I actively chose to move to Seattle. At the end of my time in Bulgaria, it was clear that I could move anywhere. The world was open to me and I picked Seattle.

I picked Seattle for a lot of reasons. Here they are: the Space Needle, a Starbucks on every corner, lighting fast Amazon delivery and the Seahawks, you know, <em>go football</em>.

First, it’s become clear to me that I am a city girl. I like busy streets, restaurants that are open late, and the freedom to be able to take public transportation. I like urban living. I don’t need a big house or a garden. I need coffee shops, live music, hole-in-the-wall bars and I need to be able to walk to the things I love like the library, a local grocery store, a dry cleaners, a hair salon and places to eat and drink.

Second, after 10+ years away from home, I wanted to be closer to my family. I grew up in Walla Walla. In fact, in my family, I am the fifth generation to grow up in Walla Walla. This of course, makes Walla Walla home in a serious way. We have roots in this community and I love that. I love Walla Walla. Seriously, love Walla Walla. But I know myself and I know Walla Walla and the pace of life is just a little slow for me and the town in a little small for me. Seattle is five and a half hours, give or take, from Walla Walla so one can drive home fairly easily.

Third, Seattle seems like the kind of city that one can make home. My impression of the city, either fairly or unfairly, is that it is less transient than a city like Washington DC, New York or San Francisco. It’s also slightly more affordable than these other big American cities. I am not saying Seattle is cheap but as far as cities go, it’s pretty reasonable.

Finally, my sister C. lives in Seattle. This is what really sealed the deal for me. At five years younger than me, she’s my baby sister but truth be told, she’s no longer a baby. She’s a grown up and a really cool one at that. She’s also really funny and very smart. I feel lucky that she’s my sister and that I can count her among my good friends.

So far, Seattle has been a good fit for me.

The often rainy weather hasn’t been too shocking and the mild, mild winter was lovely. There are more coffee shops than I can count. Everyone drinks local beer and Washington wines but there’s also no shortage of craft cocktails to be had. Oh and everyone it seems has their favorite thrift store—cliché, yes? But wonderful nonetheless.

I am still working on some of these things. Like I don’t have a favorite coffee shop just yet and I am still not a regular at neighborhood coffee shop but it will happen. I know it.