A Long Way from Oz

Emerald City -- Sapphire Sky 

It was not lost upon us, being from Kansas, that we found ourselves in Seattle -- The Emerald City.  Driving in on I-5 from the south the city slowly emerges from hills and ridges, unfolding to reveal an industrial zone dominating the outskirts.  Traffic is bad 60 miles away from the city so it was a surprise to find it worse in town.

When we arrived we, like millions before us, gawked at the Space Needle, it certainly demands the attention of the newcomer.  But besides being fascinating and unusual its not the most elegant building in Seattle.  The skyline appears terraced from certain angles.  Aztec-like steps from dominating skyscrapers to high-rises-and lowly buildings with lower aspirations.  The terraces are not just an accident of aesthetics.

The rooftops bristle with life.  Trees, shrubbery, flowers, vines, and even prairie grass create the impression of elevated island parks for those fortunate enough to have the highest vantage points.  The city is lush and vibrant even in the dark of winter, when our home state is dormant in its brown nightgown.

And it does get dark.  December's days were barely 7 hours long.  Cloudy, often damp.  January has not been much different, though the days growing longer again has helped.  Even the jasmine plantings along 1st Avenue rejoice as their intoxicating perfume strolls along the sidewalk.  Cabbages blossom in flowers seldom seen in the xeriscape of the drought plagued Midwest.

Despite the dark, people in Seattle know they have it good.  Even the ones who have very little.  Folks here are quick to offer advice, to guide you to their view of the best the city (and beyond) can offer in food and more.

What would you do if you visited Seattle?  Or, if you live here, what must a newcomer see and do?