Seattle and Getting Settled on the Ship

There are tons of things to see and do in Seattle -- from the Aquarium to Pier 66 to the International District to Chinatown to Pioneer Square. Of course, the most famous are the Space Needle and Pike's Market. If you plan to visit this city plan a day at each famous place so you can savor the aroma and feel of this vibrant city. Then, there are the boat rides we could have taken to San Juan Island, Puget Sound, Mercer Island, and Lake Washington.



Pictured here is one of the boats used for excursions from the waterfront restaurant area/boat excursion area in Seattle. Since most of the nights we ate near here we noticed the rides were about an hour in length and nearly always packed.




Seattle is also known for Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon, and a ton of tech start-ups. People are out and about, walking the city streets with a coffee in one hand and a bouquet of flowers in another. Many wore their Sonic jerseys, so I also got the feel this is a sports town, like my Chicago and its Bears. And yes, the homeless were visible.

We had one more day in this city, and we decided to walk the streets and head to Pioneer Square. I thought it would be bustling with things to do and shops to poke around in and cafes to sit and watch the people while sipping coffee or tea. I was wrong.

Pioneer Square does have an underground area that we did not go into. We did not feel that comfortable in the area as we walked further and further onto its streets. There were few shops to poke into and fewer sidewalk cafes to sit and have a cup of coffee. We did find a cafe to have breakfast, but mostly we walked and walked seeing little but cement sidewalks under drab buildings. After exploring the area for a bit, we decided to head the other way, back to the hotel area and the shops that we passed near Pike's Market. Once again, we were in the midst of a bustling venue of outdoor cafes, chocolate shops, and places to poke our heads into to see the different merchandise.

That night we ate at Ivar's and we both had King Crab Legs. OMG -- go here if you go to Seattle, you will not be disappointed. Prices ranged from $18 for the clams and chips to $60 for the surf 'n turf with Maine lobster tail, the service was impeccable and the food was superb (but still no baked potato). This time I asked the waiter why was there no baked potatoes? There just isn't. I guess I would have to wait for my baked potato.This restaurant could easily become a favorite of mine.

It was an early night because we had to pack our belongings and get ready to go to the cruise ship in the morning. We planned on getting up and having breakfast at the hotel, then off on our adventure. I had no idea what beauty was in store for me to enjoy!

Our ship, Holland America's Maasdam, would be our home for the next 14 days.






Tomorrow will be Ketchikan and the lumberjack show. We will also get to know the ship a bit.

Until then...have a great day...