Here I am in Seattle; a beautiful city and what am I doing right now? I’m sitting in my hotel room writing a post, trying to figure out what to do for the next five hours. My Better Half is here for two weeks on business and I flew in yesterday to join him for a long weekend. Unfortunately, he is working a trade show today and won’t meet back up with me until at least 5:00. Ahg!
So, I woke up early and shit, showered and shaved. Just kidding, I didn’t really shave. After depleting the coffee supply in the room, I made a call to room service for bacon, a bagel with cream cheese and some cranberry juice. I would have skipped the bagel in lieu of a second order of bacon, but the look I got of myself in the full length mirror made me think better of it. After much studying of my map and directions from the concierge, I confidently headed toward Pike Place Market. Three blocks into my walk I discovered I was going in the wrong direction. All thoughts of not wanting to look like a tourist vanished and I flipped my camera toward my back and furiously dug in my bag for my map. Turning it this way and that, I figured out where I was and moved forward; forward being in the exact opposite direction of the forward I had started with. Huh? Yeah, I was confused too.
Upon arriving at the market I was completely taken in by the vivid colors of the fresh produce and flowers, the sounds of the street musicians, the sights of the artisans and their wares, and the general flurry of activity. Photo opportunities were clearly right in front of me but I let my insecurities get in the way and didn’t make a move for my camera. I opted instead to try and enjoy being in a new city, out and about, on my own. After making a few purchases and realizing I wasn’t the only sightseer, I decided I could do it. I could stand in the middle of all these people and take pictures of them and the surroundings and be okay. No one would look at me funny. And it was then that I realized I couldn’t. Not mentally, but physically. There was no way for me to hold the camera and my bags at the same.
In conclusion I realized that I can be somewhere, on my own, and be all right. I don’t need someone to hold my hand…I just need someone to hold my bags.
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12 comments:
Ah yes. I am always the designated bag-holder whenever the wife and I are out. Just like donkeys, it's what we're made for.
I was in Seattle for a year. Loved the Pike's Place Market! Enjoy yourself. You'll be fine.
Peace - D
It is one of my dreams to have an entourage to do that very thing but as I am neither famous nor rich it looks like I'll be carrying my own bags for a long time to come. Hope you enjoy your weekend.
Oh man, I hate when I have a missed photo opportunity. Glad you are enjoying yourself!
That's too bad L., Seattle has always been good to MRs. Skeeter and I when we visit. The market always seemed fairly safe to me. Visit again and see if you feel more comfortable snapping a few shots.
Best wishes,
Skeeter
Hope you are having a great time. That is someplace I have always wanted to visit. I will someday.
I go through phases of wanting to photograph everything around me and then nothing. Sometimes, I can visualize the perfect shot but not go for it. I have no idea why.
Do try to enjoy your weekend!
I like just wandering around an unfamiliar place. :0) I am sure Seattle is great. Can't wait to see pictures!
I love Seattle; it's an excellent city to explore, on your own or otherwise.
I haven't been in Seattle since 1967. I'm willing to bet it's changed a little.
Hope you are having fun!!! No news is good news???? Talk to you soon and with pictures I hope!
I hope your weekend was awesome! It sounds like a very cool, hustling and bustling place!
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