I have been so impressed with how friendly everyone we have come into contact with. It almost makes me question if the south really is the friendliest place in the country... almost! :) Everyone is welcoming, answers questions and always greets us with a smile on their face. This morning, after our meal in the dinner where Tom Hanks first learned about tiramisu, we walked around the market making purchases for our week on Orcas Island. I got free samples of honey and cheese and I enjoyed listening to the advise and opinion of the vendors.
We decided to go over to West Seattle, sort of what we stare at from our hotel. It is accessible by a thirty minute or so cab ride, or, as we chose, a 15 minute ferry, from which, you have a beautiful view of the city.
We enjoyed strolling down the sidewalks surrounded by people on skateboards, bikes and roller blades. In many ways, the sunny weather, the people watching, the ocean water and the exercising, it reminded me of Venice Beach in LA. After we began walking towards the central part of the area, we began to realize we were in for much more than we had expected. A pirate festival was going on! Pirates had come onto shore, bringing with them giant inflatable ships, hats, eye patches, swords and of course an interesting crowd of people. The people watching today was well worth the cost of the ferry!
Also on this peninsula was an old, but preserved light house. I have always had a fascination with light houses. Perhaps it is their beauty, and the fact that they somehow look regal, but I think for me, it all goes back to hope. Maybe, on a dark night, this light house has provided hope for a lost soul out in the water. Something about the power of light and hope on a dark night, just brings a smile to my face.
On the peninsula, I also saw a two-person bike, like the one that my friends and I had rented on Lido last year. It brought back some wonderful memories of trying to steer the odd little vehicle down narrow streets, the steering wheel that in fact did nothing and the difficult task of pedaling up even the smallest of inclinations. Yes, even just seeing that bike made me laugh to remember all of the good laughs we had together last summer.
Traveling helps me to relive and remember my other travel experiences; I guess that is why I will never stop traveling!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
To Market!
I love walking through markets. I don't always have to buy something, it is more the experience. The people. The aromas. The life in the market. I love seeing people as they purchase fresh foods for their dinner, or for a special occasion. I am always impressed with the people who set up and take down all of the beautiful foods each morning and evening, what dedication. I didn't know what to expect in Seattle, but I have certainly found some great places!
We are staying at a wonderful Inn that is right next to a very large market. This market is famous for their "fish throwers." These men have one of the smelliest jobs around, and yet they have made it fun. They yell and sing and throw fish back and forth, it's a pleasure to watch someone who really loves what he/she is doing. The flowers in this market are astounding, beautifully arranged and incredibly affordable. I know if I lived this close to a market with flowers like these, I would have a fresh arrangement on my table at least once a week.
During our exploration in the market I also got to sample "Oh My God" Peaches, dark chocolate pasta, balsamic vinegar, honey from a straw, olive oils and breads. It was all wonderful, and who doesn't love a "shopping day" where you can taste your way through the store?
We wandered around the city the rest of the day, to Pioneer Square and Chinatown, then down to the water. I am so impressed with how clean this large city is. Not only is there not a lot of trash, but I don't even feel that much smog. I am also surprised with the very large population of homeless people wandering the streets. A city that sees rain most of the year does not seem like a place where one without a roof over his/her head would want to be. On the other hand though, seeing so many homeless people makes me think that the people of Seattle are a warm, welcoming bunch who give and take care of those around them. We have not felt unsafe at all, but maybe a little uncomfortable (probably caused by guilt).
One of my favorite stops during the day was at an old book store. No, it was not a store necessarily for old books, just a book store that had been there for decades. I loved walking on the worn hardwood floors that creaked, and rubbing the wooden shelves that were smooth from all the hands that had searched for the perfect book. It is neat to be in a place that you can tell has been loved and cherished by many for so long.
During our stroll through the market, we purchased some local cheeses, fresh breads, and local wines. Our hotel has a wonderful veranda, where we found a table and toasted the sunset with our delicious purchases. It was a beautiful way to end a great day!
This morning, we drove east of the city to some beautiful falls. The falls were breath-taking, but what was even more incredible was the woods on the way to the falls. The hike was quite strenuous at times, but through an old forest with huge, moss-covered trees and ferns that often equaled my height. It was quiet in the forest, and the path was well worn from many previous travelers.
On our drive home, we stopped at a winery, Chateau St. Michelle and learned a little bit more about the wine-making process, which I still don't really understand, although I have heard the process many times. Most of the wineries here actually grow the grapes in a different part of the state, a dryer area. So, we got to see the winery, but not the actual vineyard.
We all have our addictions, whether they be good or bad. I know I am addicted to Facebook, and honey. For some it is alcohol, shopping or even trivia games. The people of Seattle are addicted to coffee. I have never seen so many coffee places. Not just Starbucks, but what seems like thousands of others! We couldn't drive a mile today without passing four or five coffee places. There is at least one on every block in the city - it is really amazing. I guess it is a shame that I don't like coffee.
We are staying at a wonderful Inn that is right next to a very large market. This market is famous for their "fish throwers." These men have one of the smelliest jobs around, and yet they have made it fun. They yell and sing and throw fish back and forth, it's a pleasure to watch someone who really loves what he/she is doing. The flowers in this market are astounding, beautifully arranged and incredibly affordable. I know if I lived this close to a market with flowers like these, I would have a fresh arrangement on my table at least once a week.
During our exploration in the market I also got to sample "Oh My God" Peaches, dark chocolate pasta, balsamic vinegar, honey from a straw, olive oils and breads. It was all wonderful, and who doesn't love a "shopping day" where you can taste your way through the store?
We wandered around the city the rest of the day, to Pioneer Square and Chinatown, then down to the water. I am so impressed with how clean this large city is. Not only is there not a lot of trash, but I don't even feel that much smog. I am also surprised with the very large population of homeless people wandering the streets. A city that sees rain most of the year does not seem like a place where one without a roof over his/her head would want to be. On the other hand though, seeing so many homeless people makes me think that the people of Seattle are a warm, welcoming bunch who give and take care of those around them. We have not felt unsafe at all, but maybe a little uncomfortable (probably caused by guilt).
One of my favorite stops during the day was at an old book store. No, it was not a store necessarily for old books, just a book store that had been there for decades. I loved walking on the worn hardwood floors that creaked, and rubbing the wooden shelves that were smooth from all the hands that had searched for the perfect book. It is neat to be in a place that you can tell has been loved and cherished by many for so long.
During our stroll through the market, we purchased some local cheeses, fresh breads, and local wines. Our hotel has a wonderful veranda, where we found a table and toasted the sunset with our delicious purchases. It was a beautiful way to end a great day!
This morning, we drove east of the city to some beautiful falls. The falls were breath-taking, but what was even more incredible was the woods on the way to the falls. The hike was quite strenuous at times, but through an old forest with huge, moss-covered trees and ferns that often equaled my height. It was quiet in the forest, and the path was well worn from many previous travelers.
On our drive home, we stopped at a winery, Chateau St. Michelle and learned a little bit more about the wine-making process, which I still don't really understand, although I have heard the process many times. Most of the wineries here actually grow the grapes in a different part of the state, a dryer area. So, we got to see the winery, but not the actual vineyard.
We all have our addictions, whether they be good or bad. I know I am addicted to Facebook, and honey. For some it is alcohol, shopping or even trivia games. The people of Seattle are addicted to coffee. I have never seen so many coffee places. Not just Starbucks, but what seems like thousands of others! We couldn't drive a mile today without passing four or five coffee places. There is at least one on every block in the city - it is really amazing. I guess it is a shame that I don't like coffee.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Seattle
I love to travel (if you haven't figured that out yet). Whenever I travel, I seem to create memories that stick with me for years to come. I am learning, the more I travel, the more I remember my other travels and perhaps that is in fact one of the reasons I enjoy traveling.
Today, as we boarded the "terminal train" in the Atlanta airport, I was reminded of the metros and subways that my friends and I conquered last summer, particularly the snaking train in Berlin. I remembered how much fun we had trying to pretend that we were surfing, and trying not to hold on to anything. On our flight today, I was reminded of the only time I have been to Seattle, when my mother and I had a lay-over here on our way to Alaska. After landing in Seattle, in our taxi ride into the city, I was reminded of how excited I was on our taxi ride from the Paris airport last year as we entered the great city of lights. And as we walked the streets of Seattle by the local market, I was reminded of the wonderful summer I spent in Florence, and of the many delicious lunches I selected from the market. So, while I love to travel and see new places, the joy of reliving the memories from past trips is equally as wonderful.
When I told people that my parents and I were coming to Washington this summer, most of them asked, "What's in Washington?" To be honest, right now, I'm not really sure. I am excited to see and to learn though! How did we end up here? Well, Mom doesn't like heat or lines, and with the economy, we didn't think that this was the year for international travel. So, that is sort of how we ended up here.
I am really excited because we will be spending some time in the city, then also in quiet, remote places where we can enjoy the beauty of the world around us. I love a great mixture!
Seattle is a beautiful, clean city that seems very walkable. I love being able to step out of the hotel and just walk around and enjoy urban life.
I'm sure that this travel blog will not be as exciting as my ones to Europe and Honduras, but I do hope that I will be able to share some about a part of the country that maybe you have not yet visited. Or perhaps, it can just remind you of some of your own travels.
Today, as we boarded the "terminal train" in the Atlanta airport, I was reminded of the metros and subways that my friends and I conquered last summer, particularly the snaking train in Berlin. I remembered how much fun we had trying to pretend that we were surfing, and trying not to hold on to anything. On our flight today, I was reminded of the only time I have been to Seattle, when my mother and I had a lay-over here on our way to Alaska. After landing in Seattle, in our taxi ride into the city, I was reminded of how excited I was on our taxi ride from the Paris airport last year as we entered the great city of lights. And as we walked the streets of Seattle by the local market, I was reminded of the wonderful summer I spent in Florence, and of the many delicious lunches I selected from the market. So, while I love to travel and see new places, the joy of reliving the memories from past trips is equally as wonderful.
When I told people that my parents and I were coming to Washington this summer, most of them asked, "What's in Washington?" To be honest, right now, I'm not really sure. I am excited to see and to learn though! How did we end up here? Well, Mom doesn't like heat or lines, and with the economy, we didn't think that this was the year for international travel. So, that is sort of how we ended up here.
I am really excited because we will be spending some time in the city, then also in quiet, remote places where we can enjoy the beauty of the world around us. I love a great mixture!
Seattle is a beautiful, clean city that seems very walkable. I love being able to step out of the hotel and just walk around and enjoy urban life.
I'm sure that this travel blog will not be as exciting as my ones to Europe and Honduras, but I do hope that I will be able to share some about a part of the country that maybe you have not yet visited. Or perhaps, it can just remind you of some of your own travels.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)