Any Seattleites?

[Cabhan]

Howdy all.

So my university is a co-op school, which means that over our 5-year program, most students spend 3 6-month periods working at various places. We don't pay tuition, we tend to get paid, and we get a lot of work experience, which is obviously very helpful.

Well, two weeks ago I began my first co-op at Amazon.com out here in Seattle. Problem is, I go to school in Boston, and I haven't really gotten to explore Seattle too much or meet many people.

So my question is this: who knows of fun stuff for me to check out in Seattle? I'm only 20, so no bars or crazy swingers' clubs, but any other things I need to see. After all, Saturday is coming up, and my only plans so far are to go to a certain coffeehouse (home of the Seattle Browncoats!) and to Barnes & Noble.

Please?

[Geeth]

Why no bars at 20?

[Freston]

Why no bars at 20?

I believe you can't go into a bar in the US unless you're 21.

As for your question.... I obviously have no idea. Nirwana came from Seatle that's all I know. But what are the things you enjoy in Boston? There are bound to be equivalents. 3-6 months is to long to stay at home and be by yourself, you are right about that. I think I'd spend a couple of days sightseeing. Looking for places of interest. You know? As outdoor things I like hiking and sailing, so these are the things I'd look for. And you're bound to meet people who share interests along the way. It seems to be a law

[Thrillhouse]

Hi Cabhan. I lived in Seattle for 10 years and grew very fond of the place. It's especially beautiful this time of year when the weather is nice. It's also the only place I've ever been where people ask the question, "is the mountain out today?" I assume you've already done some of the more popular tourist attractions like the Spaceneedle and Pike's Place market. If not, start with those. I've heard that EMP (Experience Music Project) is also a great place but I never did get a chance to visit (it was under construction most of the time I lived in Seattle), although you'll be lining Paul Allen's pockets. There's also an underground tour of downtown Seattle that's supposed to be fascinating. It's another thing that I never got around to doing.

If you've got a car and can get out of the city, Snoqualmie Falls is a nice day trip. Leavenworth is also a very cool place to visit. And outdoor sports is a huge thing in Seattle if you're into it. The state of Washington is geographically diverse enough to support just about anything "outdoorsy" that you'd like to do. The whitewater rafting and kayaking is world class and you can go hiking or rockclimbing in many parts of the state. And if you're feeling real adventurous, climb to the top of Mt. Rainier!

[questio verum]

I would probably see the sights Thrillhouse mentioned. Definitely the Experience Music Project. Anything with a Hendrix connection gets a closer look from me automatically, but this one's worth the trip even if you aren't a fan. I would probably at least take a walk through the waterfront district. I suspect you've been to one or two of the cafe`s already.

It's not Seattle, but... if I were going to be in the region for 3 to 6 months, I'd take in the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Ranier, as well as popping across the border for a day in Vancouver. And I'd do it before the cold weather sets in.

Have fun, whatever you do!

qv

[questio verum]

Why no bars at 20?

It's tied into our transportation habits. 99%+ of our travel is done in a personal vehicle. In the early 70's, most of the states dropped their drinking age to 18. By the end of the 70's there was an epidemic of drunk driving fatalities. Certain focus groups commisioned studies which determined that the lowered drinking age was responsible for these fatalities. The sway of public opinion, spearheaded by groups like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, brought about the passage of a national drinking age law. M.A.D.D. (not to be confused with D.A.M.M. -Drunks Against Mad Mothers) saw to it that 21 was the minimum legal drinking age. I think they were shooting for 75, but too many politicos were attached to their brandy & cohibas to let that fly. Some states will let 18 year-olds into a bar, they just won't let them be served. Most, however, require 21 even for admission.

qv