Last week I had to go to Spokane, Washington for some meetings. I had never been to Spokane and was excited to see a new city. It seemed as though everyone I encountered had been there and about 80% of people who had spent any time there said it was not very nice. The words "dump" and "dive" were used. Needless to say my expectations were low. Perhaps that is why I was so pleasantly surprised. I really liked Spokane! It has a whole bunch of trees, doesn't seem too big and the best part is the downtown area. It has a huge river and falls running down the middle of it and as a dam enthusiest I could hardly control my excitement. I also learned that the Grand Coulee dam, which is the largest concrete structure in the United States, is just a short drive away! Fantastic!
Speaking of driving, my only option for vehicles was a minivan, which I never really warmed up to. I don't see the allure. Anyway, for some reason my internal compass has been thrown off (I blame the baby) and I was constantly lost. I mean, there is only one freeway but for some reason I got my east and west all mixed up. This is not normal for me and I didn't like it one bit. I was trying to get back to my hotel, and the next thing I knew I was in Coeur d' Alene (is this the most difficult city in the country to spell?). For those of you not aware, this city is in Idaho, 40 miles from Spokane. I had to call Jake because I used to make fun of him when he would zone out on the way home from LA and end up in Mexico. Anyway, lucky for me I had nowhere to be and I had never seen Coeur d' Alene, which happens to be very beautiful. So it was kind of a two for one.
Spokane is definitely a place I would like to revisit with Jake. It appeared to be a very lovely city with plenty to do. Although when I returned and told my secretary about it she said "oh, so the hundreds of meth addicts hanging out downtown didn't bother you?" Um, either I missed them entirely or I was not actually in Spokane, which is a real possibility.
Speaking of driving, my only option for vehicles was a minivan, which I never really warmed up to. I don't see the allure. Anyway, for some reason my internal compass has been thrown off (I blame the baby) and I was constantly lost. I mean, there is only one freeway but for some reason I got my east and west all mixed up. This is not normal for me and I didn't like it one bit. I was trying to get back to my hotel, and the next thing I knew I was in Coeur d' Alene (is this the most difficult city in the country to spell?). For those of you not aware, this city is in Idaho, 40 miles from Spokane. I had to call Jake because I used to make fun of him when he would zone out on the way home from LA and end up in Mexico. Anyway, lucky for me I had nowhere to be and I had never seen Coeur d' Alene, which happens to be very beautiful. So it was kind of a two for one.
Spokane is definitely a place I would like to revisit with Jake. It appeared to be a very lovely city with plenty to do. Although when I returned and told my secretary about it she said "oh, so the hundreds of meth addicts hanging out downtown didn't bother you?" Um, either I missed them entirely or I was not actually in Spokane, which is a real possibility.
5 comments:
I think Spokane sounds a delight. What fun it must be that your job let's you go and explore all these marvelous places in the Northwest.
I have visited Spokane and Coeur d' Alene 3 or 4 times and think it is a great place. I think the downtown of Spokane built around the river, falls and old World's fair is a great place to hang out. I am glad you enjoyed your trip, and any excuse you have to explore to Coeur d' Alene is a good one.
My old stomping grounds! How exciting! Go 90 miles south of Spokane and you'll be in the awesomeness that is Moscow! I'm glad you liked it up there. Spokane and Coeur d' Alene are both places with great appeal, but also unfortunately, high rates of meth addicts. You're right, though, the downtown part is very nice. Riverside park is pretty cool and so is the "square" or mall in front of it and there is a Spaghetti Factory a couple blocks away!
As far as the Grand Coulee dam goes, it was the sight of the priceless Erin gem: "Dams are like gynecologists...I know we need 'em, but I just don't trust 'em."
I like Spokane too. I didn't see the meth addicts but then again I may may be used to it after living in Billings for so long. Your business trips are bringing you close to us. There is some unwritten rule that if any of us get within driving distance we have to get together for dinner or something. Let us know...
How're you feeling Steph? 'Bout ready to be done yet??
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