seattlites


 * Seattle** is famous for its endless rain and three of the biggest corporations in the world. However, it is actually much more than a soggy sponge or an evil monopoly center. Seattle has its very own unique personality, just like a cup of espresso. The only term that can describe the overall atmosphere of the city is “laid back.” Nothing seems to move faster than two miles per hour: people walking on the street with cups of coffee, people sitting and waiting. All of these scenes are played in slow motion with the blurry sound marching in the air.

Yet, Seattle has a very bold street culture under the surface of its commercial world. The distinctive personalities of the people make the city especially diverse; Seattle's culture represents the spectrum from weirdo to "normal person." It is also regarded as an epicenter of art, where some surprising art scenes are hidden in the neighborhoods, such as the small cafe with gallery and some eccentric installations on the sidewalk. As the motherland of alternative rock, music plays a big part in the city's culture. It seems that every neighborhood has their individual music scene. More excitingly, there are all kinds of resources for people to get close to art, including the museums and galleries. However, the art is not limited to the actual art activities; it is also the art of living - a carefree attitude. People are living in the ways they want, wearing whatever they feel like, enjoying the weather whenever they can. I guess this attitude has to do with the fact that Seattle is most literate city in the U.S.; people are somehow “anti-establishment.” They all have their strong takes toward every little issue. That’s why there always some peaceful protests going on in Seattle.

Amazingly, Seattle manages to maintain a good blend of urban feeling and a casual atmosphere. It is an unattainable balance elsewhere, but you can get it all in Seattle. Seattle is a lifestyle. It is the urge to sip coffee and enjoy the hard-to-see nice weather. If you still don’t have a clear sense of what Seattle is like, put on your favorite clothes, even if they are a weird combination of a red dress with a neon green jacket and basketball shoes, and go people-watching on Capitol Hill.