Seattle May 2009

Seattle ranks as one of my favorite U.S. cities -- a vibrant metropolis with a sophisticated palette for coffee, food, music, and those hidden indie gems. My kindred spirit from college, Katrina, was the perfect hostess and guide. The weather was typical Pacific Northwest, but it had the charm of spring despite the rain. Cherry blossoms? In abundance.

Shopping was fantastic -- most places were nestled in bohemian artsy neighborhoods and sold vintage items (I bought a LIFE Magazine in mint condition featuring Fred Astaire dancing with his son dated August 25, 1941)! I KNOW. It's currently on my coffee table encased in glass. En route to one particular shopping destination, I found some time and chatted with President Obama.

Seattle also inspired me to just run with it. Or from it.

Let's talk coffee with savory croissants, bagels, or the lingering smell of Piroshky Bakery around the corner. The origin of the Russian word "piroshky" is to feast, and delectable pies stuffed with various fillings on a cold, rainy day in historic Pike's Market with a steamy cup of coffee -- now, that's a feast.

 I did visit the original Starbucks with its original logo -- scandalous, perhaps?

Not your average Ariel.

And what is a visit to Seattle without the sublime and comforting voice of Iron & Wine? After waiting in the cold for nearly 4 hours, about 200 of us crowded in a tiny record store to hear Mr. Samuel Beam sing, croon actually.



Another brightening moment was the Seattle Public Library.

It's tailored to the urban, modern and chic taste, and those who like to read of course ...

Katrina's interest is piqued by the alluring "Bitter Air of Exile."

I have other interests...

Yes, that's my face next to THE GREATS.

Lost in a sea of red in just another typical libary hallway.

Ready for the next travel adventure!

Princess Leia in Dubai: April 2009

Scene I: I'm at an international humanitarian conference and standing in the middle of a crowded and vast exhibition hall in the famed International Convention Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I'm overwhelmed, wishing I was wearing more clothes, and marveling at how beautiful burqas could be, some with tiny rhinestones dotted at the sleeves or along the seams. My boss is talking to the head of the police; they all drive mercedes. I'm half-listening to a gregarious and lively gentleman from Oman, whose occupation I will not divulge, and who is charmingly telling me about his three wives, their latest bickering, and their separate houses. "Tell me, do you love one more than the other?" I ask, and he replies disarmingly, "I'd love you the best; would you be the fourth?"

Scene II: I've heard one of the most beautiful and luminous things. At the opening address, a young boy sang the Qur'an -- in the most pristine and perfect of pitches --  and soared.

Scene III: My hotel room, like most things Dubai, was excessive. It had 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms.

 One of the bedrooms



Scene IV: This was neither a trip of leisure nor absorption of culture. It was work, work, and remember in Return of the Jedi when Princess Leia was chained to Jabba the Hutt? Mmm, hmm. That's me minus the gold-plated bikini.

OK, so perhaps Dubai's ratings were low and earned a spot on Sharon's Lonely Planet, but that was 2009, and my travelogue only gets better, just you wait!