Never I thought would I go to college and be the person to meet others from out of state, let alone take a trip to visit them. Sometimes, it's the people we meet in our lives that give us the real college experience. One of the greatest friends I met comes from Washington (state), and I knew that when I visited her, I probably wouldn't want to leave. Have you ever felt like that?

Countless moments were spent at my house for college get-away weekends or homemade meals, but i never truly understood what it was like to live so far away from school 'til I visited a friend out-of-state. As a Coloradoan, our weather is continuously bipolar, like on every level. Trust me, the weather has it's ups and downs and there's a really good chance that you can experience all 4 seasons in one week. Obviously, it rains in most states but I was blown away at how much it really rains in Washington, like HOW and WHY, but at the same time I was like, "OMG this is amazing because I love the rain..." so I guess it worked out for us both.

After the 6 days spent touring one of the most beautiful states, I have found 5 reasons why YOU should visit:

1. The Local Food (is to DIE for): I have to tell you right now that there was nothing better than eating fresh fish and mouthwatering local burger joints with killer milkshakes, pizza joints that gave you savory and heaven in your mouth, and don't forget the crêpes stand in the middle of a Pike Place Market (Seattle, WA).

2. The Views: it's no wonder people created trails alongside roads leading to the tops of mountains. The views are near breath taking. I mean, how often is it that you can stand on the top of a mountain, with low clouds covering the city, the city lights streaming through and a drizzle of rain? Or a look out into the ocean with no boats zooming around?
(Deception Pass, WA).

3. The Underground Tunnel: This is actually an underground tunnel, but the history of it is unbelievable, no way was Seattle originally created from this Underground Tunnel! (but yes it was.... and eventually the new Seattle was built on top of it when engineers realized that the old Seattle was built below sea level) Below features the first toilet ever invented, using wood pipes, not the hefty steel ones we have today.

4. The Original Starbucks: Yes, the first original Starbucks Coffee Shop. The line may go around the block but come on guys, it's the Original Starbucks Coffee Shop, the place where it all started (and with the original logo too!) If only the logo was still used on our coffee cups today...

5. Boutiques and Thrift Stores: First of all, lets just say that I have never been to so many small towns in such a small vicinity where thrift stores and boutiques are literally scattered around. It is how a lot of people get by, owning and running small thrift stores somehow attracts tourists from Seattle and brings in business. (I for sure won't lie about how much money I spent in those little stores, and the trinkets were one-of-a-kind, who could really say no?)

I have always loved traveling to places I've never been, it's what's called an adventure. The experience I had in Washington was incredible and I would definitely want to return in the near future. Washington has been the first state I've fallen in love with and could see myself living in, outside of Colorado. The views, food and shopping beats anywhere I've ever been but it's the feeling of a home away from home.