Seattle (Part 1)
One has heard that the weather in Seattle is unpredictable, wet and often overcast. Sounds like London or even Cape Town. We have had drizzle, overcast skies, cold (but no wind) since we arrived on Monday morning.
When I asked the concierge at the apartment we're renting, she described Seattle weather as being "bi-polar".
We visited Pike Street Market as well as the Seattle Aquarium. The market is very cool and busy with both tourists and locals (who buy the fresh fish, the selection which is amazing). Lots of locally made foods, drinks, clothes, toys and art. Plus the odd hairy beast :)
The Aquarium was disappointing with the seal, otter pools and bird exhibits depressing (it's that whole animals kept in a zoo thing). The one lonely Oyster Catcher taking company from its reflection in a mirror was especially sad to see.
Stick to the Two Oceans Aquarium (much much better).
We decided to get some culture and went to SAM (Seattle Art Museum). It was unfortunately closed. The animated sculpture outside the entrance is very cool though.
It was a periodically sunny day and Karen suggested that we take a ferry to Bainbridge Island. So off we went. We were a bit rushed. Bought the tickets, Were told the ferry was about to leave. Fast walked through the ticket turnstile. And were on.
It took about an hour. And we disembarked with the other passengers. Only to realise that we had fast-walked onto the Bremerton ferry. Not the same at all. Bremerton is nice but is not the famous Bainbridge. We still had a good day. Walked across the Manette bridge and had a lovely lunch on the waterfront at the Boat Shed Restaurant (on the bottom left side on the water in this photo).
The cool thing about this ferry (the "Walla Walla" is the one we sailed on) is that they have setup jigsaw puzzles on some of the tables. So you can sit down and take over where someone left off.
And of course, the view of Seattle on the return trip is astounding. Plus we were lucky enough to catch a rainbow too.
On Wednesday night we headed to the Oyster Cellar. This is supposed to be a more democratically priced restaurant. Not if you are on the ZAR!
It's a new restaurant and was pretty quiet. But the food was just exceptional. And the service as good. We sat at the bar (Gavin is increasingly thinking that this is always the way to go; if there is a bar sit at it). And had wonderful service from Parker who was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and gave us some great tips on places, restaurants and bars to visit in Seattle, Nashville and New York.
A learning: the default "Old Fashioned" cocktail is made with bourbon. Better to ask for a "Rye Old Fashioned". More flavour. Less sweet. Or just buy a pre-mix from Bar Diver. This trip has turned Karen into a cocktail aficionado.
Going to The Screwdriver Bar was recommended to listen to live music. There was a cool DJ playing vinyl (using an old telephone handset as her headset). And Gavin has stopped enjoying drinking beer out of a can.
But one highlight was having a pastrami on rye at Market Place Meats (on the walk down to the Space Needle complex). Generous, very meaty, tasty. No fries. And two little sweet biscuits :)
