I’m back from Seattle and it feels good to be home. To native New Yorkers: Yes, I just referred to NYC as “home.” God forbid, who do I think I am??!! Get over it. I’m not trying to claim that I’m a “real” New Yorker; only that “home” for me is NYC at the moment (and probably for at least another five years; sorry to break it to you, DBTH).

During this trip, I sadly admit that I felt like a tourist in my own hometown. However, from the eyes of a “tourist,” I saw Seattle from a new perspective, and I had one of those “moments,” not exactly an epiphany, but perhaps something to that degree. I realized that for the first time, I was truly appreciating Seattle for all its wonders and more…

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Seattle:

10. Fremont’s Troll sculpted under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle.

Who doesn’t love trolls? Remember those troll dolls from the 90s? They were so ugly that they were “cute”, but really, they were hideous. I still had at least 30 of them as loyal playmates circa ’92.

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9. Eco-friendly -Seattle lives up to itstree-hugging hippie “green” reputation.

As of January 1, 2009, the city will become one of the first major American cities to put a 20 cent fee on paper and plastic bags AND outlaw foam food and drink containers!

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“Wow what a crowd!…how do we get a beer around here.”-Stephanie Wei

I’m currently in Seattle, Washington (more specifically, Bellevue, which is right outside the city) visiting my parents. I grew up and lived in Bellevue until I fled east to Yale for college and subsequently moved to NYC upon graduating. Basically, I haven’t been around much for the past seven years.

I’d almost forgotten how great Seattle is in the months of July and August. However, I do always argue that there’s nowhere else better to be in the continental U.S. during July and August than Seattle. I stand by that statement, particularly after this current trip. I also believe that Seattle may be the country’s best kept secret…but I digress.

More photos and story below:

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