Seattle - Lots of Thinking Heads, but No Heart
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10/3/2009
There is no other place like the Pacific NW. You either love it or you don't. I happen to be in the camp that doesn't. It just wasn't a good fit for me.
On the upside are the mountains, the fact that it is a compact area and easy to get around, not overly crowded, ferry boats that take you to the surrounding islands, and just extremely unique. On the bad side are the people;(yes the Freeze is real), the cost of living, undersized, overpriced ugly houses and architecture, and just the negative vibe here, along with the weather. Prices are down 20% here, but it still isn't enough to tempt me. It feels cold to me all the time, but I'm a sun and warmth person.I think 60 and rainy is cold, not refreshing. I'm not of the "rain is magical" ilk.
It is a very cynical town and despite always talking about change, no one ever steps up to lead and really change anything. There seems to be a dark cloud over people, just like the sky most of the time. Plenty of people wear t-shirts and hold a sign but very few actually give time or money to the causes they seem to care about. People pride themselves here on being open, but really they are just as bad as the close minded people on the other end of the spectrum. There is an arrogance here underlying everything that seems to say "don't confuse me with the facts". Having a tattoo and dying your hair, deciding not to shave or have a job doesn't make one particularly unique or special, it just makes a person like everyone else who thinks they are being a rebel. They do not value community, family, history, or tradition. The people are very progressive in some ways, but not creative. Government here gets in the way of everything, and is woefully inept. Millions get spent on studies with no results.
It is an extremely intellectual and educated city; lots of thinking heads, but has no heart. I need both. This is not a place for dreamers.
Amy | Austin, TX