April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Duck Ponderings: Being a First-timer
Before embarking on our cruise, we spent some time in downtown Seattle with our home for two nights being the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It first came to life in the Roaring Twenties, making quite an impression with over 2,000 Seattleites for its opening ceremonies in 1924, and it still captures much attention of whoever enters its grand doors. During our stay, we had the opportunity to visit several places of interest by walking, trolley, or monorail.
Our first day adventures took us to Seattle Center. There, we marveled at Chihuly Garden & Glass. Each room of the museum as well as the outside garden areas dramatically displayed exceptional blown glass art pieces. Then, we went up over 500 feet high to the observation deck in the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair, and took in many sights of the city. As I was sharing with a friend, it could actually be the cheapest way to view Seattle if limited to one activity! We were told the top swayed eight feet during a major earthquake but withstood it with one reason being how well its foundation is built. It weighs over 9,500 tons with over half its weight extending below ground.
Our second day was one of much historical information. Our guide on the trolley car did a superb job of explaining key events in the development of the city. One stop took us to Pioneer Square where we walked down under to view the beginnings of old Seattle. It was wiped out by the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. The new plan meant building higher due to major drainage problems in the original plan. Another stop took us to Pike Place Market, a place of fresh fish with some interesting throwing and catching techniques displayed, a variety of produce, and beautiful flowers. Haley, our younger daughter, made the Gum Wall a priority and smiled while placing a piece of chewed gum on what is one of the most unusual, weirdest, attractions in the world.
The weather was wonderful, no rain, and unusually high temperatures. Air conditioners are not very common in Seattle due to their typical mild climate pattern. Wherever we walked, there were hills to climb up or go down. There was no need to exercise in the hotel afterward as we rushed off to the hot tub to sooth our aching muscles.
We were pleased my nephew and director of the Compline Choir at St. Mark's Cathedral, Jason Anderson, could join us for several hours toward the end of our stay. It was a perfect way to end the wonderful Seattle experience!
To be continued ...[[In-content Ad]]
