Seattle

We spent a day in Seattle and got the flavor of the city.  We began by trying to figure out where to park without paying an arm and leg to visit Pike Place Market.  This place is pretty cool.  It’s one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets.   There are lots of people selling their wares, everything from honey to fish to fruit to magnets to handmade arts and crafts.  Basically everything and anything.  There are lots of samples to be had, and lots of things to see.  The main part seems to be the street level, but there are lower levels as well. The lower levels seemed quite a bit more tame and subdued, but the top level was where the action was.  We never saw any of the fishmongers throwing fish, which is too bad, because I hear that is quite a sight.  Sue bought a peach and some Rainier cherries for a snack later, and a couple of other souvenirs.  We also saw plenty of street performers playing guitar, viola, and saxophone.

We were driving by the Olympic Sculpture Park and I saw the big typewriter eraser and convinced Scott to stop.  We got out and stretched our legs by walking the park.  It was so cool and I loved all the sculptures.  Scott indulged me because he’s a good husband.  The Olympic Sculpture Park is a part of the Seattle Art Museum and houses a number of sculptures in a 9 acre outdoor park.

The park extends down to the waterfront, and sits right next to Myrtle Edwards Park, where there is a pocket beach.

Everyone told us to eat at Ivar’s, so after driving around downtown and looking at the sights, plus checking into the hotel, we headed back down to the waterfront.  It’s located on Pier 54 and includes a Fish Bar (basically fast food fish dishes) along with a sit-down restaurant.  We chose the fish bar, got fish and chips plus shrimp and their famous clam chowder and headed to an outdoor seating area overlooking the water. But it was not to be in peace, because there were a dozen or so NOISY sea gulls trying to get our attention for a little food.  There is a sign encouraging people to feed them, so feed them the people did.  And when they weren’t getting fed, the gulls let you know it.  And yes, the Ivar’s fish was good.

Then back to our hotel with the great view of the Space Needle in the dark.  Seattle was beautiful.