sunny afternoon in seattle, originally uploaded by coffeejitters.

I heart Seattle.

I moved to Seattle from Alaska the first time in 1992. I walked around the city for months in a constant state of wow. Sixteen years later I’ve still got a crush on this city.

I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out what it is about Seattle that makes it home for me. It starts with the water. I’ve got at least 4 drawbridges within 3 miles of my home (don’t get me started on drawbridges, they get me all gaga too).

Follow that up with the culture of this city. I love living in a place where education is actually valued. While there’s always room for improvement, and I’m sure some of you Seattlites squirmed a bit at my last statement, education is valued here. Moreso than many other places in this country, including the place where I grew up. Hell, take a look at our library(s). And our colleges. According to Encarta, we top the list as one of the most educated cities (which, on the downside, doesn’t help me much when job hunting).

There is so much more: the food, the people, the easy access to recreational activities, the easy access to the rest of the world (I’m from Alaska, that’s relevant). I just wish I could afford to live here. There is no buying a house in this town.

What is it that makes your corner of the world home?