Coffee is the lifeblood of Seattle, where a large portion of my heart rests. My son, Sam, is a university student in the Emerald City, his life one of happy learning on top of Queen Anne Hill. A visit to Seattle means making the rounds of the latest coffee shops in Fremont, cupcake bakeries in Ballard, and trendy restaurants on Queen Anne, all of which tout WIFI and cappuccino.
These visits among imaginative urbanites make re-entry into Western Michigan difficult to take. I remember in the 80's travelling by plane from Paris (where I was visiting) to Vienna (where I was living). In less than half a day I was transported from color, buzz, crowds, and laughter to a sea of forest green coats, brown shoes, and staid, squarish matrons walking beagles. The beautiful, multi-colored party dress with a perky red sash that I bought in Paris never quite found a place on the stately Ringstrasse. I soon reverted to my own Loden coat, waiting patiently for the Strassenbahn on my way to work. Little did I know that the sumptuous smell of strong Viennese coffee, wafting my way from the many cafes and confectioners of that elegant city, would linger in my memory and join with the reminiscence of Parisian colors in a place half way around the world. Seattle--the color of Paris meets the smell of Vienna. Ah, perfection.
These visits among imaginative urbanites make re-entry into Western Michigan difficult to take. I remember in the 80's travelling by plane from Paris (where I was visiting) to Vienna (where I was living). In less than half a day I was transported from color, buzz, crowds, and laughter to a sea of forest green coats, brown shoes, and staid, squarish matrons walking beagles. The beautiful, multi-colored party dress with a perky red sash that I bought in Paris never quite found a place on the stately Ringstrasse. I soon reverted to my own Loden coat, waiting patiently for the Strassenbahn on my way to work. Little did I know that the sumptuous smell of strong Viennese coffee, wafting my way from the many cafes and confectioners of that elegant city, would linger in my memory and join with the reminiscence of Parisian colors in a place half way around the world. Seattle--the color of Paris meets the smell of Vienna. Ah, perfection.