CHINATOWN-International District, SEATTLE, WA

Widespread influence of Asian culture in the form of people, businesses, and architecture (such as the Chinese gate at Union Station) was a key takeaway during our visit to the CID. The western portions of the neighborhood were developed with clean, newly paved roads and sidewalks amongst modern business centers and transit stations. Our group managed to explore mostly the CID's west region, primarily concentrated with Chinese and light Japanese influence in contrast to the east region's Vietnamese presence.

Walking further to the center of the neighborhood leads to a different sight than our first impressions upon entering the CID. Numerous small, local-owned Asian businesses lined practically every street, especially Chinese businesses. The businesses themselves provide a broad range of services scattered throughout the neighborhood, from humble Chinese grocery shops and restaurants to privately-owned clinics. Sidewalks progressed to a duller grey, more abandoned/closed businesses appeared, observed vandalism increased, and more trash was seen around the streets. This transition was apparent as we reached closer to the I-5 highway, carrying a slight diesel odor likely emitted from the highway's bustling traffic.

Much of the people walking the streets were a complex mix, with elderly Asian people comprising a large portion of that mix seen in parks, residential areas, and the aforementioned grocery shops. Homeless people are occasionally seen on these same streets. A lot of public transport can be observed especially on the west of CID including buses and light rail. Smoking was also not an uncommon occurrence within the neighborhood as even elderly people were seen with cigarettes at Hing Hay Park.