I can't believe Seattle has got that crowded. I lived in the mountains outside of Vancouver in the 80s and regularly drove up to Seattle , but it was rather pleasant as far as cities went, but 4 million people? Yikes, I live in the middle of the Ozarks now, but the entire state of Arkansas only has about 2.7 million. Nearest town has about 350 . I've got to drive about 2+ hours just to find a traffic jam

I wouldn't travel into the city just to meet a guy, but maybe to the slower paced Greater Seattle area. It helps to know the traffic patterns when driving into Seattle.

When I go to Seattle, I spend most of my time in the outlying areas and suburbs, at the homes of my children and places they are involved with, but we do go into the city for various events, allowing for driving time. Nice to be close to the big city, without having to go into Seattle often. Lots of cultural activities to do there, and I used to love it. Nice for a visit, but I'm glad I live in a slower paced environment now.

I'm lucky to have had some photo shoots with my daughter and grandkids at some of the iconic spots, Pike Place Market, Space Needle, etc. Fun!

Did your middle finger stop twitching yet?

Having lived in Seattle over 20 years I saw a lot of transitions in the city. The rain is mostly light but with lots of gray days in the winter. The area is a drought area in the summer and was a far cry from the German city I lived for 15 years. Problem is, beautiful cities with lots of natural wonders and a unique setting not to mention large expanses of water and hills attract more people and more people eventually lead to a deterioration of all the things the city had to initially offer. The extreme diversification of corporations have led to a corporate mentality which has led to even more deterioration. Still, I can think of a lot worse places to live.

I lived in the Tacoma/Bothell/Snohomish area for 5ish years, back in 1993 to 1999. We went into Seattle on rare occassions, mostly because young kids and expense. I loved the area, except OMG cost of living. That and the rain. And distance from family. We had a memorable visit to the Seattle Children's museum on Christmas eve day 1993, and had one of my kids break out in chicken pox at dinner afterwards at Ivar's, and another broke out during the night. We must have infected more than 100 kids, the museum was packed.

I used to love visiting Seattle, and have some fond memories. Was probably last there in 2010 for a nice visit on the waterfront, but have heard of the traffic since then - pity!
The pandemic had slowed Portland traffic down quite a bit, but it is increasing now, also a pity.

Get that when they say you're from delawhere

The only time I in Seattle was 1983.
Spent about a couple of weeks there.
Had dinner in the restaurant atop the Space Needle.
The visit was okay.

I've always preferred San Francisco, and don't really care for much north of the state line.

I was in NOLA couple weeks ago. $28 to park for two hours.  Who knew where a public toilet might be....last time I was there, it was a $1 or 2 to piss at Mardi Gras.
Love the city, but hate the filth. 

I coulda walked. I should have walked, my hotel was not far away. It was rainy and cold. I didn't have anything planned but maybe breakfast.  I wasn't going to shop or visit any shops. Time was too limited.
I just left and went on to Tennessee.

I was just thinking today about Chicago Auto Show. Great fun !....except last time I was there it was Washington's birthday, school was out and....what 3 yr. old doesn't want to go to the Auto Show ??!?!?!?

I'm guessing they've probably added Service Dogs to their "family" outings now.

Fuck it. Go play guitar

Never been in Seattle, like never been to many other cities but one thing I know, in the least my experience tells me, is that driving in cities is a pain in the arse, especially if it's a city you don't know at all. I fully understand what you're saying due to this.

Kate had a doctor to see in Seattle.We decided to drive up thinking the trip would take about four hours. To our surprise we did it in three and a half. At about two thirty we decided to go home. It took us one hour to get from the Clinic to the freeway I-5 which we could see from the Clinic. After getting on I-5 we drove at perhaps twenty miles an hour. Knowing something was wrong we changed the radio station and found there was an accident just ten miles farther up the road. Thinking it would not take long to get past the accident we stayed on the highway. One hour lather we finally got to the accident which by that time was gone. Our next segment went quickly for about ten miles until we got to Tacoma, where the dome is located. After that we have no idea why but the road was slowed down by Olympia, it was raining, but who cares about that. After another hour we got past Olympia.
We were tired frustrated and hungry, having not eaten since breakfast we decided to turn off the freeway and go to the first place we found. Taco Bell, since we kind of like the taste of the food, but only go there when we are desperate, it took an hour to eat. Then back on the road and good going the rest of the way home. Three and a half hours to get there and about nine to get home. If we have to go again, I think I will just shoot myself and let the shit land where it may. Not really, next time I will know what I am getting into. It had been years since last going to Seattle, I have no idea how people live there and work and make it. It is expensive and most jobs do not pay the well. Perhaps people sleep on public transportation and know where the good cheep places to eat are.

Better stay home and have them come to you.