Seattle Deep Dive: October 2016 Travel Roundup – Highlights, Challenges, and What's Next
In my monthly roundups, I reflect on the past four weeks of travel, successes and setbacks, and upcoming plans.
Where I've Been
After months on the move, October marked a rare stationary period: I spent the entire month in Seattle, venturing only briefly to nearby Tacoma. Far from dull, I delved deeply into the city's vibrant neighborhoods, uncovering hidden gems at every turn.
Life Lately
October was a rollercoaster. Initial post-Seattle uncertainty gave way to promising plans that crumbled just two days before departure. Honestly, it was tougher than expected—more hurdles than highs—but such is the travel life. Ongoing website woes tested my resolve, prompting a hosting upgrade as my site had outgrown its previous setup. Issues are now resolved.
Seattle balanced challenges with rewards during my first visit to the Pacific Northwest. Persistent rain dominated, however—news confirmed it as the wettest October on record. Frequent downpours derailed outings, dampening spirits and echoing the dreary UK autumns that drove me from London in 2010.
Whenever the sun broke through, I maximized it: beach visits, park runs, neighborhood explorations, and quality time with friends.
Highlights
Reuniting with Favorite People
Seattle drew me partly for its community of friends, including adorable babies. Serendipitously, more arrived: Katie (from Tucson), Dalene and Pete (admired travel bloggers), and Brock (missed earlier travels). Highlights included the Boos and Booze Tour in Tacoma with Chris and Tawny (who introduced me to a pumpkin patch), and doughnut feasts with Katie.
New Connections
I forged fresh friendships too. Thanks to Tarun for the quirky bikini barista espresso (a Washington staple!), Shannon for lively chats, Eric for top coffee spots and Seward Park runs, and others. These led to Capitol Hill bar crawls, Fremont craft beers, Kubota Gardens, Joe Bar Park vistas, and Snoqualmie Falls.
Exceptional Coffee Culture
Seattle's 1,692 coffee shops (253 per 100,000 residents—highest in the U.S.) offered rainy-day refuge. Beyond Starbucks, independents abounded; as a coffee aficionado, I sampled eagerly, barely scratching the surface.
First Pumpkin Patch Adventure
Maris Farms with Tawny and Chris delivered roasted corn, corn maze, apple cider, goat walks, and more bikini baristas en route—a joyful fall outing (detailed soon with photos).
Embracing Autumn
Fall's charms—pumpkin carving, Halloween, vivid leaves, orchards—captivated me under blue skies. No fan of pumpkin-spice overload, but Tacoma's pumpkin spice IPA won me over.
Lowlights
Costly Mishap
Expenses mounted: a phone replacement (prior month), then I rear-ended a car—my first incident after a safe driving year across Austin, Tucson, L.A., Mexico, and Germany.
Relentless Rain
The gloom hindered enjoyment; drier weather would have elevated the experience.
Sudden Flight Cancellation
A planned L.A.-Istanbul flight for a travel conference (with Germany side-trip) was scuttled two days prior when the event postponed to spring. I've rarely felt so unmoored.
Other Highlights
Connextions Magazine Feature
Featured alongside nine LGBT travel experts in the 'Travel Heels' issue of LGBT Travel & Lifestyle Magazine—view the online edition for my interview.
Tiny House Experience
I embraced the tiny house movement in Seattle's cozy abode—smaller than a NYC studio. As a minimalist, it suited me, though limited kitchen space curbed cooking. I'd return, but a month max; space efficiency amazed.
What's Next
With Istanbul off, plans are fluid. Flying to L.A. November 2nd for a short stay to plot the next month—likely somewhere sunny and warm.
