The Wei: Top Ten Reasons I Love Seattle

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!

8. Boeing! Microsoft! Amazon! Expedia! Starbucks! Yipee!!! - I'll leave it at that.

7. Mayor Greg Nickels' Vehicle Free Experiment–

The mayor's idea to make Seattle citizens divorce themselves from their cars for a few weekends in August and enjoy the city as pedestrians or via other means. LOVE IT!

6. Seattle Hempfest-

Seattle hosts one of the nation's most dedicated Hempfest festivals each year. The theme this year is Industrial Hemp and how it can aid the weak American economy.  Now that’s what I call thinking outside the box!

5. San Juan Islands -

These scenic islands are only a short ferry or seaplane ride away. Added bonuses: sans Guido-fest.

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4. Experienced Music Project (“EMP”) –

Paul Allen founded EMP, a museum of music history that features mostly rock memorabilia and technology-intensive multimedia displays.

4b. EMP pays homage to one of rock’s greatest legends,Jimi Hendrix, a Seattle native.

3. Pike Place Market–

Watching men (and women) throw around the fresh catch of the day at the Pike Place Fish Market never gets old.

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2. The Lay of the Land –

What makes Seattle particularlybeautifulare its breathtaking views. Four different mountain regions, Mount Baker, the Cascades, Mount Rainier and the Olympics, encircle the city. Seattle is a coastal city and almost completely surrounded by water through a leg of the Pacific Ocean called the Puget Sound and Lake Washington.

Seattle is THE perfect destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor recreation, including skiing/snowboarding, swimming, boating, hiking, climbing, cycling, golfing, beaching, or just a beautiful view.

1. Paul Allen’s S.L.U.T. –

As a Seattle native, Paul Allen’s contributions and achievements are endless, and it’s undeniable that he’s intelligent and successful. Generally speaking, his ideas and ventures all turn to gold (i.e. co-founding Microsoft). His most recent investment might arguably be the greatest yet: Meet the South Lake Union Trolley– Paul Allen’s contribution/solution to Seattle public transportation. I don’t buy that the powers-that-be didn’t realize and predict for locals to notice its “unfortunate” acronym. GENIUS PR MOVE!!! I’m serious.