The Space Noodle

We finally drove into Seattle and found our hotel after dealing for a long time with the Jonas Brothers traffic. After marveling at the view from our windows, we made our way to our first stop, Cyber Dogs, a vegetarian hot dog place. I was excited to have my first chili dog and Aaron, a bacon dog. Though the trimmings were original and fresh, ultimately, it was a run-of-the-mill Morningstar Farms dog in costume. Still, it was pretty cool. Afterward, we wandered around the shopping district past a lot of raggedy looking people until we reached the Pike Place Market which was totally closed since it was evening. So, after looking at the water and the spectacular mountain views, we headed back to our place and chilled out there.

The next day dawned pretty early with the sun shining into our windows. While Aaron golfed, I walked two blocks to what are known as the best donuts in Seattle, Top Pot Donuts. The coffee was good, but the glazed old fashioneds were awesome. I also enjoyed the lemon filled powdered donuts while Aaron liked the chocolate creme. Mmmm...

After properly sugaring and caffeining, we were ready to begin our day of exploration and unleashing our inner tourist. We got on a double decker tour bus and listened to Seattle history and trivia. Our first stop, the Space Needle aka the Space Noodle.

The Noodle is certainly a tourist trap but it provides such cool views from the Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island to the Queen Ann neighborhood as well as the area with the houseboats like in Sleepless in Seattle. We had fun at the Observation Deck and hiding a cup of coffee from the authorities. With the strong breezes, perhaps it wasn't the best day to wear a skirt.

We hopped back on the bus, lunched on some fresh fish near the water and then headed to the famous Pike Place Market. We loved wandering through the aisles, looking at the colorful collections of fruit, vegetables, flowers and trinkets. We stopped in at Beecher Cheese where they make the cheese onsite. The mac and cheese was simply incredible!

Plus, as I am noticing with the Pacific Northwest in general, you can be totally blindsided by natural beauty at every turn. It is just stunning and we have a zillion pictures to prove it.

And now, a special comment from my Anonymous Travel Partner (henceforth referred to as ATP):
The public (golf) courses in Portland and Seattle prove to be a pleasant way to spend an early morning. Nine holes at the Eastmoreland course in Portland alone, at the crack of dawn, relaxing, invigorating, holy. 18 at Jefferson in Seattle: played at a speed I feel comfortable with...two seniors, Ron and Roger. They called me Harry. From now on, that is my golf name: Harry. P.S. I am hitting the ball well, but my short game is a little off.