Things indeed happen for a reason. Whilst I was disappointed that our trip to California in August was cancelled at the last minute, I am grateful that we were able to visit Seattle a few weeks ago, even just for a couple of days. This trip came as a surprise, so we didn't have much time to plan our itinerary. J and I had different priorities, and mine was to catch up with my cousin Dyami, whom I haven't seen since 2015. The last time I saw him was in the Philippines.
As I was telling Dyami, I think that full day I spent with him in Seattle was our first proper bonding moment in more than 20 years. It was very heartwarming to have been able to have a proper catch up with this funny young man.
I requested to see a panoramic view of Seattle, so he took me first to Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Then we drove back to Downtown Seattle and visited the very popular Pike Place Market.
Dyami was very enthusiastic in showing me the gum wall that I didn't understand what he was telling me at first because of his thick American accent. Until we got to an alley and I saw the most disgusting brick wall I have ever seen. I just don't understand why people would stick their chewing gum on a wall? As revolting as it was, it was something that I must see apparently, so a wall shot was called for.
Then of course, there was also the unmissable original Starbucks cafe. I am no longer a Starbucks fan, but for the sake of my trip to Seattle, I joined in the very long queue for a cup of pumpkin spice latte and had an obligatory photo outside.
Overall, Pike Place Market is definitely a must-see in Seattle. It's full of vibrant, colourful and artistic things.
On the same day, while J was in a business meeting in Fremont, I explored the area and found a couple of treasures - one of them scared the hell out of me.
So, after I dropped J off to his meeting, I walked back and came across the Aurora bridge. Looking up the bridge was rather nauseating for me. Walking underneath it sent shivers down my spine. Yes, I am scared of bridges, especially the high ones.
Whilst searching for other things to do in Fremont (over coffee at Milstead & Co), I read about the troll under Victoria Bridge. Although I was enjoying being a temporary solo traveller, I was not very keen on walking under the bridge again. So, I ordered an Uber taxi and asked my driver if we could stop by the Fremont Troll on our way back to town. I didn't have to get out of the car because the troll was big enough to be captured (by a phone camera) from afar.
On our second and last day in Seattle, J and I decided to explore the city on foot to get a real feel of the place. I took him back to Pike Place Market and then we walked from there to the Space Needle. We couldn't see the point of going up there, so we continued our walk and headed to Kerry Park instead. By this time, we felt that we have seen enough of Seattle, so we made our way back to our hotel to rest before dinner.
So, that was it.
Where we ate:
1) Blueacre Seafood Restaurant, 1700 7th Avenue 98101
- Very good ambience. The staff were very attentive, and food was excellent. I had the Angry Whole Dungeness Crab (in toasted garlic, crispy basil, serrano chillies and lemon zest) for $28/pound, while J had Tim's Cascade Potato Chip Crusted Fish and Chips and onion rings for $20. Both were very satisfying.
2) Great State Burger, 2041 7th Avenue 98121
- Because we couldn't be in America and not eat burger. Great State Burger was a pleasant surprise. Ordering our food was very quick and efficient. And the burger and crinkle-cut fries were an absolute treat.Add to that, the bottomless soft drinks. It was the first time I ate a burger guilt-free because it wasn't oily at all. Besides, they use organically raised grass fed beef.
Where we stayed:
The Westin, 1900 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
- We both loved everything about The Westin. The room was big and it was very clean. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food at the Relish Burger Bistro was really good. And the view? It was amazing! We would wake up in the middle of the night just to take photos of it.
We only spent two days in Seattle but we still managed to do quite a bit I think. Most importantly on my part, I was able to spend some quality time with my cousin.
Although this trip could have potentially been another opportunity for us to live in a new city, we thought that Seattle wasn't for us, as much as we enjoyed our short visit.
TIN x
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