a day for me doesn't begin until i have a solid espresso. the hotel coffee was bitter, so when i asked the bellman where i could get the best coffee, he looked at me crazy and said, "STARBUCKS!" realizing i wasn't going to get a mom & pop type coffee house from this guy, it just so happened that my friend sent me a list of the best coffee houses in big cities. for seattle, it was monorail espresso. it took me a minute to locate because it isn't a brick & mortar--rather it's a tiny store front shop adjacent to a large hotel. so glad i found it because i was greeted by kostas who had an infectious smile and he was a total delight.
i have to show you the first starbucks. there wasn't a time that i passed it when there wasn't an insane line of diehard patrons. although i wouldn't call myself a fan of their coffee, i do drink it on occasion and especially came to admire howard schultz after watching him on inconoclast.
what would a jaunt up to seattle be without gracing pikes place market? i was a bonafide tourist with a huge kool-aid grin and a camera around my neck. it was pretty awesome. not only did i see some of the freshest seafood of my life, amazing art, and an abundance of flowers--but there were a ton of little charming side streets. i walked through enchanted alleyways not quite sure where i would end up, but was thrilled when i came to second-hand vintage shops. i walked away with some gorgeous hardbound books, vintage coca-cola trays and even a le creuset pot for a steal.
ummmm, how adorable is this little rosebud? she blended in perfect!
something else that stood out to me, but not surprising, were all of the musicians. i love a town full of musicians that grace its streets with beautiful music. it was a big melting pot of tunes around every corner.
i can't tell you how much the space needle was my beacon for finding my way around seattle. it was central to my hotel, and by the end of my trip i was able to navigate around without having to use the gps. i went up just as the sun was setting, and the views are mighty spectacular. i took one of those cheesy super-imposed photos that i'll spare you from. but here's a view from the top.
do you see how how incredible the emp museum is from the top? the minute i saw it, i immediately recoginzed it as a frank gehry design. his structures are all so undeniable and singular in every way. the following day i went in for the mind-blowing exhibit of nirvana and hendrix. i was completely over the moon! more on that later.
for now i'll leave you with this sky as i made my way back down the space needle and into a night full of promise.
