So many of the sights in Seattle are colourful and dramatic. They have a flare for public art that is somewhat special. Most public art in most places is formal and more monument oriented. Here they are experiments. The best example is the globe water fountain. It was a remarkable experience watching the children playing. The water was accompanied by a soundtrack that elicited euphoria of anticipation. As the water was about to begin the kids began to squeal in excitement.
The public art is perhaps an attempt to make up for the complete lack of pretty waterfront that the city should have. It’s a bit like industry poured into the sea and forgot to leave a nice little area for the humans to enjoy.
In my search (of my brain) to think about what might be something to remark about on this trips last two days, I would say that it is simply a trip, a time away from home. Perhaps the remarkable thing is the simplicity of the city and it’s general pleasantness. In all truth, we find it hard to believe that this is the city that spawned Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Jimmy Hendrix, Starbucks, Microsoft….. I guess it speaks to the industrial nature of the city that it actually creates things – reminds me of home – as opposed to cities that are far more creative and inspiring but produce next to nothing because there is no open canvas for things to accumulate a presence.
One thing I can say is special here, is the Space Needle. It was finished in 1961 and it still is an impressive structure. It was built outside the downtown core and therefore has unobstructed views – something Calgary’s tower is in need of. It is still as relevant to the city today as it was at the time of completion for the worlds fair in ‘61.
