A neon sign sharing its name beckoned all who arrived to follow it inside. The fresh saltwater air swarmed the nostrils of its victims, though to the populated fishing city, this smell brought a sentimental feeling. The chilly, but refreshing, breeze blew against the faces of the guests, turning their cheeks a rosy shade of pink. Crowded clusters of people busied around, stopping curiously at the array of welcoming vendors. Joyous voices of chatter and the echoing sounds of roaring laughter filled the ears of its visitors, as more and more voices joined in. The delectable smells of gooey pastries and mouth-watering meals swept through the air, so palatable, people wondered if they had ever properly eaten prior to their arrival.
The environment, so filled with life and energy, bubbled with enthusiasm. Merchant’s booths sat occupied, filled with anything one could possibly want. On the right, a long wooden table stood, filled with souvenir t-shirts and hoodies, decorated with popular Seattle tourist attractions and symbols. Ranging from any color of the rainbow, in a variety of warm fabrics and diverse fittings, newcomers crowded the booth, eager to attain a physical memory to be reminded of their travels. Across this popular business, local artists gathered, faces animated due to the palpable interest in their work displayed on the faces of their visitors. These works, though differing in mediums, sat beautifully, almost sparkling under the dull lights glistening above them. While some found amusement in the aesthetically pleasing look created as glossy paint splatters across the blank surface of a canvas, others found themselves drawn to the glistening silver or rustic gold of the handmade jewelry.
With every twist and turn, more was to be explored. Rows upon rows of vibrant, crisped, fresh fruits and vegetables sat patiently, hoping they would be chosen as the stars in a flavorsome home-cooked meal that would later be created. Farmers, bundled up in their cozy jackets, steaming lattes in hand, were driven to endure the long days spent behind their stations because of the smiling faces that greeted them. The covered area, designed to protect from the frequent rain that dampened the earth of the city, was infused with an assortment of delicacies. However, an outside selection was also available for the people that braved the cooling droplets of the sky.
The outside area featured familiar favorites, yet also contained closely-knit businesses that hoped to provide people with a taste of their foreign homes. The french bakery displayed golden- brown baguettes and cream-filled macarons, while the russian vendors sold doughy piroshkis, filled with a rich selection of silky chocolates or crumbled cheese. Outside, benches stood still, only as amusing as the individuals that chose it as their sight-seeing location.
One specific bench was constantly filled. It was decorated with graffiti markings and the small stenciled letters of lovers’ names, enveloped in large chunks of peeling wood that showed its age. In front of it lay the still, unaffected water of the Puget Sound, stretching on for so many miles, it was easy to get lost in its beauty. In the sleepy hours of the morning, a young girl and her mother sat in silence, before the chaos of the school day. The mother gazed lovingly at her child as they exchanged bites of a flaky chocolate croissant. Later in the afternoon, a stressed student caught a break, laptop in one hand, dark, energizing coffee in the other. The stillness of the water brought them a sort of peace another location was unable to supply. When the sunset graced the sky, a couple sat hand in hand, pondering their blessings as they watched the vendors pack up their booths and dream of the business tomorrow could bring.
While some people come with a mission in mind and expertly slip through the crowds, others take their time. Amazed by the unfamiliarity of their surroundings, they focus on absorbing any feeling they could find, like a studious child desperate for knowledge. They were most fascinated by the familiar tradition the local fishermen performed. These fishermen entertain the crowds and break any unwanted tension by tossing scaly fish they caught earlier that morning, to each other. These sea animals flew across the sky, bringing their potent smell along with them, as people’s eyes grew exceedingly larger. Smiling crowds gathered nearby to watch this phenomenon and feel united with the community that surrounds them.
Through all sorts of conditions, this place of shared wonder attracts individuals of all backgrounds. As the night sky overtakes the once bright shine of nature’s light, people slowly make their way back home, grocery bags filled with goodies in hand. The rhythmic drumming of the rain droplets seem to slow down, along with the energy of the vendors and guests, as they close for the night. Though it may be physically closed, the welcoming spirit lingers, ready for another bustling day as soon as the sun illuminates the sky.
