May 23rd, 2020
Capital of the Pacific North West, Seattle is situated on a narrow piece of land with sea on each side (the Puget Sound and Lake Washington). A city that’s famous for a number of attractions such as Starbucks Coffee, the Space Needle, Microsoft and Amazon… but the first thing most people think of when they hear Seattle, is rain – hence the nickname Rain City.
I didn’t move to Seattle because of its attractions, I went there to work as an Au Pair. I thought of it as an avenue that could lead to greater things – a gateway to the rest of the United States, specifically New York City and the California Coast…
I arrived in August when summer was drawing to a close. A few sunny days allowed me to visit one of the most iconic nearby landmarks, Mount Rainier and I had time to familiarize myself with quirky neighborhoods, downtown and the nearest Public Library. By the end of October, most days were cloudy and required a rain coat. I started to wonder if Seattle’s weather was E.L. James’ inspiration for naming her novel Fifty Shades of Grey.
Coming from Sunny South Africa, the ongoing gloominess started to get to me. Back home we used to celebrate rain by making pancakes, often by candle light, because the power usually goes out when it rains. We’d play cards or board games and go to bed early, being lulled to sleep by heavy raindrops clattering on the roof, knowing that we’ll wake up to a crisp sunny morning that smells nature-fresh. In Seattle, however, rain smelled like nothing and didn’t taste like pancakes – it was just another day.
To an Au Pair rain limits the activities you can plan for kids, it cancels weekend hikes and makes it uncomfortable to go out on the town. I started to feel miserable, but whenever a surprise sunny day came along, I realized that I was able to really appreciate it and that I’ve been taking good weather for granted for a quarter of a century!
Six months of non-stop rain made me lose track of time, so I’m not sure when exactly I fell in love with Seattle, but I did. I knew it was love, because it’s not a feeling brought about by its outside appearance (yet it is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen to date), it came through struggle, lessons and acceptance.
The beauty of Rain City does not lie in its tourist attractions, it’s in the evergreen trees and cherry blossoms, the masses of water surrounding its curves, the magical sunsets we most likely would not have chased was it something that occurred every day.
When I finally put my selfish needs and expectations aside, Seattle turned out to be so much more. My perspective began to shift and instead of being focused on the constant rain, the veil has lifted and I could see the rainbows.
Est. 1851, Seattle, Washington:
Capital of PNW, Original Starbucks, Space Needle, Evergreen State, Rain City
Space Needle overlooking Puget Sound
Japanese Botanical Garden
The Original Starbucks
Lake Washington
Walking Rainbows at Pride Parade
Sunset over Seattle Great Wheel on Puget Sound
Mount Rainier
Seattle is one of my favorite places in the US. I agree with you that even if it’s constantly rainy there, that’s the exact beauty of it. If I didn’t live in Los Angeles, I would consider living in Seattle! Thanks for sharing your story.
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I’d also consider living there! Was planning to visit in July but sadly had to postpone. Can’t wait to go eventually though!
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The original Starbucks doesn’t look that old. I am not sure I’d withstand that Seattle weather from what I am used to.
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It’s not, it was founded in 1971. Yeah I thought the same, but now it’s my favorite city in the world. I’d go back in a heartbeat, whatever the weather 🙂
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I love that you’d make pancakes when it rained in a power cut! That is classic! 😂
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Gladly! Not a bad tradition to keep alive 😉
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Completely. I don’t know Afrikaans for ‘Bon Appetite’! But I wish you and your next pancakes just that! 👍
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Thank you! We say “lekker eet” 😃
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Haha! Amazing. Then Lekker eet to you Nadia 😋
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Won’t have a rainy day anytime soon here in Doha, but any day is a good day for pancakes
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Wow Doha! Now, don’t the desalinate? Yes, rain must be a real treat! You must miss Seattle. 🌧
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I really do. Was supposed to visit in July, but hoping to do so ASAP once life goes back to normal…
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I LOVE Seattle, love it unconditionally. It’s the only other city in the US where I could see myself moving to live for the rest of my life (If I would ever decide to leave Chicago!)
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“Unconditionally” is the best way to put it – I’m with you on that! Thanks so much for reading Hettie, I hope you’re doing well. I will be posting more of Seattle in the upcoming days 🙂
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Lovely post, hope you’re still enjoying yourself
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Thank you so much for reading 😀 I hope to return to Seattle for a visit once life goes back to normal!
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It must be hard to adjust to the weather coming from a much warmer climate, but I am pleased that you found things you loved in Seattle through the rain. And when you mentioned sunsets I can imagine a sunset is even more magical the more rare it is.
I also learned some interesting things about Seattle, that it has water on both sides and it is the home of some pretty big companies. I want a coffee in the first Starbucks!
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And to think that I now sometimes long for rainy weather! Definitely learned to appreciate it, hence my love for London I suppose 😉 I appreciate your interest – will be sharing more interesting things about Seattle soon, so save some room below “coffee at the first Starbucks” on your wish list!
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Funny thing is I never heard of Seattle been called rain city. This is unravelling. And I definitely got it when you said the power goes out when it rains, it’s the same in my country too.
Thanks for sharing.
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Oh yeah Rain City is like Seattle’s street name 😉 I think mostly locals refer to it.
Ah, the joys of power cuts – something us Africans know oh so well!
Thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks for having me.
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It’s a funny thing, what makes a city snuggle up in your heart. At the minute I’m battling heat. I hate to be cold, but… 🙂 🙂
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Coming from sunny South Africa I prefer long summers and cloudless skies, yet Seattle managed to steal my heart – rain and all! I agree with you though, that perfect in-between weather is ideal 🙂
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Oh, the colours in your photos! How beautiful. I didn’t know Seattle was nicknamed rain city nor that it has the first Starbucks. I guess you learn something new every day! x
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Cool hey? There’s a big Starbucks reserve as well where you can go for a tour or just have coffee – a unique experience. I bet you’ll discover even more when you visit 😀 thanks for checking out the post!
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