In today's tidbits I thought I would send along some valuable information for planning your packing for the Seattle conference, as well as offer another list of "What to do" in town.
A little known secret is that we true Seattleites don't actually own bumbershoots. We DO have a questionable music festival named Bumbershoot, but we don't use them. You see, our rain is actually called the Oregon Mist. It missed Oregon and hit us. No joke. And although we DO make the top 10 for number of rainy days we are not even in the top 30 for the amount of rain that falls. You can basically dodge the rain drops. It's not that we don't like a good bumbershoot or umbrella - in fact most of us have received our fair share for birthdays and Christmases - its just that they are a bit cumbersome while one is going about the day.
My husband Doug and I used to live in the Bay Area. Doug was a general contractor and of course has many friends in the trades. When we moved back many asked "what do you do when it rains?" In California the outdoor construction will usually come to a grinding halt with the first rain drop. Doug's reply - "you get wet."
And a little fun fact is that even with all of our hills that will rival San Fransisco and our 152+ days of rain, we still have one of the highest per capita rates of people who commute to work on their bicycle. Tough to ride one of those while holding an umbrella.
Moral of the story - if you want to look like a tourist, bring your umbrella - or use one of the many you will find for your temporary use at hotels and outdoor shopping malls around the area. I've checked and yes, the Hyatt Regency has a supply.
So what exactly should you pack? I good raincoat with a hood and some water resistant shoes. 50/50 chance there will be rain and the temps should be around 50 for a high and 40 for a low. You Floridians should consider a parka and your woolies! We have several well know brands of outdoor wear for shopping around the hotel - and you can try your skills on the giant climbing rock in REI just a couple of blocks away. Throw some vitamin D in that suitcase while you are at it.
Now that you will be appropriately attired, here are a few other fantastic things to go adventuring to!
The Museum of Flight is one of the best museums of its kind in the country and truly rivals the Smithsonian. In addition to the regular museum, which is close to the original Boeing factory and on the southern end of Boeing Field, there is a unique and rare opportunity to tour an authentic shuttle trainer and a couple of VR flight simulators, which are all the rave.
In the Pioneer Square area you will find the Columbia Tower which until recently was the tallest building on the west coast as well as the Smith Tower which was the first "skyscraper" on the west coast. The speakeasy style bar on the 35th floor is quite the hit.
Under the north end of the Aurora Bridge (Hwy 99) you will meet our Troll. He loves VW bugs and keeps one in his grasp at all times. He also loves for you to take pictures with him.
Seattle is the home to many world changing brands. From Boeing to Microsoft, K2 to Eddie Bauer, Costco to Starbucks, and even Amazon, Seattle businesses offers many things to see. The Amazon Spheres are an interesting urban jungle concept and just a couple of blocks from our hotel. And for true world changing inspiration, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center is sure to encourage your philanthropic spirit.
I am so excited that so many of you are coming to Seattle for our fantastic conference and I look forward to you enjoying my city!
For my next and final bunch of tidbits - Seattle Cuisine!
