Sleepless in Seattle

Before heading back to Seattle, I spent two wonderful days in Bellingham, Washington visiting my dear "art pen pal" Patti - our first meeting!!! We were introduced by a mutual friend over a year ago and have corresponded via snail mail and e-mail, sharing our love of art, music, needlework, the written word, and many other creative interests.

Patti had this fantastic gift awaiting in her studio - a magnificent kimono style jacket she had made for me. The fabric is an elegant paisley lined with black raw silk (both recycled vintage), with decorative tassels and beaded cords at the closure. One of her great tags was hanging from the jacket - wow, I was so thrilled with such a beautiful gift and couldn't resist wearing it out to dinner immediately.

Seattle was the last leg of this great Northwest trip.

Known as one of the most walkable cities in the country (warning - lots of steep hills, but you'll find many wonderful restaurants to enjoy after working off all those calories!) Seattle is a fun place.
It would be easy to go without sleep as there's so much to see and do. Guess this would be the best hotel buy - wish we'd seen it prior to checking in at the waterfront Marriott which cost a few dollars more!!!!!!

Just a stone's throw from what was actually our great hotel, was the famous Pike Place Market, the jewel in the city. Anyone who's visited here will be familiar with slightly fishy "theatre" performed each day at the largest fish market - throwing the huge fish, with accompanying hollers and yells, to fill customers' orders. Tourists line up ten deep to view this ongoing entertainment - kids, young and old, stifle silly giggles while watching huge salmon and grouper being tossed about in the air.
Constructed for Seattle's 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle has become the city's international icon. A 41-second elevator ride takes you 520 feet to the observation deck. The SkyCity restaurant at the top revolves 360 degrees while you dine. The day we ascended the Space Needle the weather was perfect for viewing Mt. Ranier to the South (my photo) and to the North, Mt. Baker was also clearly visible to the eye - this only occurs about 50 days of the year according to the guide. She told us we had picked a perfect day for these amazing views.

..............................goodbye fabulous Northwest USA and British Columbia, you certainly make one's heart sing with your wonderful scenery and nice people. I hope to return very soon.

Inspiration Friday ~ Eat Your Veggies!

Back at the fabulous Granville Market in Vancouver, the healthy foods were so beautiful one could almost bypass the sugar and fat loaded baked goodies.........almost but not quite!!!!

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With no means to cook up a truly gorgeous "vegetable plate" in a hotel room, I, your true vegetarian friend, had to be satisfied just to......................................................................................pause over the perfect peppers,

...........................not squeeze the squash,

..........................................long for the lettuce

.........................control myself from commandeering the corn,
..........................actually forego aspirations to snap the asparagus,

.................cry misery over lack of morels in my neck of the woods

.............................whine for white eggplants

............................but of course I could caress an apple, mango, pear,

.......................flip over the fine figs,

................................chuckle over cherries, beam over blueberries, and die for my favorites, the luscious raspberries.

Fresh veggies and fruits, such bounty from the earth. Thank you to all the farmers across America and Canada who toil so hard, 365 days a year, to supply us with such healthy, beautiful food.
So remember what Mother always told you ~ "eat your vegetables."

Vancouver, British Columbia

This is a postcard view looking over the center city toward West Vancouver, the snow capped peaks of the Coast Range to the West and the Cascades to the East. It's quite true what they say about this beautiful area, you can enjoy water sports in the morning and be skiing in the afternoon!

My photos taken from the summit of Grouse Mountain (4100') overlooking the city - a majestic sight and probably one of the most spectacular city views anywhere..............without having to take a helicopter ride. The cable car ride to the mountain top is well worth the time and cost - awesome views across the river and forests as well as the city - and, as stated in the literature " you stand on the edge between city and wilderness".

Yes, even in mid-June there was still snow and it was cool at the summit - Jasmin did her best to pelt us with a couple of snowballs.

Another not to be missed adventure while in this area is the Capilano Suspension Bridge . The Treetops Adventure is beyond the swinging bridge crossing - you are actually walking in the huge Douglas firs and other gigantic tree tops, looking down at creeks and fern gardens so green and lush.




Nothing more fun than playing in the trees!







Vancouver's outdoor adventures are many and water plays a big part - don't miss the Sea Bus rides from downtown across to Lonsdale Quay with sea planes zooming back and forth overhead. From the Quay the view back to the city center is great. And.................following all that hunger induced sightseeing, head over to what I think is the best market ever on Granville Island under the bridge. On all my trips I've still only had time for the Public Market section...........where the foods are of course! The entire market is huge and includes hundreds of shops, restaurants, galleries, maritime stores, theatre companies, and even a kids' market area.Such yummy baked goods. Top right - the feta cheese and spinach scones, just baked, were my lunch choice, best scone ever. Artisan breads were breathtaking - don't you just love really good bread?
......................coming soon, more healthy food photos!!

Canada's Gulf Islands and Point Roberts WA

The ferry terminal's best kept secret - a cheese shop. Only a world class cheese lover (and that's me) would shop for beautiful goat cheese prior to boarding the boat from Vancouver Island to the British Columbia mainland.......... headed for a city and a hotel room without a 'frig. The goat cheese lady said it would be OK not refrigerated for 2 days - and I know they don't chill their gorgeous cheeses in France - so, after sampling all of them, I took a chance and grabbed the mushroom and truffle oil on the far left, heavenly! These stunning cheeses were handmade on Whidbey Island, WA

The B.C. ferries are spacious, comfortable and serve a great breakfast on board. The early morning sail through the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands was spectacular. My dream is to return soon, tour the West coast of Vancouver Island, visit the Pacific Rim National Park, then have several days in these smaller islands, staying in B&B's, enjoying walking, whale watching, and sunsets while sipping a great glass of wine.

It doesn't get more perfect than this!

Trivia question...............what's odd about the town of Point Roberts Washington? If you have time, go here and read the interesting story about this tiny piece of America that you can only access by crossing the border from Canada. Beautiful views across the water to Vancouver Island. Except for the gentle lapping of the tide and an occasional bird call, almost complete silence here on the driftwood covered beach. Worth the short detour (and having to pull out the passports yet again) after we left the ferry and headed to the great city of Vancouver.

We loved taking a break on this quiet beach - all seemed good in the world!

.........................tomorrow, Vancouver, Canada's great Western city.

Chinatown - Victoria - and Bubble Tea!

In downtown Victoria pass under the Gates of Harmonious Interest and find yourself in Canada's oldest Chinatown - Jasmin did just this and found herself at the entrance to Fan Tan Alley.

The alleyway's weather worn-bricks have remained unchanged since Chinatown's beginning. Fan Tan Alley is just five feet wide in places. Gambling and opium dens used to reside here, now there are many interesting little shops selling everything from dice and dominoes to vintage clothing.

Loved the colorful signs in the alley - wish I could have read the ones in beautiful Chinese writing.

Have you tried Bubble Tea? Granddaughter Jasmin was anxious to try this drink originating in Taiwan and now very popular in Asian communities in North America. The fruity and milky concoctions have chewy tapioca balls in the bottom which are drawn up through a wide diameter straw. The bubble tea cafes and bars are like coffee shops with dozens of flavors and additives possible - so popular with the younger people that we had to wait in long lines to be served.

Jasmin chose mango with the black tapioca balls - tasted quite good but I don't think it will take the place of my morning java - especially as they contain about 350 calories!! Would you believe...................here outside a Fan Tan Alley shop we found vintage "bubble tops"....................................just the thing to wear while slurping bubble tea!

Happy Canada Day to all you wonderful, friendly Canadians.

..........................coming soon, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver.