Last year, an opportunity came up for me to go to Seattle for work. I, of course, jumped at the chance to visit someplace new! I was going to be spending six days working a convention at the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle. I was so looking forward to this trip and was so thinking about the possibility of turning it into a vacation.
I mean, my flight was already taken care of so why waste this opportunity of being in the Pacific Northwest for the first time, right? I spoke with my friend, Teresa, about the chances of her meeting me out there after my conference ended and spending some time in Seattle and maybe Canada. She was game so the planning commenced!
I flew out on a Friday and arrived in the early evening. My flight across the country offered some truly incredible views out the window! So beautiful!!
During my time in the city for work, I stayed at the Sheraton Seattle on Pike Street – across the street from the convention center and an easy six-block walk to Pike Place Market. I loved being in the city center and so close to everything!
After checking into my hotel I headed back out to walk around a bit. I just love walking around a city! And since this was July in the northwest, the sun didn’t set until around 9pm so I felt pretty safe walking around by myself.
My first trip to Pike Place Market was the next day when I had about an hour of free time in the middle of the day. What a crazy place! So many people!! I only walked around the outskirts but just that little taste of the market got me excited for my next visit.
The next few days were pretty much the same for me: work during the day, explore the city during the evening. Perfect! 🙂
On one of those evenings, I walked down to the waterfront and out onto a pier where I took in the breathtaking view across the water of the mountains and the sun making its descent behind them. I then walked along the waterfront, unable to stop taking pictures of the view to my left (the water) and the view to my right (the city).
I made a stop at Anthony’s Fish Bar for a salmon taco and took my food to the outdoor patio to enjoy my meal al fresco. So pleasant!
Another evening was spent at a party put on by the convention I was working. The party was held at Bell Harbor’s Pier 66 and was so much fun! Inside the cool warehouse space were various food and drink stations featuring local cuisine, a live band, and entertainment featuring Cirque du Soleil-type performers.
The festivities over-flowed to the outdoor area which is where I spent most of my time – by the water, eating way too much food, and watching another amazing sunset.
Left: salmon roasting over hot coals – YUM!!!
One of my final evenings by myself in Seattle was spent back at Pike Place Market where I had an up close and personal encounter with a local fish. I had asked the fishmonger if I could take a picture of the fish display and instead of just granting my request, he gave my camera to a passerby, picked up a fish, and proceeded to say repeatedly “Kiss the fish! Kiss the fish! Kiss the fish!” I did not kiss the fish.
What I did do was enjoy some yummy clam chowder at Pike Place Chowder and a delicious lavender cupcake from Cupcake Royale. Then it was back to my hotel to await the arrival of my travel buddy! Yay!!!
The next few days were spent in Vancouver, BC before returning to Seattle to really start exploring this area.
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{life} A Beautiful Journey 