Orphans

I'm new to travel and still grasping certain truths about it. Like, everywhere you go, there you are. Maybe the reason I'm so comfortable going to a place where nobody knows me is because I am so comfortable not being spoken to, not answering the phone, not feeling obligated. Make no mistake, my habitual tendencies have followed me to the west and nag me constantly to see a movie not the Space Needle, read a book instead of hitting Pike Place Market. And yesterday, I listened to that voice. And that voice and I saw King Kong and spent a large amount of time in an incredible book store called Elliot Bay Books where I picked up a very good, small book called Orphans by Charles D'Ambrosio.

I usually don't like to pick up books without recommendation but this one received glowing reviews from the staff and I liked the way it looked. Orphans is published by Clear Cut Press - a publishing and distribution company from North Pacific America, who's principal business is the production of well-published, original softbound books that just happen to be superbly designed and can fit in your pocket.

I had an hour to kill before King Kong and did end up making it to the Space Needle, a 570 foot intrusion on the Seattle skyline. I don't know how long it has been there, when it was built or why, and I didn't care. It's impossible to escape the thrill of being that high up. I fought it, yup, sure did. I scowled at the overweight children clammoring to the windows, pressing their sticky faces on the glass leaving behind bits of hamburger and french fry. I tried to figure out what type of person works at the space needle. I judged, I mumbled, but when the elevator started up and I headed to the Sky Cafe, I was elated and forgot all about the company I was keeping.

On the way back down, a descent that lasts 2 minutes tops, our elevator operator, Amber, said that if we had any questions, we should feel free to shout them out. I surveyed my fellow riders, 3 bratty kids, their mom making out in the corner, a middle-aged couple and their middle-aged couple of friends and a gaggle of girls. It was no shock when middle-aged guy number one nudged his girlfriend and blurted out, "Do you think the Seahawks are going to win the Superbowl?" Chuckles from everyone, followed by silence while they waited for the answer. Now, Amber, who looks as though she might have been turned over a couple of times and shaken, is no magic eight ball, but you wouldn't have known that from looking around the elevator car. Even the mom in the corner sucking face with her boyfriend/husband/escort came up long enough to see what Amber would predict - her kids thrilled to see that she could still remove her face from her male friend.

I wanted to help Amber out, but didn't. She made the offer and now she would have to own up. I felt no sympathy for the girl, because even I know that that Steeler defense may be good, but they won't be able to stop Shaun Alexander.