Shiwani Srivastava is a freelance writer and a general wanderer (and wonderer) of the world. She lived in New York City for six years before moving to Seattle in 2005 to attend graduate school at the University of Washington. She currently lives in Seattle, but remains a Jersey girl at heart.

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A rude awakening from polite Seattleites

1 comment

July 8, 3:28 PM

by Shiwani Srivastava, Seattle Newcomer Examiner

I'm feeling a little homesick. No one's flipped me the bird, tried to run me over, or openly rolled their eyes at me in a while. It's not that New Yorkers are rude - they're just more familiar (you know, total strangers sharing their medical histories and major failures).

In my opinion, it sure beats the "Seattle Freeze" - people being nice enough, but never personal, which can be exhausting for newcomers seeking friends. And over the weekend, I had several encounters that reminded me why public interaction in Seattle can leave East Coasters feeling like they're in the Twilight Zone:

1.) When I was shopping for used CDs, a store clerk inexplicably handed me a cheaper version of an ablum I was about to buy. He seemed to possess no ulterior motives, nor any alien qualities...

2.) My cab driver and I had a conversation ... enough said.

3.) I was practically awarded a medal of honor for obeying the law by a pedestrian who waved, smiled, and mouthed "thank you" when I stopped at a clearly-marked crosswalk with flashing yellow lights.

Okay, maybe I disproved my own point. I'm glad that every day in Seattle isn't a Darwinian struggle. But I admit it - I miss the adrenaline rush from being a part of the implicit "Who's the most badass New Yorker?" competition and that weirdly familiar banter that leaves you with a smile on your face thinking, "I feel like I've known this person for years."

Topics: community , culture

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Is Seattle (or any city) safe from terrorism?

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November 27, 2:32 PM

I landed at JFK Airport yesterday, excited to be back in my element on the East Coast. But my daydreams of crisp Thanksgiving air and tasty pizza were quickly halted. First, it took me three hours to get from JFK to Newark International (it... Read More
Topics: politics

Tacoma is the New Jersey of Washington state

3 comments

November 19, 5:00 PM

Jersey can't get no respect. Sure, people call it "America's armpit." And yes, it's the butt of endless jokes (Why are New Yorkers so rude? Because the light at the end of the tunnel is Jersey). But people from Jersey... Read More
Topics: visitors , art , culture , out & about

There's no shame in dining out on Thanksgiving

3 comments

November 13, 5:37 PM

Expensive plane tickets and maddening airport lines got you staying in Seattle this Thanksgiving? Are you relatively new in town and worried you're trading in that traditional New England Thanksgiving dinner with family for Tofurky and watching... Read More
Topics: food , out & about

Why voting in Seattle was nothing like voting in New York

3 comments

November 9, 5:18 PM

It all started with the Washington caucuses. Sure, I'd heard of caucuses before - you walk into a room full of people, ask them their opinions, and try and get them to come over to your side. But I didn't believe it - it sounded too much like Lord... Read More
Topics: community , politics , Elections 2008

Rock the vote - and milk it for free stuff all around town

2 comments

November 3, 1:42 PM

America really is the land of the free. I'm not talking about the Bill of Rights (although I'm a huge fan). No, I'm talking about America's love and appreciation for free stuff. If exercising your civic duty as a citizen isn't enough incentive... Read More
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Paint Seattle red, white and blue at an Election Day party

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I was beginning to think the day would never come. But at last, Election Day is upon us. Looking back, it feels like ages ago we were overanalyzing Hillary's pantsuits and that time she sort of cried - maybe. If you're like me, you've built up... Read More
Topics: events , community , out & about , politics , Elections 2008

Halloween for grown-ups, Seattle style

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October 21, 8:33 PM

If you ask me, you're never too old for Halloween. Okay, so maybe dressing up in a scary costume, walking up to a house, and demanding something from the owner sounds like a felony when you're an adult. But why do kids get to have all the... Read More
Topics: events , community , out & about

Learning to vote the Seattle, Washington way

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October 10, 4:53 PM

It hit me like a ton of bricks today - this will be my first time voting in Washington State elections. So, it seems problematic that I know more about Gov. Corzine's record in New Jersey or Mayor Bloomberg's attempt to seek a third term in New... Read More
Topics: community , politics , Elections 2008

The Best Events for Seattle Newcomers

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October 1, 2:50 PM

It's tough being new in town. There's finding your way around, fighting off the Seattle Freeze, and most of all, figuring out what it means to be a Seattleite. But exploring a new city can also be thrilling, and Seattle in particular is home... Read More
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