First stop Seattle - and we got wet

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So we left Lake George on September 16th at 6:45AM and flew through Chicago to Seattle. It was quite an ordeal figuring out what to bring for 3 months. It went something like this: (Bruce) Remember Dianne, we need to travel light and only need enough clothes for a few days. (Dianne) So far I am only bringing 27 shirts and 5 pairs of shoes, plus some skirts and dresses for the dressier times... 2 days later: (Bruce) I have a backpack and small suitcase packed. How are you doing Dianne. (Dianne) I managed to get rid of my winter jacket, snow pants and gloves. Since we are going through the tropics, I probably wouldn't need them anyway.

So, a few days later we were down two 4 suitcases and 2 backpacks. It is hard to plan for that long of a time. I sent Dianne and email about a travel writer by the name of Rolf Potts, who is travelling to 12 different countries and only bringing what will fit in his pockets. She didn't seem to embrace the concept.

The problem with lots of stuff is it makes traveling harder. Instead of the $2.50 train, you take a $20 cab. Definitely blows holes in the budget. Speaking of which, later on I will try to lay out our budget to give everyone the idea of cost. As you will see we have not stuck to one as we have been staying in more expensive tourist areas.

Back to Seattle. This is definitely a cool town (other than the weather). The people are much friendlier than a city such as New York. Someone bumps you by mistake, I always got an "excuse me" with a smile. Even people begging (it is a city) were much less in your face.

There is lots of water all around. Ferries running all over the place. But it makes traffic tough because there is no good place to put highways. They even have a new pro soccer team partially owned by Drew Carey that is selling out every game. Lots to do and see. One of the coolest things we went to is the Public Market. Fresh fruits, veggies, fish, seafood, krafts and everything else you could want. Supposedly the oldest in the US.

We also visited some people we know. The first was Gabriel. He is Bruno's younger brother who is staying with a family for his senior year on exchange (Bruno lived with us in NY for a year). He is a great kid and seems to be enjoying Seattle, except for the rain. We took him on a Duck Boat tour with Captain "Clam Chowder".

The second was Kristin and Tom who are the daughter and Son in Law of our neighbors Rick and Marty in Florida. They took us to their favorite french restaurant and we had a great brunch. Both are from the east originally and don't sound like they will be back. It was fun to meet them and get a more local point of view on the area.

Two days in Seattle was hardly long enough. We could probably have spent a month there. We did take a 35 minute ferry ride out to Bainbridge island. $6.90 round trip was pretty cheap. I would of liked to had a car to travel out to more of the islands and to Olympic National Park. When the clouds cleared for a while, we could see the Olympic range which has some 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks. Pretty cool sight with the snow on them.

We will be off to Victoria, BC on the high speed ferry soon. Once we spend some time there, I will do the next entry. Until then, we hope everyone is well. We are both doing great and miss everyone a lot. If you know anyone who might like the blog emailed to them, just send there email to me at [e-mail].

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Photos

Pikes Market
Oldest public market in US

The Hammering Man
He swings his hammer everyday, except Labor Day. In front of Seattle Art Museum.

Gabriel, Dianne, and Captain "Clam Chowder"
After our ride on the Aqua Duck!

Floating house on Lake Union
This is the lake where the floating house that Tom Hanks lived in in the movie Sleepless in Seattle is located. The nice ones were selling for $2 million plus.

Kristin, Dianne and Tom
Great french bistro. Thanks guys.

Comments

[larry]

flying fish
thanks for writing. i loved the market too. did you see the stall where they throw whole fish to one another? never saw them miss have fun

[Lynn]

You will love Vancouver Is. Victoria is a great little city. Just outside of town is a zip line. You'd probably need a car to get there. Be sure to view the House of Commons at night. Spectacular. Have a great time and holding my breath until I faint waiting for your next update.