A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the downtown Seattle Central Library (1000 Fourth Avenue , between Spring & Madison and Fourth & Fifth Avenue).  I was waiting for a new passport to be printed up at the Federal Building and I had several hours to kill.  It was rainy and cold and spending an afternoon inside, surrounded by books (and free wifi) seemed like a great idea.

I settled into a table where I could plug in my laptop and get a little bit of work done in an area called the “Living Room.”  In addition to the tables with plug ins, there were chairs and couches inviting people to settle in and enjoy the facilities.

On this rainy afternoon the library was also frequented by many of the residents of Seattle’s streets.  You could spot them easily, they were the ones carrying around all there worldly possessions in a large hefty bag.  Most of them sat reading magazines, minding their own business.  Other than a bit of odor wafting around a few, they didn’t bother anyone else.  There did, however, appear to be some sort of pecking order among the group.

Security was heavy in the Living Room, with a constant rotation of guards.  I’m not certain if it’s that way every day or if it was increased because so many people had come indoors.  Anyone who looked like they were getting a little too comfortable was summarily rousted.  A sharp word, a nudge, and reminder that there was no sleeping in the library.

I spent my time working on my laptop, Twittering with friends and co-workers, doing some research, and trying to learn some new photo editing techniques.  After making the same mistake for the umpteenth time, I put my head in my hands in frustration, counting to ten and getting ready to take a big breath and start over once again.

Before I had counted to five, a guard appeared at my elbow.  She didn’t touch or nudge me, but stood close enough that I could feel her next to me.  In a stern voice she told me that there was no sleeping in the library!  As I turned my head to look at her I sighed and said, “This isn’t sleep, this is frustration.”  She glared and me and then moved on.

I understand that we don’t want people setting up housekeeping in the library, and I understand that some vigilance is probably important.  But have we become so demanding and intolerant that we need to stalk the library floor – just in case someone closes an eye for even a brief moment?  Am I alone in thinking that there is room for just a bit more tolerance?

Photo credit:  wikimedia (Rex Sorgatz)

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

And a very happy Halloween!

Photo credit:  Dream Time

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

My contribution this week was about Brian Malarkey, formerly of The Oeanaire is Seattle, who is now competing in Season 3 of Top Chef. If you missed the post, you can read it here.

Choosing a favorite was tough, because, in large part because my favorite, at any given time, depends on what I’m doing at the time or the mood that I’m in. There’s lots of fun and interesting posts at the carnival, but I’ve made the commitment to choose a favorite every week, so. . . .

This week’s favorite is Puerto Piramides Offers More than Just Whales, written by Vanessa Latimer at Argentina’s Travel Guide. While going to Puerto Piramides for whale watching seems like a great idea, Vanessa explains all the other things to do in the area, whale season or not. From watching the sunrise on the beach to the wildlife conservation of the area, this Patagonia-heaven is blissfully free of nightclubs and bright lights. It sounds like a wonderful respite from the busy world.

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Tags: b5media, Carnival of Cities, city blogs, destination blogs, Seattle, Seattle Traveler, The Seattle Traveler, tourism, Travel, Travel & Culture, Vacation, Washington, Washington State

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

My father passed away quite some time ago. When I graduated from college and law school, I know that he was very proud of my accomplishments. While he didn’t live long enough to know about the internet, let along blogging and blogs, I’d like to think he be proud of of what I’m doing here.

To all the fathers in our lives, whether by birth or choice, Happy Father’s Day!

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

My favorite city post this week is from hellojed, who wrote Ten things to do in Chicago if you’re a tourist (or even a local) at her blog It Had Better be Good. And this selection has nothing to do with the fact that I’m currently in Chicago and went to a Cubs game last night!

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Tags: b5media, Carnival of Cities, city blogs, cooking, destination blogs, Seattle, Seattle Traveler, Tacoma, The Seattle Traveler, tourism, Travel, Travel & Culture, Vacation, Washington, Washington State

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died while in service to their country. It is a small way to honor those who gave their lives that we may live in freedom and prosperity

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Travel + Leisure Magazine is giving you a chance to rank the strengths of various cities around the country, and Seattle is one of them.

There are a variety of questions on each city, ranging from arts and culture, housing, traffic, etc. What are you waiting for? Go answer the questions about Seattle!

As an added incentive, all survey participants are entered to win a trip to Australia. Survey deadline is July 15th, 2007.

Photo credit: MorgueFile

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Tags: b5media, city blogs, destination blogs, Seattle, Seattle tourism, Seattle Traveler, The Seattle Traveler, travel, travel blogs, vacation, Washington, Washington State

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

My contribution was my post on Chicks in the City, about raising chickens in the city.

There’s lots of great writing in the carnival, covering diverse topics, but all focused on some aspect of city or destination travel. The Carnival’s a weekly event (posted every Monday), and it’s always some great reading.

I invite you to check it out — and if you discover a favorite post, let me know which it is here in the comments.

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Tags: b5media, Seattle, Seattle tourism, Seattle Traveler, The Seattle Traveler, travel, vacation, Washington, Washington State

Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Happy Easter from The Seattle Traveler!

Photo credit:  wikimedia

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler