Seattle, Take One

When Matt told me that he would be working in Seattle for a week and asked me if I'd like to go, I answered "YES!" without hesitation.  I envisioned breathtaking, lush landscapes nurtured by grey rainy mornings; I imagined a steaming-hot latte purchased from the first Starbucks, a latte in which I'd  sip indulgently, thus inspiring me to write the next great Dystopian young adult fiction novel; I pictured a cerulean blue sea juxtaposed against a pale granite sky where nature and mankind fuse in mutual, respected balance; I saw vibrant outdoor markets where gluten-free granola eating, vegan, yogi hipsters, who carry satchels and travel via Vespas, would shop for fresh produce--a group entirely too culturally cool for me to ever belong.  Yes, I was destined to meet Seattle. 

Day One: After arriving late Monday night, I wasted away Tuesday's hours staring at beige walls inside an Embassy Suites.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't leave the hotel until we traveled downtown for dinner, but I felt perfectly content to call an old friend, write, and just relax.  (Never happens!)  And the second most embarrassing confession is that when we did go to dinner we went to Benihana's!  Listen, I was the guest on this trip, and Matt's über trendy, telecom geeky friends chose the venue.  Hey, who doesn't enjoy a replicated Seattle monorail made of onion that steams and "chu-chus" followed by an eruption of said onion, a Mount St. Helen volcano atop a scorching over-sized skillet? Exactly, hibachi is king. (Seriously, I really do like Japanese food.) Anyway, while waiting I took in the scenery outdoors.  Directly above the restaurant sat a uniquely circular white church christened by a huge cross, which just goes to show that Jesus loves fried rice, too.  

Next door was this place: 

http://www.mustardseedcafeseattle.com/

 Anytime I am faced with a problem, I remember the parable about a mustard seed, so I clicked a pic to acknowledge hope. Yes, I was surrounded by celestial signs, a Biblical prophesy, one that said, "if you have faith, you can move Mount Rainier," or at least navigate through crowded Pike's Place to buy Rainier Cherries. Regardless, I monumentalized the the gorgeous city at dusk, my favorite time of day, with this picture:

Day Two: After enjoying a complimentary waffle made to order (because I made it), coffee, and fresh fruit, I hopped in the rental, traversed I90, 

 and landed inside a public parking garage between Pike's and Elliott Bay.  

I planned to visit the outdoor market first, but I missed my intended destination by taking the elevator down instead of up to street level.  No worries, I made my way to the Great Wheel.  

 Now, I have no idea why I meandered to a ride that peaks at 175 feet above the ground when I'm afraid of heights, but the Ferris wheel beckoned me to her and I answered the call.  I guess I figured first impressions ought to be grand and with such perfect weather for viewing the city, our introduction was made. Seagulls soared above the docks, the sun bounced warmth against the sidewalks, and the air felt crisp and clean.  It was a gorgeous morning.  While I was in line I met the nicest ladies from Maryland. They invited me to ride with them and told me all about their trip across the country.  

 

 These adventurous two planned a week of sightseeing in Seattle, and this was after they'd driven the Oregon coastline.  It's no wonder the pair felt at ease at such dizzying heights. Nonetheless, we three enjoyed the magnificent scene surrounding us. From above I saw giant jelly fish floating in the water below; then I scoped out the best sea-side decks on which to have dinner--my choice this time ;).

 

 In the distance I scouted the Seattle Space Needle, and I watched a Cruise ship sail into the harbor. Ethereal indeed.

Back on solid ground, I said goodbye, perused a nearby gift shop, and walked up to Pike Place Public Market. 

 For a Wednesday, this place was hoppin'! Naturally, the first task: get in line for coffee.  By mistake, I went into the wrong Starbucks (1st and Pike) but soon realized that this shop couldn't be "the one" when I merged into a long line of four and noticed the place didn't look like the pictures I'd seen of the orig.  I almost asked the chic, urban Asian in front of me, but saved myself the regret and Google Mapped it.  Nerdy tourister judgement avoided.  Whew! So, back at the original 'Bucks (Starbucks, 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101, in case you visit) 

I stood in line and listened not-so-attentively to a "starving" musician playing out front.  I read that in Seattle they call them Buskers, but I call them "trade in your day job because right now you're playing unsolicited music, free, for clichéd tourists who care more about a latte than they do downloading any future potential track of yours from iTunes (Correction, Spotify).  Don't get me wrong, ordinarily I enjoy these street artists/musicians/talent but this gal was terrible!  A cacophony of squawks sounded from seagulls flying above sounded better.  Mid-set she announced, loudly, that she wanted to leave Seattle to make it big, so if there were any agents or producers in the crowd she'd love an opportunity.  Right, because big-shot music producers also hang out in long lines with middlings, waiting to get a glimpse inside the iconic Starbucks.  More power to her; after all, this is America!  The line progressed and I made way inside, and veritable truth: I was standing inside the place where the coffee shop revolution began! Awesome!!  Even the sign is original--naked mermaid logo!  And the barista?  He was from Dallas so we chatted a little about home.  

 Silly me to think that they'd have tables and chairs (Ergo!  I shall not write the next great Dystopian novel at Starbucks!  Bummer.) Anyway, the floor was filled with wall-to-wall people and left no room to actually sit and enjoy coffee.  

However, the latte tasted the same as any other Starbucks latte, but isn't the magic of Starbucks consistency? My latte was great and overall I felt satisfied with the experience.  I would definitely recommend the visit.  Check.

Because I could blog on forever, I'll attempt to cut this short, or as one would say, "to make a long story short" but then in my head I respond by saying, "or to make a long story longer." (See, I'm doing it again.)  Anyway, Pike's Place was everything I dreamed of and more.  All types of people shopping for all types of merchandise.  The produce was amazing!  I purchased Mount Rainier cherries that somehow tasted better than ordinary cherries, and afterwards, I asked the vendor if I could take his picture.  (Secretly, I'm sure he was rolling his eyes, but he was sweet to oblige.) 

 I ate lunch at Matt's in the Market, chosen in honor of my hubby, and just like him the meal was divine!  (Sorry, had to.)  I had halibut sandwich with a tangy tarter sauce inside served on a brioche bun, an out-of-this-world cold gazpacho soup, and a glass of rosé wine: a befitting meal to complement a sublime day.  Exquisite.

I spent the afternoon sifting through underground stores and stumbled across a gem, the Old Seattle Paperworks store.  The old Time magazines propping open the door first garnered my attention.  I'm nostalgic for nostalgia and this place was my paradise.  (I mean, our guest book for our wedding wasn't a guestbook at all; instead guests signed the backs of old postcards from around the country.  Our centerpieces were designed around old, old family photographs.)  They carry vintage posters, postcards, magazines, maps, newspapers, you name it!  I combed through numerous headlines and when I tired, I realized something that we all know but forget:  Nothing really changes, our problems, our perfections, they all are recycled.  Society creates the new look, the refurbished modern design, but quintessentially, they're all the same.  From hippies to hipsters, the world turns round. Life.

Finally, at day's end the crew and I ate at Elliott's Oyster House.  We sat outside overlooking the bay.  I ordered Grilled Scampi Prawn Risotto and my dad (who was there coincidentally, on business) ordered Seafood Fettuccine and we sampled both, because neither of us could decide :).  I thoroughly enjoyed the food, the company, and the view.  An exemplary close to a wonderful day in Seattle.

~Truly, Cinderella

(Check back for Seattle, Take Two)