Here’s another picture from last night’s trip to Emerald Downs, this one taken from our table in the dining room. Not only did we get this choice view of Mt. Rainier, we were situated at a table right on the finish line. Not bad.
I can’t quite explain it, but using this picture of Mt. Rainier is given me a sense of déjà vu, like I posted about it and other Seattle area landmarks before. For instance, Romain still really wants to go up in the Space Needle, perhaps THE most touristy/landmarky thing related to Seattle. Doing so is kind of expensive and, to me, not that significant. I’ve done it three times in my life. The first time was soon after my family moved to the area in 1974. And the other two were on Chloe’s and Ella’s 13th birthdays, occasions on which we even had dinner in the overpriced restaurant. So I can certainly understand Romain’s interest. But this déjà vu feeling is about not being overly excited about doing the stereotypical touristy things.
Still, look at Mt. Rainier. Pretty spectacular, isn’t it? Is just looking at it a stereotypical touristy thing?
Andy Smallman 
It’s hard for visitors to ignore those touristy things, since they often define a place, at least in the public media sources. I am one of those who provide tours at the second most visited tourist attraction in Southern California, the Getty Center (you can guess the number one attraction), and we’re delighted to be included in planned visits, by locals or by out of town/out of country folks. We think we have more significant reasons for people to visit our attraction, but if it’s just touristy, that’s okay too. One difference — other than parking and food (which can be ordinary people priced, or fancy priced), it’s FREE. Maybe I’ll see you there.