Back in Seattle – even after three years away, what an intense experience. During a decade in the Emerald City its places and people and our relationships with them both etched themselves so deeply on our lives. Being back keeps us connected with our past and helps us teach Gavin and Arwen about where they came from.
With just a few days in the city during this visit, we focused our time on favorite places, food, and people. Parks were big on our agenda, starting with a ride on the zip line at Cowen Park. 
Next was the walk down the Secret Staircase to the Burke Gilman Trail, which took us to our beloved Matthews Beach, the site of many fun family times. We felt some nostalgia driving past our old house. Though we didn’t 
make it to the beaver pond late enough in the day to see its primary inhabitant, we did take in his growing house and spied the many ducks on the pond. A look at Magnuson Park evidenced continuing work to restore wetlands on the former military base – a beautiful sight. 
Our first night in town found us at one of our favorite haunts – Tempero do Brasil in the University District, where we ordered our all-time favorite meals - moqueca de peixe and bife acebolado. We were delighted to find the kids as excited as we were by the scrumptious Latin cuisine. 
Another night we grabbed some exquisite Chinese takeout from Louie’s on 15th in Ballard. The kids wouldn’t let us forget a trip to World Wrapps, and I waxed nostalgic for our old girls nights out sipping my cocoa and savoring a chocolate-dipped chocolate chip cookie at Chocolati.
As good as the food was, the most meaningful time of all was spent with friends. Chad jumped in with a near-all-nighter playing Dominion with his old game night gang. I managed three walks around Green Lake during our short stay, each with one of my all-time favorite Seattle ladies. We enjoyed reconnecting with friends who hosted 
us and provided hands-on entertainment for Gavin and Arwen. With my sister Sheri and her fiance Joel we took in a gorgeous sunset at Golden Gardens. And a dear friend drove down to catch up during our last few hours in town. We missed the many friends who have moved away and those didn’t manage to connect with.
Returning to Seattle always gives us lots to think and talk about. I’m consistently inspired by the aura of progress and momentum throughout the city – new buildings, new projects, constant change and improvement. This year's waste management innovations included stickers on garbage cans in public areas reminding those tossing refuse where their garbage is headed. Chad and I inevitably end up in a conversation about whether we’d 
want to come back someday, which ironically tends to take place in the middle of a traffic jam. We decide to head back East to our sunny skies, warm-water beaches, and traffic-free travel without any qualms for now. But it is wonderful to be back to visit.
Next up – Journey to the East Side
4 comments:
Wow- a whole decade. I've never spent that long in one place continuously! I hope I will one day, though- and I would LOVE for it to be in Seattle. Thanks for sharing Elise.
It's great to have you back where you belong!
Awww, thanks Tricia!
It was so fantastic to see you! You will have to tell me about the secret staircase! Seeing as I get to Matthews Beach with a double jogging stroller, I probably won't find it naturally on my own.
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