SEATTLE

“plans should be ephemeral, so be prepared to move away from them.”- anthony bourdain

We are off on a month long adventure around America. Carrying hand luggage  and cameras we hope to gain a sense of the rhythm, sights and sounds of The States.

This is a task which requires great patience, with a willingness to 'cut-loose' and explore. This is something I am not good at but James is excellent at. We know what our priorities are for this trip and with them in mind we set off.

September 1st 2017

During the flight from London to Seattle our faces craned out of windows and our camera shutters clicked. Upon leaving the airport the air is hot to breathe and we are lost. With instructions to take a train we buy tickets and start people watching. This is our first opportunity to peek at the communities by the sides of the tracks and glimpse at famous landmarks.

Downtown Seattle is a busting hive of locals, workers, Comi Con fans and Bumbershoot festival-goers. After settling into a friends home in Lower Queen Anne we set out to explore for the first time. Homesickness had clearly set in already and the only cure was a cold pint at an English themed pub. A store named 'Trader Joe's' was next on the hit list and we stocked up that evening on 'Pub Cheese' dip and peanut butter filled pretzel chips.

Later that evening we walked the steep streets up Avenue North, towards Kerry Park. The view offered panoramic sights of the city. The 50 cent binoculars gave a close up of the bay below and through the windows of the wealthy apartments near by. The park was full of amorous couples taking selfies and children swinging from the railings. We watched the sun go down over Mount Rainier and caught a glimpse of tourists at the top of the Space Needle.

We woke the next day to strong homemade mimosas and cries for breakfast. Jumping in the car we headed towards Fremont and waited in line for a table at Silence-Heart-Nest. Open since the 1980s, the vegetarian restaurant was un-American and humble. I pick the 'Très Bon Benedict' which sets the bar high for any future meal...ever. The plate was piled with roasted garlic potatoes, caramelised onion, tomato, goats cheese and is smothered in Hollandaise sauce. It could easily feed three.

We took a quick look at the famous 'Fremont Troll' underpass where a large sculpture of a troll delights 'Ten Things I Hate About You' fans and bemuses the locals. Close-by is the Fremont Brewing Company, which offered thirsty explorers an opportunity for shade and free pretzels. Following the hill down towards Lake Union we watched seaplanes take off and walked around the disused Gasworks. 

To end a spectacular day we drove to Discovery Park. We follow a trail before stripping off for a swim. The water was cool and seaweed slowly slinked between legs. Driftwood dens offered a spot to dry off and views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

The third day started at the radio station, and legendary gig spot, KEXP. The hallowed-grounds welcomed coffee hunters and plans for the day were made. Past the Space Needle and through the Sculpture Park we continued our trek down to Pike Place Market. Jam packed with cheap flowers, freshly caught fish and original Starbucks coffee; the market was an assault on the senses. The day ended in the cooling water again overlooking the mountains. Finally slipping into vacation mode, our American twangs had fully kicked in and the jet lag was long gone.

During the final day exploring we took a ferry over to Bainbridge Island. The island itself was lush green and had hidden gems on every turn. We stopped for large portions of coconut and pecan ice cream and petted dogs along the way. Feeling refreshed we headed back into the city and took a right turn to the haunted, historical Pioneer Square. A round of mini golf and a pitcher of beer eased us into the night ahead. 

For our final evening we drove to Golden Gardens beach. While watching the sun set surrounded by fire pits our cold, London hearts melted and we fell deeply in love with Seattle.