Seattle has long been made fun of for its months of dreary weather, but when the sun comes out, this city shines. The surroundings are amazing with Elliott Bay and Lake Washington on either end of the city with a view of Mount Rainier in the distance. The city has come alive in recent years aided primarily by the success of its computer industry (Microsoft and Amazon.com are based here) and the influx of new residents from around the US.
Gay Seattle is primarily centered around Capitol Hill, a quaint, friendly neighborhood, but you'll find gay people living and working throughout this city and in its computer industry in the surrounding suburbs.
If you have firm travel plans, it’s definitely easier, less frustrating, and cheaper to buy European train tickets in advance. Rail Europe, the folks that bring you a dizzying array of rail passes, has recently upgraded its Web site (www.raileurope.com) to make it easier to find and purchase point-to-point tickets in Europe.