One of our first outings included a visit to Whidbey Island. That's one of a few islands across the "sound" (aka. a body of water that feeds directly into the ocean apparently). You learn so much while traveling. It's just grand :) Anyways, to get to the island we got to take a ferry! This thing was HUGE and wonderful and complete with TONS of indoor seating, a snack bar, and the bajillions of cars making their way across. Have you ever stood at the very edge of a ferry (moving quite quickly I might add) with the wind blowing like crazy and nothing separating you from the water way below but a railing? Oh my scariness!!! Yet what a rush :D.
Our ferry on the way over.
We're a photographic family, what can I say?
Whidbey island is just great! There was the cutest little town and beach area we got to explore.Put me near the water and I am one happy girl :).
One of several boats just chillaxing on the shore. Was I tempted to test it out?? You betcha.
Now one of the all-time most greatest things about the city of Seattle is how incredibly walk-able it is. We took the monorail and went perusing one afternoon, discovering the fantastic gem that is Seattle's street performers.They're everywhere!! And sooo talented! :D Seriously, I could have spent an entire day just seeking these folks out. I only documented about half of the ones we saw. Gosh, they're cool.
This guy was an Otavalo Indian from Ecuador and played the most beautiful flute music. His flutes were big and wooden and totally authentic. He was probably my favorite performer we saw. His music just touched my soul and was fantastic.
A chap of many talents, the same flute player also sold these friendship bracelet things. I just love mine :).
My second favorite guy. He's playing those Jamaican dingy things. I clearly do not know the proper name but if you've ever heard one, you know what I'm talking about. However, he didn't play just any songs. Instead, he was playing classics like Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. I know, right?! And he was so happy! I just love happy people :). Too cool.
Now this dude definitely wins for most creative! You may not be able to see it all in the photo but he's actually spinning TWO hula hoops, stamping bells on his shoes, playing the guitar and harmonica, and singing! He even balanced the end of his guitar on his face once. Delightful!
Check out the sweet architecture in the library.
An icon of Seattle: The Space Needle. I didn't go up, but my dad and bro did. Apparently the view is pretty great!
A glass sculpture from this delightful glass works place by the space needle.
Okay, now we're getting to the legendary Pikes Place Market! Everyone I asked about Seattle told me I just had to go there. They were totally right because this place is so GREAT! So many little shops and vendors and performers and people! Best people watching spot EVER. This is also where I discovered quite the interesting little book shop and picked up my own copies of The Scarlet Letter, Memoirs of a Geisha and Gray's Anatomy. And yes, I'm referring to the 1000+ page medical volume written a billion years ago. I just had to... :)
How cool is he?
K, one of the specific greats of Pike Place is the fish throwing. I'd seen this on TV and yep, it exists. Customers say what kind of fish they want and the workers literally chuck it to each other! Craziness. I wish I could've captured this in motion because these guys are pros.
Another performer at Pike Place.
The alley leading to the infamous 'gum wall.' What is the 'gum wall' you ask? Wait for iiiit...
Bam. Years and years in the making and probably hundreds of thousands of pieces gum, all in one place. Both incredibly disgusting and incredibly intriguing at the same time!
Believe it or not, we all contributed. The trick is to be sure you touch ONLY your piece of gum while sticking it to the wall..;)
I know right? He's just terrific.
Well, that about wraps up my documentation of this peach of a city. I just loved it to death. Even the weather. :)
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