As Seattle is home of Starbucks, and I didn’t get my mug of tea before leaving for the airport this morning, caffeine seemed in order, so here are some musings while I sip my Breakfast Tea.
I love to people watch. As I sit here in my airplane clothes (leggings, sweatshirt, jacket, Big Bang Theory T, and slip-on shoes), I don’t feel under-dressed. The citizens of Seattle seem to dress in all manners. Normally I maintain that leggings really shouldn’t be worn without a skirt or tunic covering your butt, they’re not pants. But let’s be real, for sitting on an airplane all day, they’re the most comfortable option.
There also seem to be a lot of hipsters wearing Converse shoes. The history nerd in me really wants a pair. They’re so iconic and can be seen in so many older films. I have a hard time taking the Sharks in Westside Story seriously when they come out snapping in their Converse shoes. Anyone else feel this way?
Anyway, now that I’m on vacation I finally have time to ruminate on some of the blog posts I’ve read lately.
Yesterday I read a post (I don’t remember where I found it) that warned not to hype up your destination at the risk of being disappointed. As I stare at the cover of Anne of Green Gables in front of me, I think it’s too late for that. In two days’ time I’ll be looking at a very real version of the house staring back at me from the cover painting! Check back with me to find out if I’m disappointed.
Today I read a Buzzfeed article about “Holidays On Instagram Vs. Holidays in Reality.” While funny, it’s totally true that popular tourist sites are much more crowded than photos lead you to believe. (For example, an image of my peaceful tea doesn’t show the crowded shop behind me!) I’ve definitely experienced this at the hands of the Mona Lisa. I may have been picturing having Green Gables to myself, while in reality it will be overrun with tourists.
The other day I read a blog post, “Don’t Expect Travel to Solve Your Problems.” While I realize a two week vacation is only running away from bullies at work, I hope this trip will give me a much needed break from the stress it has created. Perhaps I will also return with new perspectives. I’m sure there is much to be learned from the Canadians regarding friendliness.
Lastly, the Seattle Nordstroms restroom had a tissue dispenser purely for using on the door handle on your way out. Genius. More places should do that.
My tea is gone guys, time to wrap up my musing and enjoy Seattle for the day now that I’m beginning to wake up!
I don’t think traveling can “solve” any problems–they still have to be faced on their own. But I am a big believer in running away for a little rest from stressful situations. Sometimes you need to regroup and it’s a lot easier to do that if you physically go away rather than just hiding at home. 🙂 Ok, for the fun stuff: my dream solo tourist experience would be the Vatican. I’ve heard so many horror stories about how crowded it is and you are just shuttled among the masses from one room to the next. I would want to be able to explore at my own pace in the peaceful silence that I’m sure does not exist in real life!
A rest was definitely helpful!
Interesting! I have never heard that about visiting the Vatican! I’ll keep that in mind!