Day 2 in Seattle - alone time with Markel

Markel and I took the day to ourselves because Patric, Riker and Braedon had to work.  We started the day with a trip out to where she works at Costco.  She showed me the area.  From there we went to get our nails done.  What a great treat to do with her.  I go a melon color for spring and she got a fresh clear coat.  I took her to Panera Bread for lunch.  After lunch we drove back into Seattle to go to the Chihuly Glass Art Museum.  

The museum is amazing but so is the architecture outside.  

The glass art inside the museum was incredibly inspiring.  I love art - it touches a part of the soul.  

Chandelier

Garden

We are excited for the evening:  Tonight we are having dinner with all my nieces and nephews that live in the Seattle area.  I can't wait to see Braedon, Riker and Patric.  

We met at Oliver Garden and had the best time.  Laughs, memories and most of all life stories.  It was wonderful to connect with them.

Markel, Patric, Betsy, Braedon and Riker

Freemont Troll to the Seattle Mariner Game

After a full day of touring downtown Seattle, Markel and Patric took me out to a local attraction.  It's called the Freemont Troll.  It's getting more and more attention because it has been in a few movies, but it is not located down town and the locals want to keep it quiet - for themselves.  

I have to admit, it is quite impressive, and inspiring.  The story is that someone created this troll to protect the neighborhood from anything bad.  The neighborhood is an older one by nature - the hedges were 10-12 feet tall.  The troll is carved out of sand and concrete under the overpass of a highway.  We drove over it!  Without knowing about it, someone would just drive on not knowing there is something special just below.  If you look closely you can see there is a beetle car under the left hand.    We sent Patric up first to get his photo taken.  Then Markel, and then me.  It was super fun, plus it has been filmed in movies.  

From there we drove back into the city to go to the Seattle Mariners gave vs the Los Angeles As.  We ended up parking farther away to get free parking.  Markel has a spot she always parks at.  She allowed plenty of time to walk there, so we ended up getting to the game early. This gave us plenty of time to to souvenir shopping - well looking, and get refreshments.  Everyone said, "You have to get the garlic fries."  They were right, these garlic fries are so delicious!!  This game was Soooo fun, but what made it even better is that Markel is such a fan of baseball and we were at the game together.  Although, Markel is not a Mariner fan (how strange is that).  We had seats in the third section up, which was fantastic because we could see everything.  Markel and I were really into the game and we had a blast cheering for the game plays.  Patric was more into his phone at this time... after all we had kept him busy all day.  

The Garlic fries were delicious

In the end - the Mariner's beat the As - GO MARINERS!!!!!

Pikes Place is the Place to go

Downtown Seattle is a maze of one way street, pedestrian streets, cool markets, wharfs, ships and businesses.  One thing I didn't realize about the down town area of Seattle is - how hilly it is.  After touring the Space Needle Markel drove us over to tour Pikes Place.  It is this massive public market.  I was excited to see the local vendors and attractions.  It was a beautiful sunny day - perfect for all that we wanted to accomplish.  Markel and Patric are awesome tour guides.  Apparently, Markel doesn't like the to come downtown, but she likes the Mariners baseball team, so she comes downtown for their games.  That is how she has gotten to know the area so well.  

Walking into the Vendor area of Pike Place

Pike Place corner!!!

Tradition has it that if you rub the pig you will have good luck. Both Patric and I rubbed the pig at the same time!  Great luck will come to both of us.  YAY!!!!

While we were standing there by the pig we witnessed the fish throwing - no really.  I took a video of it too, but I didn't load it here.  The guy from behind the counter throws these giant size fish to the guy in the red apron and then he places them on the display for people to observe and hopefully buy.  IT's quite a show - it attracts attention and is quite load from all the spectators cheering for them.  I'm glad I got to see it.

We walked a few miles while touring the area up and down.  We stopped on Pike place for some fresh made cheese (Patric got a sandwich), while Markel and I went next door to buy some macaroons.  We bought a variety of flavors to savor for the rest of the day.  I loved the strawberry one, raspberry one and blueberry one. I guess I was in a berry mood.  Everything was my treat - I love spoiling my nieces and nephews because I do not see them very often.  They are awesome to me - I sorta wish they were my kids.  I love them with all my heart.

The perfect place to take a photo of the Pike Place Public Market

This location has been used in several movies

The next stop was to see bubble gum alley!  I didn't know what they were talking about until it became quite apparent.  People from all over the world come here after chewing gum and place their gum on the wall.  Look at all the gum that is on the wall (and that is just one wall).  Sometime people attach a not with the bubble gum for their love or friend.  

Patric and I at the bubble gum wall

 From Pikes Place we walked down to the waterfront.  Betsy bought some snacks and we rode the ferris wheel.  Once again we were reminded of Markel's fear of heights, but she was a super-duper trooper and did the ride with us.  I'm so proud of her for pushing herself to overcome a fear.  The day was beautiful - the sun sparkled off the water like silver on a blue mat. We could see for miles across the bay. 

It was a perfect day!

Touring the Seattle Space Needle

It's April first, but it's no joke that I am having a blast with my niece and nephew.  What a great ride we had to downtown Seattle.  Markel is a great driver - She made IT was so easy.  Our first stop is at the Seattle Space Needle.  I have always wanted to go here.  It's so tall.  I didn't know this, but Markel is afraid of heights.  

Before we went inside we stopped at this amazing 3-D art piece.  There is so much art in Seattle.  It's alive!  I love it.

Betsy among the reeds 

Once we got up top it came out that Markel is afraid of heights.  Well - you are at the top now - no turning back.  She did really good and we helped her through fearful spots.  On the other hand, Patric and I were loving it - the views were amazing, and it was incredible to stand on a see-through floor and see the earth below.  The top rotates and does a full circle every hour (if I remember correctly).  

There was this section were we pretended we were walking on a balance beam.  I wanted it to look like I was really balancing myself 100+ stories in the air, but with the wall in the background, it doesn't look that way.  Even still, it was fun to walk the line as if I were there with nothing but me and the beam. 

Patric had no problem with the glass - he really enjoyed standing on it and showing Markel that it is safe.  Eventually we were able to coax Markel into posing for a phone where she laid down on the glass opposite Patric.  She looked scared to death - she didn't die while Patric looked like a kid in a candy store!  What a fun opportunity to witness.

So proud of you Markel

Patric and Betsy on the outside rim

The view to the North

Loving this - selfie

Looking down at the world below

Patric - right back at you - laying on the glass with a park below.

the view to the South

I'm braver than I believe

Daddy long legs as art on top of a building under the space needle

Playing around in the gift shop