10 Things to do in Seattle

I haven't written much in my blog lately, because I have been very busy.  I have had so many different thoughts, but I haven't had the time to sit with them and write.  I hope August provides some time for me to write more in my journal and possibly more on a new blog as well.  What shall I call my desert blog? Dancing in the Desert, Tucson Tranquility, Adventures in the Desert, Transplant in Tucson.... hmmmm.  Nothing has settled with me yet.  I might decide to keep this blog as I'm still on the west side.

My body is tired and so is my voice.  I've been working the past seven days straight at the Space Needle with thousands of people each day.  I think Saturday was the highest... 10,000.  It's draining.  Tomorrow is my last day of work and then I fly out to Tucson bright Friday morning, August 1.  I've been getting some things in order, cleaning things up here, and trying to make the most of my last few days in Seattle. 

I thought it would be fun to reflect about the city of Seattle.  I've lived here almost an entire year, so I have ten highlights picked for my readers.  Maybe it will help someone that ends up in Seattle like I did.  I don't feel like a year is long enough to get a real feel for the city, but I definitely got  a taste.  I tried to get out as much as I could, but I was limited without a car and I also worked full time.  Public transportation in Seattle is pretty good, but the rush hour bus riding is a little maddening.  Retail stores don't like people that carry backpacks, and you almost always have to ask to use the bathroom key.  It's a pain in the butt (no pun intended).  Anyway, I'm dead tired on my feet and will probably fall to sleep soon, but I thought I would list my ten best adventures in the city of Seattle. 

1.  Riding a ferry over to Bremerton.  Awesome experience!


2.  Walking around Green Lake and spending time there.  Lovely park, very serene.  (I planned on renting a boat and doing the paddle boats but never got around to it.  It's fairly inexpensive to do, too)


3.  Visiting the Space Needle.  True.  I work there and I can hardly believe I'm saying it, but I still remember the first time I visited with my friend Amanda.  I remember the excitement, music, hearing languages from around the world, the gusty wind, and incredible views.  It was memorable!


4.  Seattle Symphony.  (Benaroya Hall) I saw them twice and each time took my breath away.  I saw Vivaldi Four Seasons in the fall and Mary Chapin Carpenter in the summer.  I felt lighter, uplifted, and breathed in the ocean air as I left each time.  Magical and beautiful! The music has stayed with me. 


5.  Pike's Place Market.  Every chance I got to go, I went.  I loved the Market.  It is always so colorful, live music, lively, sweet, scrumptious food, inexpensive flowers, interesting arts.  I loved the free samples- the chocolate spaghetti! apples! peaches! cheese! This past week I returned and saw the band One Moment in Time, still singing their great gospel tunes in front of the first Starbucks.  I snagged a picture with these talented men.  They once sang for the baby I cared for and remembered us.  (Also, be sure to visit the Gum Wall!)

 

 

6.  Woodland Park Zoo.  I had many trips to the zoo with baby Cora, and I always enjoyed the visits as much (or more!) as she did.  I loved the penguins, flamingos, rainforest area, farm world, and it was a treat to see the baby cubs playing out with their Mama.  Also, they have a nice play area in the winter, filled with light, and a convenient café bar inside.


7.  International District! Love the food! I followed some Asian men to Hong Kong one night.  It was crowded and delicious.  I also fell in love with the Japanese 1.50 store called Daiso.  They are a chain but only in California and Washington here in the United States.  Such a fun store!


8.  Food and coffee.  I had quite a few delicious meals in Seattle! Clam chowder at Ivar's with oyster crackers, delicious gyros, hummus at Hummus Café.  I tried pho, Korean bbq, and Indian for the first time while I was out here.  I also tried Turkish coffee and octopus.  I love stuffed grape leaves.  I also tried various types of coffee, too- most of it too rich and heavy for me.  I liked Georgia'a a lot, and between Michelle and Amanda- I was exposed to some wonderful Mexican, Thai restaurants, Italian, and an amazing wine bar restaurant with wine rack to the ceiling.  Seattle is a food heaven.


9.  The New Day Northwest Show.  This was so much fun for me.  I met new people and enjoyed being a part of a live audience, and it was all free! I met hikers, singers, doctors, performers, etc., each time I went.  It was always interesting and spontaneous, best of all!



10. Ballard Locks! Ballard is a nice little community with a great farmers market! That was a fun adventure, but the locks are so fascinating to watch.  There's also a nice salmon ladder, and Ballard is a great place to walk around with a coffee or tea in hand.  There are a few nice thrift stores, tea shops, etc.,  as well!


As I complete this list, I realize there is still so much that I could add such as Chihuly Art and Glass Garden.  The EMP wasn't impressive to me, but I've never been into horror, science fiction, or fantasy... I would also add Olympic Sculpture Park, Bitter Lake Area, Carkeek Park, PNW Ballet, Gas Works Park, Seattle downtown library, and Seattle Art Museum (SAM). 
Seattle is a lovely city, filled with millions of people- the fastest growing city in the nation they say. 
It's a young city, full of up and coming tech geeks, and a literary and unique city.  Almost everyone reads on the bus either with a real book or on a device.  Seattle isn't the friendliest city, the most God loving city, or even the most welcoming, but it is a diverse and beautiful city.  I've always wanted the experience of city life, and I know that my life has broadened from this time in Seattle.  Go if you get a chance!