|
ISMRM 14th Scientific
Meeting and Exhibition |
About Seattle, Washington, USA
|
Did you know...
| About Pike Place Market: | |
 The world's
first Starbucks opened in the Market in 1971, and is still brewing up
beans at the site. The rest, you might say, is history. |
|
|
|
The Market
is a nine-acre National Historic District, and home to more than 100
farmers, 200 artists and craftspeople, 250 small businesses, 500
residents — and 50 street performers (who may perform anywhere there is
a musical note painted on the sidewalk). |
| About Seattle's Culinary Culture: | |
|
|
Washington
occupies the same latitude as most of France's great vineyards--perhaps
that's why state and regional wines are continually called
"award-winning" by The Wine Spectator and other gourmets. |
|
|
Geoduck--scary
to look at, tongue-twister to pronounce (say goo-ey-duck), and great in
chowder, sushi and other delectable presentations. |
| About Seattle's Lifestyle: | |
|
|
Seattle has
more two-wheeled commuters than any other American city. Could be due to
30 miles of bike-pedestrian trails, 90 miles of signed bike routes, and
16 miles of bike lanes on city streets. |
| About Seattle's Climate: | |
|
|
Seattle does
NOT lead U.S. cities in annual rainfall--that's just a rumor perpetuated
by wily residents. At 37 inches per year, it's less than Miami (56
inches), New York (42), Atlanta (51) and Boston (41), to mention only a
few. |
| About Seattle's Nightlife: | |
|
|
From
world-renowned Seattle Opera to legendary rock 'n' roll — and all that
jazz in between — the stage is always set for live concerts. |
|
|
Seattle's
vibrant theatre scene launches Broadway productions and exciting
alternative work on the fringe. If pirouettes are more your groove, our
dancers know the moves. Audiences are adventurous, embracing classics
and bold contemporary works. |
| About Seattle's Waterways: | |
|
|
Washington
State Ferries enjoy the distinction of being the nation's largest ferry
system and the state's number one tourist attraction. Tickets to ride:
Pier 52, on the downtown waterfront. |
|
|
Opening Day
of Yachting Season (first Saturday in May) marks the beginning of
Seattle's most active outdoor season with University of
Washington-hosted crew races and a witty parade that includes
well-appointed yachts and leaky rowboats. |
| About Seattle's History: | |
|
|
Pioneer
Square is Seattle's oldest neighborhood, and entirely preserved as a
National Historic District. It's the home of the original "Skid Road," a
term born when timber slid down Yesler Way to the waterfront. The
Underground Tour gives a unique perspective on Seattle's architectural
and cultural history. |
|
|
In 1914, the
Smith Tower in Pioneer Square was the tallest building west of the
Mississippi. Now it's merely the only building with elevators still
operated by real people. An observation deck at the top offers
commanding views of the downtown skyline and beyond. |
| About Seattle's Sports: | |
|
Alone among
Northwest cities, Seattle fields major league teams in all three primary
sports--baseball, basketball and football. |
|
|
|
For some of
the best views of the Seattle skyline, Cascades, Olympics, Mt. Rainier
and sunsets over the Sound, take your seat at Safeco Field or Seahawks
Stadium. |
|
Information from Seattle's Convention
and Visitors Bureau |
|
Important Facts about Seattle
Customs/VisaAll visitors traveling from outside the United States must have a passport for entry into the United States that is valid for six months after international travel concludes. Note that citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program must present a machine-readable passport upon entry to the United States, otherwise a visa is required. Entry visas are required for travel from some countries. The visa application process must be started as soon as travel to the United States is considered, and at least three to four months in advance of departure date. Please verify the entry documents necessary by contacting your local U.S. Consulate office, or your local travel agent.
Detailed visa information is available on the Visa Information page. Please review this information carefully to determine whether or not you need to apply for a visa.
CurrencyThe money system in the United States is based on dollars ($) and cents. International currency exchange services are located at banks throughout the city.
VoltageThe electrical voltage system in the United States is 110 volts. If you are traveling from a country outside of North America, you will need a proper voltage converter and adapter in order to operate your electrical appliances.
ClimateDuring the month of May, the average high temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17.8 degrees Celcius) and the average low temperature is 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8.3 degrees Celcius). The average precipitation level during the month of May is 1.77 inches.
Transportation Seattle offers many options to get you moving from where you are to where you want to go. Explore the many services available to you. Note that bus transportation is provided for free within the main downtown corridor. For more information on Seattle transportation options please visit the Seattle Transit and Commuting web site.
GolfWith more than 300 courses in the state, golf continues to attract. Seattle hosted the PGA Golf Championships (1998) and the World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational (2002). You'll find a winning course out there, too. Check out these web sites for more information: