Seattle, Washington

Thursday, September 24

A day I have really been looking forward to as we were to catch up with my English cousin, Elaine who now lives in Seattle. The ship docked around 6.00 am and we were up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready to disembark at 8.00 am. We breakfasted in the Lido Restaurant and had a great view over Seattle's city skyline and the Space Needle that distinguishes its skyline from others. At 8.00 am we were at the gang plank waiting to leave and after a quick walk through US Immigration, we were out and in the car park where Elaine was waiting. She had borrowed her bosses' SUV to make driving the five of us around that much easier.

Catching up with Elaine at her new Townhouse

First stop was her new townhouse for coffee and French pastries - my ideal start to a day! Elaine moved into it in February and her decorating skills were evident everywhere - a really lovely place with great views too. It was so nice just relaxing and catching up again.

Queen Anne Lookout

From there we drove to Queen Anne lookout where the best views over Seattle are had. Sadly, it was a bit misty but we still had a good view over Puget Sound and the outlying islands as well as the city skyline - and Mt. Rainier was visible too! After lots of photo taking we headed for Chihuly Gardens and Glass - an exhibition of Northwest artist, Dale Chihuly's fabulous glass work. It includes both indoor and outdoor spaces as well as a glasshouse. It is, without a doubt, one of the most sensational exhibitions we have ever been to and the glass sculptures were nothing short of amazing. We could have spent much longer there but had the time constraint of having to be back on board the ship by 3.00 pm ready for our 4.00 pm sail away.

Works by Dale Chihuly

Next stop was Pike Place Market. My recollections of Seattle and the market are clouded by the fact that last time we were here, I was coming down with a bout of flu and a fever so didn't take too much in but it was great today to be fit and well and able to absorb the vibrant atmosphere. The market includes the famous fish stalls where salmon are thrown and caught by the vendors - no mean feat with a slippery large salmon. We were surprised to see how cheap flowers are in Seattle - good sized bunches start @ $5 and go to $15 - imagine that in Melbourne! Tony found a couple of Collectables shops so, of course, had to check for medals. It was then time for lunch but it took quite a while to get to the restaurant because we all found great photo opps along the way, including the first Starbucks store and the only one remaining using the original "risqué" logo.

Pike Place Market

The restaurant was excellent and we all enjoyed a lovely meal and glass of wine before heading back to the car, via the market, so that I could stop & buy some of Seattle's famous (& absolutely delicious) doughnuts with maple syrup and bacon!! Elaine's timing was impeccable and she had us back at the ship just before 3.00 pm. A really nice day was had by all - thank you so much Elaine. Looking forward to reciprocating in Australia!

 

 

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