Farewell 2009, It’s Time to Go

It’s the last day of the year.  New Year’s Eve.  A time to bid a fond adieu to 2009, and to the first decade of this new century.  The overall consensus seems to be that 2009 needs to go – and fast!  And we can all remember that as we count down the time to 2010.

My New Year’s Eve plans consist of checking into a hotel for the weekend, dinner tonight with friends, and then watching the fireworks at the Space Needle.  Presuming, of course, that we’re all able to stay awake for the festivities.

The fireworks, listed among the top 10 in the country, kick off at midnight, and can be viewed from a number of spots around the area.  Maybe you’re fortunate to have a view from your own home, or you can drop in on friends.  Or maybe, like me, you have a hotel room that offers either a room with a view, or a public area with a view.  If not, you’ll have to brave the weather (the forecast is for the mid-40’s), and find an outdoor viewing spot.  Here are a few suggestions:

Seattle Center – Just stop and look up, and you’ll see it all.  It will be crowded, typically around 50,000 people, but it’s Seattle’s equivalent to New Year’s in Times Square.  The small fry wanting to see the fireworks can enjoy it from the slumber party at the Pacific Science Center.

The Needle – Two parties are held at the Needle.  A six-course dinner at SkyCity at the Needle, followed by dancing on the Observation Deck ($250/person), or, if you want to just come for dancing at the party ($125/person).  Call (206) 905=2100 for reservations.  You’ll need to make reservation by phone, as they aren’t available for this event online.  The observation deck will be closed to the general public for this private party.

Anywhere on Elliottt Bay – The view of the city and the Space Needle from the water is always spectacular, and the fireworks make it even more so.  It’s night like this that make me want to work on my night photography.

Queen Anne Hill – Overlooking the city and the Space Needle, there are a number of neighborhood viewing spots.  If you scout in out in advance, you can park the car, bring some blankets, a thermos full of hot beverages, and lay on the hood.  Makes you feel like a teenager all over again.

West Seattle – From Alki you can get a nice view of the city and the Needle, and although the fireworks will look smaller from this distance, it’s no less awe inspiring.

Bellevue – I’ve heard that some of the office buildings and hotels offer views of the city, but I’ve not been able to confirm it.  If you know for certain, please share the info in the comments.

As the year comes to an end, there are some heartfelt thank-you’s to pass along:

• To the people at PlanetEye Traveler, from the gang at headquarters in Toronto (Jonah and Juan, who I’ve met, and the others that I haven’t), to our writers around the world, thank you all for your commitment and passion to travel, and to your belief in the information we share and the stories we tell.
• To my fellow travel bloggers, those I’ve met in person as well as those I only know online, thank you for your camaraderie, helping hand, referrals, and for making the world sit up and take notice of the incredible travel writing that’s available, in all forms and genres, on the web.
• To travel PR folks, thank you for “getting” what it is that we’re doing, and for understanding the importance of travel blogging and bloggers in bring travel messages to all our readers.
• To my airline, thank you for staying in business.  My day job fuels (and funds) my passion for travel, from simple layovers to personal time at vacations spots around the world.  It’s a great example of do what you love and love what you do.
• To family and friends, who accompany me on so many of my travels, a big thank you for putting up with my constant need to be “wired” and for indulging me that one last online look before we head out the door.  You’ve been with me since I started on this travel blogging journey nearly four years ago, and I couldn’t have done it without your support, encouragement, and love.

I’ll see you all next year – may 2010 bring you good health, much  joy, and many happy travels!

Photo credit: kashyap_hc @flickr