The plane lands without incident at Seattle/Tacoma Airport. We land twenty minutes early, which means that when we arrive at the gate to deplane, there's no walkway. Nobody is expecting us that early, so we are forced to sit in the plane for more than half an hour while someone comes with a walkway/ramp. Best of all, when someone does arrive, she tells us that we all took her by surprise arriving early and that we aren't really assigned a baggage claim spot yet. We are told to look at carousels 3,4, or 5 when we finally deplane.
I find my suitcase spinning around to the other side of the carousel when I arrive at carousel #4. I chase it down, too impatient to wait for it to come around again. I get my luggage and soon after, I'm greeted by Emily. She looks fabulous and she's all smiles when we do the big solid "I'm so glad you're/I'm here hug."
The weather outside is phenomenal. Mid to high 60s, full sunshine, and a light wind. The sky is nearly clear, aside from a few wispy Cirrus clouds.
Our first stop in Seattle is Pike's Market. FUN! This public market features fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers, trinkets, handmade art, etc. It's totally cool. We stop at Piroshky Piroshky where we buy a large sampling of Piroshky - Russian pastries of many different shapes and flavors. We sample Blueberry Cream Cheese, Apple Cinnamon, Spinach Egg and Cheese, Ham and Cheese, and Sausage. The Ham and Cheese is a letdown, as is the Sausage. Both are difficult to eat.
We then stop at the original Starbucks - the very first one. There's a line - d'uh. Of course, once you filter out the gawkers and the Asians taking photos, you can place your order mighty fast. Two iced beverages later, we park ourselves on a little stoop across the street and proceed to eat the remaining Piroshky. We eat them all. The Blueberry Cream Cheese one is the clear winner. Delicious!
From our place on the stoop, we spy two small Asian children (cute as can be) chasing after pigeons on the street. Encouraged by their parents, they are clearing the streets of the disease bags with wings. They're hilarious.
We make a stop at one of the fish counters. I await the legendary fish throwing event. It never happens. I do, however, sample some Smoked Salmon, which is to die for, FYI. The guy handing out the fish to us has creepy eyes and stares at us with a Soylent Green look in his eyes. So, we leave, but not before playing with the live clams on display. Touch the ones sticking out of their shells and they instantly retract back inside for safety. They're creepy.
More wandering through the market results in the purchase of Honey Sticks at one of the tables. Green Apple, Watermelon, Raspberry, Pink Lemonade, and Banana-flavored sticks cost us a total of $1.25.
A diversion down the stairs takes us to the wrong hallway, but leads to the infamous wall of gum. Chewing gum of every size, shape, and color has replaced the brick of the buildings. I pose for an icky photo opp, then we head for downtown.
We walk up a hill that would have tested the patience of the Israelites. My calves still hurt from it. After the monumental climb, we visit Nordstrom Rack, where Emily likes to buy her clothes and shoes. We look at some items, then leave for Emily's sister's house in the nearby Capitol Hill area.
I get to meet the Seattle members of Em's family, including her nephew, who's a complete pistol and cuter than any kid should be.
With no time to lose, we head back into the city to take a trip to the top of the Space Needle. $32 later, we are standing on the Observation Deck of Seattle's '62 World's Fair attraction. It's only about 520 stories high, but it really provides you with an amazing view of the city. We both took a slew of photos, then sat inside the bar/cafe area, people watching and talking.
We even have the unique pleasure of meeting Tim, the current record holder for most trips to the top of the Needle. There's no missing him really. He's wearing a large nametag that says "Current Record Holder - Tim" followed by his record number. Today is his 87th trip to the Observation Deck. He informs us that he is attempting to get to 365. I guess everyone needs a goal.
We really get our money's worth at the top, staying there for well over an hour. We even get to watch a group of Asians break all the rules in an attempt to get the perfect photo. Each of the ladies weighed less than 90lbs, but it's an ill-advised move to sit on the outside railing. Fortunately, they survive.
After the Needle, Emily drops me off at my hotel to check in. The Hyatt Place is quite the posh little hotel. My room is like a mini-palace, especially since it's just me staying. I spend some time admiring the amenities, then iron some clothes for our dinner date.
We eat at a restaurant called St. Cloud's in Madrona. Small, intimate place - reminds me of the restaurants in Quebec City. We sit in the bar, where I end up consuming way too many drinks. Gage, the 5'3" bartender, makes my Rum and Cokes with Dark Rum. So good!
You know what else is good? Our meals. Emily is currently dating the restaurant's head chef, but has yet to sample his cuisine. She has the Filet Mignon and I have the Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin. The meals are so good, I am now contemplating dating her boyfriend. :)
I am now back in my hotel room, typing this out. It's 4:55A.M. back in South Bend, but only 1:55A.M. here. Technically, I have been awake for a total of 24 hours now. Unbelievable. No wonder I'm so freaking tired. Good night!
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