The B Side is the wee bit lighter side of Exit133.com - a website about Tacoma.
General : By Kimberley Tibbert
Finding a Piece of Home in Tacoma
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When I first move to a new city, the first two things I seek are not the area with the best school district, nor the lowest crime rate, but rather a fabulous coffee shop-cum-breakfast place and an Irish pub in which to watch my beloved Liverpool play in the English Premier League (EPL).
These are the things that truly make me feel at home.
My first visit to Tacoma was on a side jaunt from Seattle, straight off the late ferry from Vashon Island. My first impression therefore involved the words “port” and “dirty.” Bottom line: impressed I was not.
My second visit three months later wasn’t much more successful than my first. I swung by Doyle’s to see if there was any chance that they’d be playing the match but the waitress was unable to give me a straight answer, “We’re showing it, I just don’t know when.”
Rather than risk showing up early and finding it closed, I decided to brave the drive to Seattle to watch the 10am replay, even though several east coast friends text-messaged me the score before I got there.
When I made the move here at the beginning of June, I made a conscious effort to like Tacoma. I wanted to love Tacoma since, after all, I’d decided to move here.
When football season was upon us again, I’d not found an Irish pub to call home. Sure, they all served acceptable pints of Guinness and okay food but I sought the camaraderie one only found over a few pints and the sort of fight only resolved by one’s colours; the colours of one’s team.
A strange thing started to happen; I discovered that there were in fact other people in Tacoma just like me, thanks to the Forums on Exit133. Others were seeking a place to watch the match and call home. One name popped up again and again: Doyle’s.
I dragged my arse out of bed at some unconscionable hour on a Saturday morning and arrived at Doyle’s to find just four people: the bartender, two birds drinking Stella, and some bloke wearing my team’s jersey. A bit disappointed by the turnout, I settled in to watch the match and check out the scene. By the end of the match I’d become a member of the 100 pint club thanks to Steve, introduced myself to Russ, made sure I knew which team the other co-manager (Dave) supported, chatted with some talkative American who sat next to me at the bar, and also managed to insult a Villa fan.
My day was complete and Tacoma started to feel like somewhere I could call home.
Kimberley Tibbert moved to Tacoma in June from Washington DC. She’s also lived in Northamptonshire, England; Boston, Massachusetts; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her first impressions of Tacoma are published here.
Link | Posted on 12. September 2007, 09:14
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1 | Posted by Bryan | Sep 13, 08:45 PM
Okay. Here’s another example of why I keep reading this blog.
I was born and raised in Tacoma and I still wonder why anyone would want to move here.
I agree with Kimberley on one thing for sure…Tacoma does seem pretty decent after a Guiness or six.
2 | Posted by Mofo from the Hood | Sep 13, 09:26 PM
Mofo that’s like asking anyone born and raised in Boston, D.C., London, L.A. or Sydney why people would want to move to those cities. I didn’t know about Tacoma’s grity past until talking to a local business owner, and I’m sure some wouldn’t know about the so-called hoods in D.C. or Boston, nor Sydney and London for that matter unless they’d been around the block a time or two.
Thanks Bryan – I’m glad to be here.
3 | Posted by Kimberley | Sep 14, 07:36 AM
Right. When you compare Tacoma to Boston, D.C., London, L.A. or Sidney—-five of history’s most decadent cities—-Tacoma does seem pretty decent, and even better with a Guinness or six.
4 | Posted by Mofo from the Hood | Sep 14, 08:49 AM
I have my Liverpool banner and my “Everton is Magic” button along with many programs and trinkets from my visits to cousins, aunts and uncles in Liverpool. Always a lively debate amongst that crew. Welcome to Tacoma.
5 | Posted by Droid16 | Sep 14, 09:10 AM
When I hear “Liverpool” I think “The Beatles.”
6 | Posted by Mofo from the Hood | Sep 14, 09:15 AM
Hey! We just got our 2 cool Irish pubs. A little respect please, while they find the way.
Of course people want to move here. A sweet older home, with stunning views of the mountain and the sound for the same price that you could afford a rundown rancher in south Seattle?
7 | Posted by Christy | Sep 14, 11:45 AM
We’re glad you’re here Kimbo, and a pub sure beats Tivo when it comes to watching a real football game (ie where the ball actually touches a player’s foot)!
8 | Posted by Tub | Sep 14, 12:12 PM
Kimbo? Gee, that just sent me back to my primary school days.
Mofo – some of the areas I’ve seen in Boston, D.C., London and Syndey wouldn’t be considered so decadent, trust me.
Christy, I’ve nothing against the Irish bars here in Tacoma other than the time zone. I cannot say enough good things about my new found home, other than Dave’s love of Spurs.
Andrew: you’re supporting the wrong team mate. “Up the Choffees”
9 | Posted by Kimberley | Sep 14, 02:09 PM
Thank goodness for Dave.
Misery loves company.
10 | Posted by marc w. | Sep 14, 02:37 PM
I know it’s a bit of a tangent, but I have to enjoy it while it last.
Gunners go top!
11 | Posted by Michael Bottorff | Sep 16, 11:38 AM
Kim, great to have you and great timing. You came when this city is really turning into something. You will get to watch it happen…. so grab a guinness, watch the match and enjoy life in Tacoma.
12 | Posted by Ken A. | Sep 16, 10:58 PM
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