September in Review

Life as we know it

I’ve been a busy bee soaking up the last of the warm weather.

Labor Day weekend my friend Tony and I took a daytrip to Leavenworth, Washington. A Bavarian village about two hours from Seattle in the mountains. After driving over God’s creation to find parking, we drank beer, had German food (soft pretzels and all the meats), window shopped and walked along the river. On our way back to Seattle, we stopped by Lake Wenatchee for a few hours to unwind.

Lake Wenatchee

Icicle Brewing pretzel

Leavenworth

Grant and I also took advantage of the long weekend to get out of the city by going for a little hike in Cougar Mountain Wildlife Reserve. Not much to see, but it was nice to get some fresh air and marvel at how quiet the world can be when you don’t live next to a busy street.

Cougar Mountain

The next weekend, Grant and I saw Tame Impala live at The Gorge, a massive outdoor amphitheater in eastern Washington. We opted for the weekend camping package so we can crash after the performance and drive back the next day. Luckily, to get into the venue you had to either show your vaccination card, proof of negative COVID test in the last 72 hours or get tested on the spot for $30. I felt quite safe, I hope all events do something similar going forward. As soon as we set up our tent and canopy, it started raining. The only shoes I brought were sandals which was unpleasant, but no chance it would ruin my day. We trudged over to the venue alongside a beautiful sunset and set up our chairs center stage at the front of the lawn. The show was fucking amazing, what a way to come back to live music. He sounded amazing, the production value was something else and played a great set. On our way back home, we stopped to admire the venue’s namesake: the Columbia River gorge. It’s hard to believe this is the same Washington known for its greenery, this state rules!

My friend Jim came up for an impromptu sloppy night at Fremont Oktoberfest. We met up with a bunch of other observers, tried a ton of beers and ciders and danced! It was a great night.

The boat I was on for four months last year while observing, Starward, is in town for shipyard (routine repairs). It was great to see the boys again during one of my lunches. It was a blast for the recent past being on what was especially my home for four months with my surrogate family.

Finally, Grant and I went to Newport, Oregon last weekend to see his family. We stayed for the night in a book-ish hotel, Sylvia Beach! I had no strong feelings about which room to stay in (except for veto-ing the J.K. Rowling room) but the only room available was one of their nicer ones, the Mark Twain. It was amazing, I’m struggling to find words for how much I loved it. Our room was quaint and cozy with ocean views right from our bed, a private balcony, fireplace and clawfoot tub. Above us was a reading room (also with ocean views) that I spent a few hours in reading the new Mary Roach book with a steaming cup of tea. After dinner with Grant’s family, he built a fire and sitting in front of it, I can’t remember the last time I was the relaxed, I practically fell asleep there on the floor (that might have also been the few drinks I had at Taphouse). It was unspeakably pleasant.

September in Review 2020 || September in Review 2019 || September in Review 2018

September in Review 2017 || September in Review 2016

Books and media

What I’ve been listening to: Montero by Lil Nas X, Depression Cherry by Beach House, Eternal Blue by Spiritbox, If I can’t have love, I want Power by Halsey, If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is by Still Woozy, Swan Song by The Plot in You, Automatic Thrill by Gluecifer, Dawn of Chromatica by Lady Gaga, Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish, DEADTHEALBUM by Breathe Carolina

What I’ve been reading: Other Minds: The Octopus, the sea and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney, Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach

What I’ve been watching: Wild Wild Country, Palm Springs, Behind the Curve, Three Identical Strangers, Sex Education (season 3)

Favorite blog posts

10 books telling the story of cities || 10 places to visit in Turkey that aren’t Istanbul || The best books lights || The best things to do in Brighton || 5 recipes to make this autumn || 10 places to visit in Ireland that aren’t Dublin