People watching atop the Space Needle . . .

People watching is always a theatrical experience . . . People watching atop the Space Needle is a theatre in the round with an ever-changing cast and fluid scene scapes . . .

Arthur, at the wine bar, has been busily serving, smiling, directing and educating all afternoon and into the evening. His once bustling circular bar is now reflecting the soft mood lighting as he carefully and thoroughly wipes down its surface, ending the day and readying it for tomorrow’s repeat performance . . .

Several pods of rowdy teens from NYC circle the o deck in alternating patterns. Their laughter and loud conversations are only interrupted for a moment when they look up at the visibly slanted roof and ask how they can get UP to the restaurant above so they can see it move . . . Though in reality the restaurant is below the o deck . . .

A young couple with touring packs on their backs, silently read the 18’ long history board of the needle’s humble beginning, from a concept drawn on a napkin, to the completion of the structure and beyond. They take in each word studiously and with a reverence that is lacked by those who quickly pass them by . . .

Differing sizes of colorful screens face those who attempt to capture a moment in time and their personal history with a variety of cameras and cell phones . . .

With the last remnants of today’s sunset finally gone, lovers both young and old linger by the railing soaking in a final embrace, sharing a memorable kiss before they make their way back inside . . .

Little ones with fingers placed in their mouths, use their other fingers to point to the twinkling lights of the city as they begin to dot the buildings in the twilight sky . . .

All shapes and sizes, who stand in line waiting for their elevator coach ride back down to the city floor, share their day’s memories as they look back through the digital images on their electronic handhelds . . .

A visiting 4 generation family gathers together for a group hug. Their departure leaves behind only scattered chairs round a table adorned with empty Starbucks cups . . .

A banquet of older folks now make their way around the inner deck, looking out across the water. Dressed in their finest, their gowns and suits are punctuated by large white sticky rectangles trimmed in red, with their names proudly displayed for all to read . . .

A cascade of Mylar balloons happen by bearing the salutation “Happy Birthday“. Their handler -- concealed by their number and bulk . . .

Swinging her socked feet happily, a baby contented on her mother’s lap, quietly takes in the sparkle of the view outside the window by which they sit . . .

As the night sky quickens its pace, turning it's color from hues of blue to misty black, bright flashes begin to pulse steadily on the outer deck, lighting faces of loved ones before a backdrop of the Seattle skyline . . .

Two young brothers, with neatly cropped hair, sit side by side in tall chairs directly facing a window. The unison of their matching pants and jackets are only surpassed by their synchronized sipping of their hot chocolate . . .

A gray headed gentleman leans in to within inches of the inner wall, to view the drawings and photos hanging there . . .

The baristas work feverishly together to serve the lengthening line at the snack bar and espresso counter. Short hand for latte lingo is quickly scribbled down the side of empty cups by one before they are passed to the other who busily pushes down a symphony of pumps, like keys on a pipe organ, that help create the individualized beverages . . .

A solo worker makes her way in a clockwise path ‘round the o deck with her broom and dustpan. Little flicks of her right wrist create a little rift sound with the broom as she sweeps up tiny droppings of straw papers, ticket stubs and banana bread crumbs. Her task is only interrupted by an occasional straightening of a chair or table . . .

With the noise quieting itself, whispers of conversations shared by intimate groups of people huddled around the small circular tables, can now be heard. With their feet gratefully propped up on the bottom runs of the bar stool high chairs, people share intently what is currently on their minds and in their hearts . . .

The bright red hair of a woman, reflects the glow of each spotlight she walks under in her search for her family members . . .

As he fills his elevator to capacity, the young man assures those left behind the black nylon stanchions, that he will be right back to get them. More gather in the line, and when he returns, the twinkle in his brown eyes and smile surrounded by his thickly sculpted auburn beard, give no hint of the tiredness he feels in his body, or the length of his up and down day . . .

Raindrops have just begun to dot the window panes, and ride on the shoulders of those who brave the outer deck at this late hour. The rain may dampen their clothes, but their enthusiasm for their experience remains unweathered . . .

People watching atop the Space Needle . . . A wonderful theatrical experience that raises oneself above the daily grind, and gives the soul a chance to breathe in the fresh air of renewal . . .