Galinda

I know I have German blood in me. My last name is Swank which was changed from Schwank upon coming to America. I am not sure my exact heritage or ancestors but I know my paternal Grandfather was German. One of my goals is to find out more about my heritage and then go to Germany. I really want to see the places where my ancestors lived and find out more about thier lives.

Tha Space Needle is worth it, if it’s your first visit to Seattle. It’s a piece of Seattle’s history so I think that everyone should at least go once.

I recently visited Seattle last month and had a wonderful time. I researched our trip quite thoroughly on the internet before we went and had an itinerary for our trip. Pretty anal but I had a lot of things I wanted to see. The only thing I regret is we tried to do to much! My suggestion would be to spend a whole day down and around Pike Place Market. Is is absolutely awesome! From the fish throwing to the fresh flowers to the unique shops all around it is fabulous. As far as the Space Needle definately overpriced but if it is your first trip to Seattle, I would still go. Just to say you did it. I would also recommend the Smith Tower in Pioneer square. Awesome views for half the price of the Space Needle. The Chinese room at the top is really neat as well. There is a wishing chair that is said to grant wishes of marriage within a year for any single woman who sits in it. I sat in and I am now engaged, so…I guess you will have to try it for yourself. I would also highly, highly recommend the Capitol Hill Murder Mystery Tour with Private eye tours! Jake was our guide and she was fantastic. You learn a lot about some interesting murders and people as well as some of Seattle’s history. For example, Ted Bundy, Kurt Cobain and Bruce Lee. After taking the tour our friends from Seattle told us we probably knew more about Seattle than they did. My other recommendation would be to research bus routes and get to know them well if this is how you plan on getting around Seattle. Otherwise it can be quite confusing and overwhelming. I’d have to say that was the only negative thing about our trip. I didn’t research that enough. I would also recommend getting a really good map of the city!!!!

I sponsor a young girl named Djimadoumngue from this country. I would love to go visit her someday. I really want to meet her and her family and see if the community has improved any since I began sponsoring her.