It has definitely been a productive and miserable half year since January. I decided to go to a place that I had always wanted to visit but never got a chance. That is Seattle. Very far from the east coast where I am living. Without much expectation prior to the travel, I truly enjoyed my vacation there. Yes, finally a real vacation without being worried about any work.

July 14, 2025 – Wasn’t a good start at the airport. We were stuck in the plane for almost three hours due to a kind-of-unexpected thunderstorm (well, it is an evening flight though). Luckily enough, the weather turned better and our plane did take off at its last minute. Because of clouds that made the thunderstorm, the view was gorgeous throughout the entire flight. Sunset for five hours straight. I even witnessed real-time lightnings in the clouds (of course, far from our plane). I would never want to see that in the rest of my life.

July 15, 2025 – Settled in Seattle! I highly recommend the hotel that I chose – CitizenM in Pioneer Square. Seattle Ferry Terminal is right across the road. My travel buddy (lying in front of the window) was also with me. He seemed happy and always sleepy.

I ran along the coast every morning. The trail was really nice – always great views (sunny or cloudy), refreshing air from the sea, and interesting ‘creatures’ that looked different on every Alaska-bound cruise ship.

July 16, 2025 – I went on a cruise trip that took me to lake union south through the Ballard locks. Listening to the stories about Seattle (the origin of space needle, the city’s underground, and etc) while viewing the oceanic view and cargo ship that was waiting to be discharged.

I learned that the lock was used not only to change water level, but also to separate fresh water from salty sea water that could be detrimental for boats. The experience at the lock was very fun – we were not the only one observing what’s around us, but we were also being observed.

I especially love those boat houses – like the concept of RV, living+traveling. But they could be vulnerable at natural disasters.

July 16, 2025 – Seattle Space Needle. Loved the revolving level. Cool experience of experiencing both relativity and a glass of cocktail.

At around eight o’clock in the evening, I was on a ferris wheel (Seattle great wheel), staring with joy at the sunset over water and Mount Rainier on the other side. The only time when I was on a ferris wheel before was probably in the Nimbasa city of Pokemon Black/White lol. And I fking dreamed of it. Now that dream finally came true.

After that, I walked to Westlake Center (through Pike market by accident) and took a monorail back to the Space Needle. The monorail driver told me it was good to have somebody sitting next to him during a night trip. I felt the same.

Back to the top of the space needle, I plugged in my earbuds and silently looked outside the windows. The music made everything look peaceful.

To be continued.