• The weather here is extremely unpredictable. One day can be sunny and 85 degrees, and the next can be chilly and 60 degrees. Bring a wide variety of clothing, from shorts and tshirts, to sweaters and pants. Even in the summer, when the weather is around 70-80 degrees, the evenings can be very cool and chilly, so you will want to carry a jacket.
  
• Seattle's traffic is the worst in the nation, behind Los Angeles. Avoid rush hour traffic during the weekday, and if you need to use the Interstate, especially 520 or I-405, allow yourself extra time.
  
• Pay attention to traffic signs. HOV (carpool lanes) require two passengers, but sometimes they require three passengers. The fine is pretty expensive.
  
• Most of downtown Seattle's roads are one-way, and be careful about pedestrians jumping in front of you. Also be warned that lots of places in downtown require you to pay for parking. Some parking lots are very reasonable, while others charge $9 for two hours.
  
• Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland are approximately eight miles east of Seattle, just on the other side of the 520 bridge. These cities are commonly referred to as "the Eastside."