Washington - Seattle

"Seattle is for people who love culture but refuse to sacrifice their wild nature to attain it." - Kimberly Kinrade

I was excited for Friday to arrive because my brother Erik was off work for the day, and we were going to explore Seattle. We started the day with coffee and donuts before heading to Metropolitan Market.

I have been to nice grocery stores before, but this one was something else.

I now have a new standard for all produce departments where I shop for my vegetables. From this point forward, all carrots must be stacked, and the display must look like a colorful work of art. Thank you.

Don't even get me started on the chocolate chip cookies. I've never had a better one... In my life! I'm almost glad I don't live close to this market. It could be dangerous for me.

We made it to Pike Place Market and decided to eat and drink our way through Seattle. It was the perfect way to spend the day. It was the first rainy day I had experienced while in Washington. I had the impression it rained year around in Washington, but the rainy season is from October through March. More than 75% of their precipitation occurs during the winter wet season.

The market was incredible and everything I thought it would be and more! I was hoping to see them throw some fish around, but we didn't time it right.

The flowers were gorgeous and so inexpensive! If anyone wants to buy me flowers, save your money and buy them here! 🌺 If I lived nearby, I would always have fresh flowers. Most of the bunches of flowers in the middle picture were $10.00.

Of course, we had the "Best Chowder in the WORLD." I cannot speak for the chowder of the world, but this cup was the most delicious in my little world on that day.

I don't know if you can tell, but I'm not a huge fan of oysters! I think I did a great job of camouflaging my aversion to the little guy. lol

Erik and I are anything but quitters and stayed committed to our mission of eating our way through Seattle.

We had the Dungeness Crab Mac & Cheese and Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Beecher's. It was delicious! I was surprised that their website provides the recipe for their World Famous Mac & Cheese. It's worth checking out. It was interesting to see the cheese being made.

The view from the market.

This is the famous Gum Wall of Pike Place Market in Post Alley.

It started in 1990 when performers at Unexpected Productions stuck their gum to the wall. It has grown one piece at a time to what it is today. It's gross, but something to see for sure, and no, I didn't leave any gum on the wall.

The view of the city from Kerry Park was beautiful, even with the clouds and rain.

Then this happened! lol Erik told me about a troll I might want to take a picture of. I thought it was a little statue. I had no idea it was a giant troll under a bridge.

The Fremont Troll can be found under the Aurora Bridge, constructed in 1990 to improve the bypass and stop it from being used as a dumping ground. The car is an actual Volkswagen encased in concrete. It's cool.

We ran to REI to purchase a raincoat for me. I was informed that in Washington, people don't carry umbrellas; they wear raincoats. So, when in Rome! I am now the proud owner of a white raincoat. It has come in handy many times on my trip.

We had an incredible day and, of course, ended it with fresh seafood. It was the perfect way to end the day. Thank you, Erik, for showing me Washington through your eyes. I will always treasure the time we spent together on this trip.

Stay Wild 🌿

(Explicit Lyrics)