first trip back to seattle.

On the plane ride back to America, I jotted down a few thoughts about heading home for my first visit to Seattle since Candice and I moved away last November.  At the time I was feeling very excited, a bit nervous, and also sad since Candice wasn’t with me to share in the experience.  I hoped it would be a great trip full of laughter, lots of time with family and friends, and that it would be a time I could truly appreciate and cherish.  I also hoped that the weather would be as I knew it could be during this time of year, as there’s nowhere better in the world than Seattle on a beautiful day.

Well I got my wish regarding the weather; it was perfect every single day.  I was able to see so many iconic and beautiful places with sunshine and blue skies: Pike Place Market, Whidbey Island, Ballard, Edmonds, and La Conner to name a few.  I saw the 12th man everywhere I went and people tossing footballs at the beach (instead of punching or kicking a footy ball).  It was a beautiful reminder of the best parts of Seattle and why it will always feel like home.

I had some wonderful days with friends and family, a few highlights that included an afternoon wandering around downtown Seattle with family, spending the day with my best mate Randall for his wedding, a trip to visit my grandparents with my Dad, happy hour with some great friends and old co-workers, and my belated birthday celebration with more family!  And in case you’re wondering, yes I did get lots of Seahawks Superbowl Champs gear!

congrats, Randall!

visiting Grandma Sally

three generations of awesome.

hanging out with dad and Romeo!

photo credit: Somer Kreisman

FaceTime with Candice during my birthday party!

Amare loves boating and selfies!

But as I expected, the trip went quickly and it was much too short.  There were so many people I was able to see, but it was also hard for me to truly enjoy many of the moments as I was conscious of the fact that it was my only time with this person until my next trip home, which isn’t likely to be anytime soon.  New friendships have been difficult to form for both Candice and I in our new home, and there wasn’t nearly enough time for me to get my fill of all the great friends I have in Seattle.  I was also reminded of the friendships I share with my old co-workers in Seattle and how we spent a lot of time hanging outside of work.  My co-workers in Australia are great and very friendly, but there’s been no real social time with any of them outside of work, which will hopefully change when we move to our new office in the city this summer.  It also probably doesn’t help that I’ve literally been on the road since March and hardly ever see my co-workers.

On the plane ride home I felt full and encouraged.  Despite the short visit and not having enough time to spend with anyone, it was a blast.  I hadn’t felt so known or comfortable in my surroundings since we left Seattle in November, and it made me realise how important friendships and family are in defining who we are and what makes a place feel like home.  I’ve known a lot of people that find Seattle to be a depressing place because people aren’t always the most friendly or welcoming (or because they happened to travel there during the nine months of the year where the sun doesn’t come out).  But for me it is a place where I am completely comfortable because of all those people whom I love that live there.  And perhaps I would never have realised or appreciated that had I not moved away.  Or like this quote says that Candice sent me:

“Why do you go away?  So that you can come back.  So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors.  And the people there see you differently, too.  Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” 

― Terry Pratchet, A Hat Full of Sky

Thank you to all my friends and family that welcomed me back with warm smiles, big hugs, and even a few tears.  I can’t wait until we are together again. 

BK