City Of Steel

I often call Bellevue the "City of Steel", not only because of the modern glass and steel buildings that adorn the downtown area, but also because of the cold people that I have found living there, and the reserve of steel one must have to deal with it.

 Unless you fit into the group of so called "socialites",no one will speak to you. If you are not wearing designer clothes,or carrying the latest "it-girl" handbag you will be stared at as you enter one of their restaurants or coffee houses.

 Shame on you! Where is your compassion? Where is your friendliness,and your willingness to help your neighbor? We are all bent on wanting to be a "Good Samaritan", but when it comes right down to it,we look the other way!

 

I recently had my car towed from a local shopping mall. Everyday, I would walk across the street from there,and stop for coffee before going into work. I would talk to the security guards in the morning, say hello to the local area folks, and chat with customers as they came into the shop, so people knew me,knew where I worked, and were used to seeing my car. I guess they never paid attention. 

 

So, needless to say,when I came out to find my car had been towed away after almost two months,I was quite shocked. If only they had said SOMETHING,or posted a note on my windshield (even a nasty one) I would have gladly moved my vehicle. Instead, on a cold, rainy afternoon, with no warning, my car was gone.

 

How heartless can folks be? I had no jacket,my umbrella got turned inside out,and I had no transportation to get back home that day.  As I made my way, by foot ,I was treated like a homeless person, as I stopped to catch my breath, dripping from the rain at a local Starbucks. 

Is this how we treat  our guests and tourists?  This is not a warm welcome.  All I wanted was the ability to get to a park and ride so that I could take a bus home. Instead, I walked several miles to get there.

In a world where we proclaim peace and brotherly love, not one single person offered assistance,a smile, nothing , yet every day I serve others.

 

 

One of my favorite quotes comes from a local band Deathcab For Cutie, it is a new song, that says "And if you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born,then it's time to go..
and define your destination. There's so many different places to call home.
Because when you find yourself the villain in the story you have written,it's plain to see, that sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions,would you agree?"  (From the song "You Are A Tourist")

I had never felt more like an outsider in a city that I currently call my home.

 

 Next time, THINK before you act. That person sitting across the table from you ,that stranger could be someone that is loved, a mother, a father, a sister, a brother,someone that needs help. Don't turn away.

 

Don't give someone an "unfashionable" welcome.

Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts

BellevueGrl 

 

Photo Credits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Bellevue,_Washington

Lars Christenen : http://www.123rf.com/photo_710335_a-womman-is-walking-alone-in-the-rain.html

walking in the rain:http://aleaveofabsence.com/?m=20100504