Visiting home, or rather, this place where I grew up, and haven't lived in 3 years, was exactly what I could have expected, only in no way could have written it better. Without getting into every single little detail believe me when I say the trip was quite perfect.
I would however love to share the many, "my gosh, that is new" moments, and "woah, that's so and so, he saw me and I didn't say hi, is that ok?" moments.
It first began on the flight. The flight from SFO to SEA is a gorgeous one. Snow peaks, and water, and green fields aplenty. I ordered a ginger ale, because that is what I have always ordered, and will continue to probably do so until airlines stop offering free beverages.
Because my music was blasting so damn loud through my headphones I faintly knew the pilot was announcing something, I just had no idea what. I believe he was saying that we were now in Washington and were about to land. I believe this is what he said because the attendant came by and tapped me on the shoulder. Damn it. But no, I thought. There was no way we were here already! I didn't recognize anything. And I didn't. But, oh there it was. the sound, and the islands, and the bridge, and my actual home, oh, and this little ol thing called mount rainier. Which, I had apparently been staring at the last 5 minutes, but didn't know it because i completely forgot what it looks like. Yeah, do you realize how shitty that felt? That I didn't remember what it looked like. I felt like a failure, a fraud, a person whose home is obviously somewhere between where she grew up and where she is now.
Kates picked me up. I told her arrivals as I was concretely standing at departures. If you ever pick up anyone from the airport and they didn't check baggage you should always pick them up from departures because its always empty. I don't know why I told her arrivals, my mind was a little off, but I get this call, "Where are you, you said there were no cars!" So, I ran, I ran through the airport, down to arrivals, traversed through 4 lanes of crowded airport traffic, that thanks to combs was behind her because if anyone knows how to get around traffic, she does. And hopped into the car, with the door barely closing behind me, and my head I think falling into Kates chest on an attempt to give her a hug. It was so good to see her.
Driving back to the Gig I knew it would be different. Since I had been gone a whole new bridge went up. I mean, an entire bridge was built. Ok, really it took 7 years to build, but it was up and running now, and I hadn't seen it since. There were things uglier, and louder, and brighter on the side of the freeway. Like the giant obnoxious billboards. One specifically which pissed me off for the Emerald Queen Casino (and no I am not linking to them, blaaaahhhhhhhh on them). This disgusting monstrosity on the side of the freeway make me want to gouge my eyes out. It's not just the billboard, but the actual building, taking over the entire other side of the freeway. I mean, really?!!!!
I have to say, some of the changes were good. The lanes are wider and smoother, and riding over the old bridge I don't know how we ever fit everyone on those 2 little lanes. That thing took a beating, and im glad it has some weight lifted off it's shoulders. The new bridge isn't as ugly or intrusive as I thought it would be either. So, glad to see, some change is good change. Also, the bay area could learn a thing or two about their toll system. and CLEARLY marked lanes etc etc. Anyway, I was impressed.
A few more things, the signs for the city I feel are bigger, and easier to read. They communicate a bit more. Kates said it's because of all the old people. Not sure that's true, but a funny explanation none the less. We now have a costco, and panera bread, and movie theatre (like a big one), and lots and lots of other shops. All places the kiddies can spend money and sit on their asses and get fat. ... No, but really, as much as I was critical, they made the areas tastefully. And although they cut down LOTS of trees, for the most part the areas are off the path, a bit hidden, and if they just keep the rest of the trees in the Harbor, Ill be ok. The day it turns into house after house after house I will run for the hills.
I love my little Gig, and Seatown, and the northwest in general. I do, I LOVE it. It is so much a part of me. In me as much as a place can be, and that will never go away.