Anticipation builds before each trip to visit my brother and his family in Seattle. While I always expect it to be wonderful, the reality consistently surpasses my expectations. Our weekly phone calls pale in comparison to the experience of being there in person. Our conversations span a diverse range of topics, from science to AI, tennis to literature, and even medicine and politics. My brother, a true genius, recently invented a groundbreaking solution to the environmental hazard of plastic waste.
The boat tour showcasing Seattle was well-executed and scenery was serene, but surprisingly, it was the industrial machinery like this that captured my interest.
These crane-like structures, reminiscent of attentive giraffes poised for action, are designed for lifting heavy cargo.
I was fascinated to learn that Seattle boasts more parks than any other U.S. city. I’m looking forward to exploring some of them on my next visit.
Descending to sea level from downtown was an exhilarating experience, given the steep inclines. However, the return journey was somewhat nerve-wracking, especially at stoplights where it felt like the car might roll backward without firm pressure on the brakes. Despite this, the overall experience was great.
The Chihuly Museum stands as a testament to boundless imagination. The glass sculptures are wildly colorful and exceptionally creative, showcasing forms that defy conventional expectations. The glass garden, where real plants intermingle with glass artwork, is simply breathtaking—words simply can’t do it justice. It’s an experience one must witness firsthand to truly appreciate.
Dale Chihuly, the visionary artist behind these fantastic creations, has a remarkable story. After decades of hands-on artistry, vision issues led him to transition into directing his team of skilled artisans. The documentary showcasing the creative process, from initial concept to the intricate assembly of pieces, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of this extraordinary art form.
Our next stop was the Museum of Flight, which chronicles aviation history from the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk (first flown on December 17, 1903) (Image credit: from Wikipedia) to the monumental advancements in modern aircraft and jets. The exhibit of World War I and II planes underscored the critical role of aviation in warfare. It was sobering to see the cramped, uncomfortable seats where soldiers sat for hours, constantly risking their lives. One can hardly imagine the intense psychological strain they must have endured. The museum’s comprehensive collection offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of flight technology and its impact on history.
Then it was time for us to leave. UNTIL NEXT TRIP….
