Seattle

Six days, five airports and four boring hours on yet another flight later, I am here in Seattle. It feels really surreal, when it was just a few hours ago that I was still stuck in chaotic Houston. It has been good so far. So I have met May three days earlier than planned. I am so tired right now, tired out by the day’s events and by a switch of time zone yet again, and of course, by the disappointment of not being able to complete the training course at Rigaku/MSC. It is, no doubt, good to see another city, one that May has lived in for the past few years and raved much about, but I do feel unsatisfied that I have accomplished nothing in the work sense and that this trip is nothing but one big vacation, or, shopping spree rather. I am really grateful to May for picking me up at the airport and for putting me up as well. All in all, I am grateful for a familiar face and a good old friend fromw ay back. And of course, I am real glad to have company for dinner, the first time in days.
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Coincidentally, they were showing Sleepless in Seattle on TV when I got here last night, a movie that I do like a lot and have watched many times over. It is kinda symbolic, as I am here and will be heading to NYC next, just like the characters in the show. But anyway, sleepless I was definitely not, as I fell into a deep sleep the moment my head touched the pillow.
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I am loving Seattle already. I always have a feeling that this city is similar to Melbourne, and I s’pose I was not wrong at all. The city is neat and tidy, and the people are warm and friendly, and yes, the shopping is great too. In addition, it reminds me of Sydney too, with its inland waters and the beautiful skyline. I am having a good time here. I managed to get decent coffees and shopped heaps for myself and my friends. I like it how I can walk effortlessly around downtown and the vibe at Pike Place Market is simply wonderful. Lots of seafood and fresh fruit, and the first Starbucks in the world can be found here too. I can certainly live in Seattle. It is not because of the fact that my friend is here and hence me saying so. It’s an instinct. I feel like I am finally on vacation, although I know I hardly deserve one. I am glad May is doing fine here, and I wish I could show her my life in Melbourne too. I know she will like it, despite the hefty prices of food and transport. I couldn’t stop raving about this city too when I called home to talk to Dad, and he egg me on to maybe get a job here or something since I like it so much. Oh well, liking it is one thing, and actually re-locating here is another. I have to stay true to the city I called home now, don’t I? There are still a lot of places in this world that I have not been. What if I fall in love with another city again, which I probably will? It will inevitably turn me into this insatiable and schizophrenic nomad who is constantly on the move. This applies to feelings for people too. I gotta learn to commit and to be contented with what I have, where I am.