To Seattle,

During my usual instagram scrolling last night, I came across this reel made on a quote from I think the movie Namesake (could have looked but I am too lazy). The quote goes like this :

“In the end, the whole of life becomes the art of letting go. What hurts the most is when you do not take a moment to say goodbye.”

So, here’s me, saying goodbye to you Seattle. I am writing this from the security check line at the airport. After managing all the overweight baggage, I have finally reached the security check line. The line is huge and I am scared I won’t get the time to post or write about this later since it only makes sense to do so when I am still here. Technically, still in Seattle.

I have lived around 1.5 years in this city and I have to tell you I have enjoyed every moment of it. Every single day. It has been amazing. Right from the start, I knew so many people, it immediately felt like home. I lived alone for the first time in a studio apartment and I cannot tell you the kind of freedom I felt doing that. If you have never stayed alone, you should try it. At midnight, when you are hungry and want to eat a bag of chips, you are not scared of judgement. Also, so much space for dancing. Big consideration for me. Also, you can take as long baths as you want. Pretty important, right? Of course, there are days of irrational fears and too silent nights as well but overall, it is a good feeling.

The best thing about Seattle is that everyone is in tech, almost everyone is working as a software developer or is working in a tech company, the probability of becoming friends and gelling with people is extremely high. I made a surreal amount of new friends. I found the people in Seattle to be very very friendly, open and warm. Weirdest encounters have led to nice friendships. I have made friends while selling furniture and in an elevator too.

One thing to definitely do is try Bumble BFF. The best thing ever! I met the nicest people through this app. It feels weird to imagine people that I met through an app were my biggest support system throughout these years. It was a strong girl gang, full of super strong, self dependent, best friend cum potential therapist kind of women. Through the various ups and downs, we stuck together. And I will always be grateful for the fateful day I decided to get on this app and use it.

Seattle has a variety of classes teaching anything and everything ranging from Bollywood (my favorite), pole dancing, aerial yoga and Tai chi (to be tried). Do try them out. And the meetup events they are amazing. Joined a book club, which inspired me to read and I have read a lot of books post that. Participated in a startup event, in which our team won the competition. Pretty cool.

If you don’t drink coffee, after landing in Seattle you will. You definitely will. There is free coffee everywhere. I got free coffee in both my office and my first home. And every few blocks, there is some coffee shop or Starbucks. First Starbucks will always remain special. Starbucks reserve is crazy. I had formed this bad habit of having coffee regularly at this place called “Fulcrum”. It is pretty good.

Basically, if you are in Seattle, the chances of meeting new people, doing new things is pretty good. You can go out and do as many weird things as you want to and the best part is, most likely you will find someone to do it with you! For me, I made a ton of new friends and relived memories with my old friends as well. I tried new cuisines (Ramen, Ethiopian and stuff) and then defaulted to milk and bread too. There is something very special between being able to switch between new experiences and old memories which is very comforting.

People complain about the weather. The weather is gloomy and cold. Super unpredictable. Today morning was my final day, and just as I was about to leave, it started raining. I like to think Seattle cried a little for me, like she is going to miss me as much as I am going to miss her. There is something very sad about seeing the house you once lived in completely empty. (Yeah, I am very dramatic) See you very soon, Seattle! Keep my friends safe and happy till then. Until next time!

Categories: Journal

Feya Shah

Living life one day at a time and on the side, telling you about it!