To Pay, or Not to Pay – For the Space Needle, That is!

Even after traveling to twenty-plus countries, I still get a thrill out of seeing sights a city is known for – Tower Bridge in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, South Beach in Miami, and on my recent trip to Seattle, THE SPACE NEEDLE!!


As a sight shown in 90% of the images I’ve seen of Seattle, I was excited at the prospect of going being a part of it – that is, actually **inside** the Space Needle.


Fiance was somewhat mystified with this intense desire of mine. Why the obsession?  I think a large part of it has to do with feeling I’m not missing out on something.  Would me taking a trip to Seattle and not visiting the iconic landmark make me a bad traveler?  The last thing I want to be is a bad traveler.


On my first morning there, between rain and light flurries, I captured this image of the Space Needle – as you can imagine, it was very exciting for me:


The Infamous Space Needle

 


As the morning progressed, I realized everywhere I went, the Space Needle was within my zone. Even this cafe had a mock Space Needle (I actually liked the quirkiness of this much more than the “real” structure.)


The Space Needle where you least expect it The Space Needle where you least expect it

 


As I thought more about it, I found myself debating if it was really worth the $20 -ish to go to the top. What is Washington State known for? Starbucks, Microsoft, The Space Needle.  But if I’m inside the landmark, would my outlook be that exciting?  Shouldn’t I instead go to a place where I could actually get a panoramic view of the beautiful skyline?


 


Olympic Sculpture Park with the Space Needle in the background (of course!) Olympic Sculpture Park with the Space Needle in the background (of course!)

 


As I drove right under the towering figure – it appeared to need a face lift. Would it be worth it? Would it not?


(I’m hoping some of my fellow travelers out there can relate to this internal struggle.)


I think the main factor in my final decision came down to budget. I was doing a little experiment during my time in Seattle to see how I could make the most of a day without spending more than about $100 on food and activities. As much as I enjoy paying a sight what it’s worth for an authentic experience, I also enjoy eating – like, a lot. I had a feeling, my $100 would be taken up by the foodie in me, so I made a mature decision to forgo the trip up and enjoy the views from various parts of the city.


 


Shenanigans! Shenanigans!

 


So my dear SN – it was not meant to be this time around. Maybe next time, when I’ve had my fill of enjoying your stature from afar, I will make my way to your top. For now, I do not have any regrets as I embraced every view of you, from each opportunity that came my way.


Now it’s your turn. Have you traveled to a place and had an internal debate (or external debate with companions) about going somewhere or doing something? Do share!

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Published on April 04, 2013 16:16
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