First of all, sorry about the consolidating of days. But, I just get really super lazy, if I'm being completely honest with you. But, I love blogging. In "Julie & Julia," Julie mentioned that there's something so strange about blogging because it's publishing information about your ordinary life, which can be so boring compared to the lives of people actually making a difference in the world (fighting a war, curing a disease, etc.), on a publicly accessible webpage, but just the fact that you are taking the time to write down events & that people actually read about it makes it special in itself.
I don't know if I agree on the former part of her argument, seeing as I really do aspire to make a difference in this world, which is why I chose to go to Peru for 10 days and why I'm working so hard in school and stressing myself out about scheduling. It's all towards the singular goal of becoming a doctor. And just the philosophy of a doctor is to make a difference. It's inevitable. What if I prescribe amoxycilin to a kid who is going to grow up and invent a time travel device? Exactly.
Anyway back to Seattle...sorry about that tangent. Finally went into the city!!! Gosh, I LOVE this city. Someone asked me if I would be able to live here, and I hestitated a little because, as you know, I love Atlanta sooo much. But, then I thought to myself, I actually could live here. I don't mind the rain. I love the cold (because it's an excuse to bundle up and drink coffee/tea 24/7). I love the quirky but ridiculously cool culture. AND I'm completely into the organic, "green," nature-loving scene.
It's a 30 minute ferry ride to Seattle from Bainbridge. Mom & I jumped it around 11:00 and walked straight to Pike Street Market Center, home to mom&pop food stands, fresh fruit and vegetables from the greater Seattle area, and the most beautiful bouqets you will ever see (for amazing prices). I had this idea that was inspired by my hero, Anthony Bourdain, to just eat our way through the city. As in, avoid sitting down in a restaurant or anything and just eat things we thought looked good. Kind of like "tapas on the go." It was a great idea. We had a chicken samosa, some shrimp tempura, delicious fresh peaches and mangoes, samples of dried fruit and bread with basil olive oil, a smoked salmon piroshky, AND coffee from the original starbucks. Um does it get better than that?
Then, we made our way over to University district, so I could see the University of Washington. Why, you ask? Because it's one of the top 10 Medical schools in the country! I know! But, Emory is still #1 on my list. I mean, it was cute and everything, but I guess I'm really hard to please. Anyway, then we went to International District and got some Chinese food. A lot of good walking and eating in this place. OH and I can't leave out the shopping. Let's just say it's a good thing I have a big closet in my new apartment...
So today, we took our boys into the city again..but this time for the renowned tour "Ride the Duck." Basically, there is a group of 30 or so in a huge white boat..that has wheels. So, the tour is both on land and water. And it was incredible! Not only did I learn so much about this city that I didn't know before, but I enjoyed it 100% and so did the boys. Impressing 8,10 and 11-year old boys (not to mention keeping their attention span satiated) is a feat in itself. Great great time. Do it if you ever find yourself in this city. So, after that we went to Pike's Market again because it's so hard to stay away from. Then, we lunched at Ivar's Seafood Restaurant, which is located right on the water and famous for its clam chowder (and the gratuitous company of seagulls). We took the ferry back to get our bags, and next thing you know, we were on it again. I swear, sometimes I feel like I live on that thing. It was really hard to say goodbye. I love being home so much AND I miss my boys so much! I just wish I could be in multiple places at once. OR that all of my family was in a 1 mile radius. Completely unrealistic, but it would make it all so much easier. Anyway, the good thing is next time I see them...I see Seattle again.
I'm going to end this post with cool facts I learned about Seattle on our tour (quack, quack!):
- Lake Union is the site of where Bill Boeing flew a seaplane for the first time and went on to start an entirely new industry..commercial flight. He also came up with the idea of Stewardesses (who he required had to be RN's, for safety purposes)
- There are over 410 Starbucks Coffee locations in Seattle...the CITY. This includes the original Starbucks, the busiest in the country.
- Bill Nye filmed his show in Seattle. Rock on.
- Jimi Hendrix bought his first guitar in a pawn shop on 1st Avenue that's now a Money Mart.
- Home to the 1962 World Fair.
- Best Public Transportation system EVER.
- The Beatles stayed in the Edgewater hotel (Room 272), and now you can stay there too. It's probably ridiculously priced..but who cares.
- Sleepless in Seattle. Need I say more?
- 50% of this country's seafood goes through Seattle.
- Home to the country's first automated car wash. And Elvis took his Cadillac there.
- Public Art is a staple. I mean, they have a huge statue of a Troll under Fremont Bridge. (Scene from 10 Things I Hate About You).
Okay, that's all for now, folks. I have to run to my gate and then catch a flight. See you on the other coast :)
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