Seattle..

Alan and I explored Seattle today. The weather was beautiful drizzly and dismal. Last night we ventured out to a nearby pub so this morning was a bit of a late start. When we finally found the motivation to get out and explore this beautiful city it was around lunch time. We headed directly for a tea tasting tour near the market. After our tea education, which was highly enjoyable, we wondered towards old downtown. We opted out of the common Seattle tourist option of going up into the space needle and we decided to head for the tallest building in town. We climbed to over 1000 feet in the air for the most amazing view of the city. Unfortunately the fog had completely consumed Mt. Ranier but what view we were able to glimpse was exquisite.

Here in Seattle it seems as though there is a coffee shop on every corner. I'm not sure if coffee is so popular because the people in this city depend on caffeine due to the lack of sunshine or if coffee companies are trying to give Starbucks a run for their money (Starbucks started in Seattle). Either way we couldn't turn down the urge for a mid-afternoon latte and we stopped for one of the most delectable coffee's I've ever had. We passed through pioneer square and my eye was caught by a very unique retro clothing store. I tried to resist the urge but I was unable to. I unfortunately had a compulsive shopper relapse and I was forced to purchase myself a new outfit while Alan was shopping for a kilt next door. Silly, I know.... After our trip around the old part of town we headed for the market.

When we first started our journey we complained about the walking. Now, we look forward to walking around in new places. We would both rather park the car and walk simply because in most metropolitan areas transportation is much less stressful when you're walking. Our cities weren't designed for the amount of cars that now travel on the roads so usually the cities are a mess.

Anyhow, we walked about a mile and a half back to the market. The constant hustle and bustle of the market is enough to excite anyone. Our senses were overwhelmed. One minute we were watching the locals make cheese and the next minute we were eating dolmades (stuffed grape leaves). A little further into the market we indulged in some amazing curry. Where else but Seattle can you enjoy Afghan, Greek, American, Indian, authentic Chinese and Italian and French all in the same block? We were in foodie heaven. Everywhere we turned people were handing us free samples of fresh fruits, jerkies, and fish. I learned about new fruits and veggies and listened to some live street music. I tried a lychee for the first time. We rummaged through old book stores and we bought imported fresh loose leaf teas and dried fruits and fresh bread. Nothing compares to the Pike Street Market. The sights and sounds and smells of the market are so entertaining and intriguing that being there just makes time fly by. Once our senses were overwhelmed and our bellies were full so we headed back to our hostel for a quick time out. We refreshed with a cup of hot lychee tea.

That evening we walked back to the old area of Seattle and we took Bill Speidels Seattle Underground Tour (http://www.undergroundtour.com/). We had such a great evening. Our tour guide had a great personality. We laughed and we learned so much about Seattle's dirty little secrets like 87% of the city's money was funded by the 2500 prostitutes in 1888 thanks to a lovely pimpess named Madame Lou Graham. (http://www.historylink.org/index.cfmDisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=2762). We also learned about Seattle’s terrible crime and drug problem that was all taking place in the city that remained below Seattle. After our tour we wandered into a really cool bar ate some tater-tots and headed back to the hostel.

I feel like I'm walking down
the street smiling at everyone that I meet simply because I'm so happy at this point in my life. I love all of these new experiences and I'm definite that Alan does as well. This trip has taught us a lot about ourselves and each other. We left Seattle with happy faces and bellies. Seattle was everything we thought it would be. Our hostel was amazingly clean and the unique artwork everywhere was awe-inspiring. (http://www.cityhostelseattle.com/) We had great roommates, a movie theater, a hot tub and a kitchen on every floor. The resident chef Brian was the bomb and everyone we met was super friendly and helpful. This is one place we definitely will return to soon. Next stop, Portland Oregon.