For years considered a sleepy city nestled in the American Northwest, Seattle has exploded in growth and popularity within the last fifteen years. Buoyed by the sucess of local businesses Microsoft and Startbucks, Seattle is now considered one of America's elite cities.

Home to over a half million Americans, making it the country's twenty-third largest city, Seattle combines the best elements of a large urban center with the idyllic promise of its beautiful mountaneous landscape. Like Rome, Seattle is built on seven hills and is the home to several distinct neighbourhoods that combined make up the Emerald City's charm.

Often considered a yuppie paradise with its upscale stores and access to expensive chalets, Seattle is also home to a thriving arts scene. In the early 1990s, Seattle became a national buzzword due to the incredible success of some of its many local rock bands.

Home to the Space Needle and professional sports teams like the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle is a metropolis that continues to grow. Despite the growth in urban infrastructure, Seattle still remains true to its natural roots. The constant sight of mountains and hills are a constant reminder that this burgeoning city is a modern oasis nestled within gorgeous nature.