Being with friends in Seattle

A lot has happened over the last two days. Most of it good plus some which will develop into typical ‘Wendy’ stories over time.
Background- when I went to board the flight from Singapore to Seattle, there was another security check for carryon luggage. No containers with more than 100 mls of fluid allowed. I had my toiletries bag in my hand luggage (shower). Security confiscated my toothpaste, hair conditioner and hair detangling cream.
Monday am - my friends from Oregon were not arriving until the afternoon. I had time to find the local Sephoras to get two of the products. I found one at the very bottom of 8th Avenue. Great - bought what I needed. Back to the hotel (on 6th Avenue - 2 blocks across and 7 up the hill). I got lost. No map and no internet. I clearly found my way back but it took a while. Sore knees, feet and back. Luckily, when Cory and Ann arrived mid afternoon I felt better and they were more interested in chatting and catching up than actually doing anything. So we had a lovely afternoon chatting, drinks in the bar at 6pm and dinner in one of the hotel’s restaurants (both highly recommended). It was great. Almost like no time had passed since our last get together.
Tuesday - jet lag hit me during the night. Awake at 2.30 am and stayed that way. More than just tired however did feel better as the day progressed. Cory, Ann and I decided to spend the morning at the Chihuli exhibition and Pike Street Market in the afternoon. We asked the desk clerk the best way to get to Chihuli (it’s by the Space Needle) - via the Monorail (corner of Pine Street and 5 Avenue) a short 5 minute walk. It turns out that Cory and Ann have a sense of direction that is comparable to mine ie none. We found ourselves on 3rd Avenue, 4 blocks further away from Pine. It took a bit plus several “can you help us requests” before we found ourselves at the monorail station. Again- sore feet, knees and back. However, after a much needed rest, we defeated the ticketing machine and went to the exhibition. It was stunning. Photos don’t show the details, height of some of the structures or the sheer cleverness of how these structures are put together. Loved it. Unfortunately didn’t find the shop at the exhibition but that’s probably a good thing. We had lunch at the Chihuli bar before heading back to the hotel. I was knackered so stayed put while Cory and Ann went to the market. They wanted to purchase specific items as opposed to just sightseeing. We met for drinks at 6 pm and then dinner at the well regarded Vivienne’s Bistro which serves great quality Chinese fare. An excellent day overall.
I am having some issues with the hotel’s billing system but that’s another story/saga.
The photos uploaded out of order sorry.Lue lisää