be a hodgepodge of red and colored metal from the outside -- from above, it is in the shape of a smashed guitar -- similar to what Jimi Hendrix used to do in his concerts! Inside is the history of rock and roll - complete with a "stage" where you can take your place at an instrument, the curtains open and there appears to be a screaming crowd cheering you on! All this is videotaped and a picture is given to you when you're done. A rockstar is born!
Of course, Seattle is the home to Starbucks, the world's largest coffeehouse company with a presence in 50+ countries. In the U.S. there are 11,000+ stores; in the UK, 700+. Having travelled and spent some time in London, I can tell you that the bakery goods at the Starbucks' counters vary by location. If in London, try the Skinny Ginger Stem muffin - they are savory and delicious! Counters in the U.S. seem to exude sugar -- not so in other places. When in London, I go every day for the muffin! They are truly amazing with pieces of real ginger in them! Here in Seattle, the original Starbucks store is still operating. And Seattle barristas seem to KNOW how to make that coffee flavor "punch" whether it is a latte, or a cappucino! Other coffee companies headquartered here: Seattle's Best Coffee and Tully's. They say that Seattle weather is the reason there are so many coffee shops here - many independent ones also. Perhaps the infamous grey and rainy weather is also part of the reason that Seattle is one of the two most literate cities among America's largest cities - Minneapolis being the first. It is July 3 and the temperature will be in the 60s....partly cloudy. Although they don't have a lot of snow in the winter - there is much grey weather, rain, cloudy. We had a gorgeous day yesterday -- and when that happens, with the site of the mountains and Mount Ranier, there is nothing better! Tomorrow starts a string of what looks to be at least 10 days of sunshine -- and that will be glorious! Unfortunately, I return to Boston tomorrow! That trip should be interesting: I fly our of here at 1 pm which is 4 pm Boston time. I will fly across the entire country on the 4th of July -- I plan to watch out the windows....do you suppose that at a certain point, I'll be seeing cross-country 4th of July fireworks????
Of course, Seattle is home to Microsoft and the Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation. Huge impact on this city and the world! And you can't forget Boeing. There is an amazing museum at Boeing -- quite incredible to see. Seattle is also home to Amazon.com. You can actually go on line and order food from Amazon.com and schedule your same-day delivery time! Those are just a few of the major companies with a significant presence here.
Those of you from Boston, know the "Duck Tours". A very fun way to see the city and learn its history - as well as taking a plunge in the Charles River to see the city from that vantage point. These are old WW II vehicles -- they go at tops, about 35 miles per hour on land.....and are very slow on the water. With crazy drivers who don many different hats during the tour, regale you with jokes, music, and bits of history, it's a fun thing to do. Seattle also has Duck Tours. 90 minutes of viewing the city and then plunging in to the lake, including an up-close view of the lake house that is moored permanently in the lake - the house used by Tom Hanks in "Sleepless in Seattle". Did I mention the "quackers"? These are yellow and plastic, hanging on a green ribbon which can be hung around your neck for the tour. When put to the mouth and blown through, they make a very loud duck sound! With 4 grandchildren (2 4 year olds, a 3 year old and an almost 3 year old) -- we had LOTS of quacking on this tour! Great fun -- just a little hard on the ear drums at times :)
And did you know that the "home" of the tv show Grey's Anatomy is also in Seattle? Cruise boats also leave here for trips to Alaska.
One aspect of this city that is problematic, while there is a great bus system, complete with bicycle carriers on the front of the bus, there is no "rail system" to speak of. The light rail does not connect the various parts of the city well --- so mass transit is a problem here. You can really get in some traffic jams. But -- if the weather is good, and you're facing in the right direction and the path is clear, looking at the Cascades or the Olympics can take away some of the frustration of the stop and start traffic!
Should have looked to see what Suffolk alumni are here. With family here, I will return and must add in 1 or 2 days of corporate visits next time. GMBA internships and reconnecting with Suffolk alum would be great in Seattle!
Ah, and for those of you who might be coming this way: a restaurant tip! Chinooks!!! AMAZING! Right on the water....GREAT fish! Alder planked salmon is absolutely delicious. I don't eat salmon on the East Coast --- but here, alder planked? It's an entirely different fish and taste! We also hit it during fresh strawberry season -- strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream. Trust me....schedule a meal at Chinooks - you will be so glad you did!
Back to Boston tomorrow - flying to Boston on the 4th of July -- wouldn't Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops be pleased?!
LH