Regarding 6/8/2010

I was really pleased to return to Seattle. A lot had changed within the year I had been away, reinforcing the feeling of time displacement I had experienced in Mongolia. When I had left Seattle there were a number of construction projects in the works. These were all finished and, perhaps due to the state of the economy, there were no new projects in the works. This gave Seattle a more finished look. I like this version better. I also saw what appeared to be some new graffiti. Murals mostly, in public spaces, perhaps an indication that street art is becoming a more accepted art form.

The weather was typical crap Seattle, overcast and pissing rain. But it's the gray skies that make the green foliage so brilliant. I swear it's greener here than Honolulu. Maybe because Seattle gets all new growth in the spring, y'know? Anyhow Seattle was looking as pretty as ever, if not more so. Such a contrast to dried out, barren Mongolia/bombed out, desolate Ulaanbaatar.

I spent the wek bouncing around town, crashing with different folk from my past and catching up. I've got friends here from different parts of my life, some from high school, some from college and others from my stay in Seattle and beyond. Everybody seemed to be progressing in life and happy with their situation so that was reassuring. I often find myself thinking of friends from the past. It's always comforting to find them well.

I don't feel it's necessary to get into the daily details of my stay. Most of my activities were of a personal interest but not thrilling enough to repot. Just know this: As I write this I am riding the train back to Madison (I love this manner of travel.) I will be reuniting with family and friends and spending the summer decompressing in the city I love. My plans for after summer remain unclear but if I do venture forth once more rest assured you will be the first to know.

- Petey Hornemann