Down Under Diaries: Seattle Year One – An Aussie’s Honest Take
G’day, folks! So, me and the missus, we’ve been living in Seattle, Washington, for a year now, after chucking a sickie to leave sunny Oz. It’s been a real eye-opener, a proper mixed bag, ya know?
The Good Oil:
Everything’s Fair Dinkum New: From seeing snow (a bloody novelty!) to exploring all these new spots, it’s been a ripper adventure.
National Parks? Bloody Oath!: Crikey, these national parks are somethin’ else! We’ve hit up Yosemite, Zion, Olympic, Rainier, and Bryce Canyon. As a trail runner, it’s like winning the lotto. The scenery’s bonza, absolutely unreal.
What’s On? Heaps!: There’s always somethin’ happenin’ here. Gigs (Killswitch Engage, Motionless in White, the lot), sports (still barracking for the NRL, mind you), races, events – you name it.
Work’s Sweet: The pay’s decent, and there’s heaps of opportunities in my field. Can’t complain!
Weather? She’s all good mate: Was expecting constant rain and cold when we first thought of moving here, but it’s actually sweet as.
The Not-So-Good Bits:
Tipping? it bloody sucks: Yeah, this tipping thing’s still a bit of a head-scratcher. Still tryin’ to get my head around it.
Social Issues? Bit Rough: Homelessness, social security, and safety – it’s a bit confronting, to be honest. Redmond’s alright, but downtown Seattle and other places are a different story. Found a bloody gun in an iHop, and saw someone who’d probably overdosed on a morning run. Bit of a shocker.
People? A Bit Stand-Offish: People aren’t as friendly as back home. On the trails, you’d usually get at least a nod, but here? Forget about saying g’day. Maybe it’s just a city thing.
Prices? Bloody Expensive!: Eating out? Jeez, it’s pricey. Makes ya miss the local pub feed and a $5 schooner.
FOMO? Bit of a Pisser: The “fear of missing out” thing, especially with trail running races, is a pain in the backside. Getting into those big races like Hardrock or Western States is near impossible.
Missin’ the Mates: Being away from family and mates is tough, no doubt about it.
Public Transport? A Bit Rubbish: For a place with all that railroad history, the public transport system is a bit of a letdown.
The Bottom Line
It’s been a bloody rollercoaster, this first year in Seattle. We’ve had some unreal experiences, and we’re still getting used to the place. We’re grateful for the opportunities and adventures, and we’re just takin’ it as it comes. And that’s the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so!
