Seattle is a city that looms large in our collective imagination, large enough you might forget it’s actually a modestly sized city that happens to be home to some tech and coffee giants. But then you land in this PNW city and you realize it’s actually quite calm, with the casual laid back pace compared to other cities. It’s a city that still feels to be in a quiet tug of war, between the contemporary corporate bland of Big Tech and the gritty, unpretentious soul of its grungy counter culture identity.

But what stays true through it all is Seattle’s relationship with the beautiful nature around it. The blue ocean, snow capped mountains, towering trees. A stunning backdrop for the growing city, to be sure, but also as integrated into the identity of the city as the Space Needle. Through the expansive parks where you, yes, but also in the food culture defined by local ingredients, the coffee culture and breweries, and the optimism of outdoor seating in this endlessly rainy climate.

In many ways, Seattle is actually exactly what you’d expect it to be. Rainy more often than not, and only tourists use umbrellas. Perfect weather to cozy up in a quiet bookstore or with a hot cup of coffee. Gorgeous summers with long sunny days where the natural beauty of the city shines so bright you might even forget what Bezos has done to the city. Independent coffee shops still manage to feel a bit alt, shining in the shadow of Starbucks. The community, though perhaps more dispersed these days with the influx of tech employees, are still present, and the immigrant influence strong. It’s a city in touch with its surroundings, while struggling to maintain its identity. A city that is proud of its heritage, and march to the beat of its own drum.