Seattle is Bipolar

Seattle is like Edison High School - two entities within the confines of one place.

One face of Seattle is the serene, amazing, untouched beauty that God has created here. The mountains with sharp peaks and snow blanketing the tops. The lakes and creeks and waterfalls and inlets that display soothing (but pretty cold) movements of water. The greenery - oh the amazing lush greenery - that is everywhere and can soothe the nerves and relax the spirits. Indeed, this face of Seattle says come to me because I will relax you and help you reconnect with the beauty that could have been the Garden of Eden before the downfall of humankind due to our sinful nature.

In a word, this face of Seattle is gorgeous!

But, there is another face - a more ominous and powerful face. A face that tries to cover the natural beauty with big buildings that lack character. A face that tries to turn Seattle into "Everywhere USA" with sterile looking corporate buildings that sell the same things here, in Portland, in LA, in Billings, in Denver, in Chicago, in Baltimore and in New York City. There is a city here, nestled between beautiful mountains and waters, that is the exact same as it is everywhere else, due to corporate identity that usurps the importance of unique character that can be associated with each city.

Luckily, as strong and deep-pocketed as this face of Seattle is, there are pockets of individuality that are maintained. The Pike Street Market seems to still be authentic and unique to Seattle and its people. There are museums that also display amazing local talent. There are people who say hello as they pass you on the street, are happy to help with directions when you even seem lost, and are always willing to give a lending hand to a friend or stranger.

Yes, Seattle is bipolar. But luckily, the good face seems to be keeping the dangerous face in check and maintaining its beauty. And for that, I absolutely love Seattle!