July 07-10, 2016
Truth be told, this is my first ever air state travel in the land of America. For no concrete reason, I don't know why my cousins chose Seattle to be our summer getaway. It actually did not matter at all, as long as I was with them and they promised me to discover yummy food, I know all will be fine. Thank God for the on-time schedule of Alaska Airlines and of course, thanks to Koyang Miller for waking up at 3AM to drop me at Ontario International Airport.
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| From SeaTac to our hotel, I tried the SpeediShuttle service. The chauffeur served as a tourist guide too. |
The Seattle City Pass we had was worth it, we were able to see top visitor's attractions.It is one booklet with five admission tickets of your choice.
Hello Space Needle. For your constant presence in every episode of my former favourite series Grey's Anatomy,it was nice to finally meet you.
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| Hay touchscreen ka, and hirap mong pindutin! |
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| Reflection of relaxation |
Explore jaw-dropping 360 degree views on the Observation Deck: majestic mountains, sparkling waters, towering skyscrapers and beyond.
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| Sana Manila Bay ka na lang!!:) |
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| Space Needle at night. |
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| First lunch at Collections Cafe. |
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| In a deep neuron-stimulating analysis contemplating what I will have for lunch. |
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| Ganduh ni Tal!!! |
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| And we can't NOT include this beautiful backdrop and the off-shoulder top!:) |
Throughout the Galleries, ever-changing Garden, and signature Glasshouse, you'll be inspired by artist Dale Chihuly's innovation.
His pieces are more than impressive and amazing. Chihuly lost his vision on left eye and dislocated a shoulder dedicating his time and talent to a deep passion.
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| A breathtaking view results in Pretty Mitzi |
On our Viber group, Arlette excitedly messaged her eagerness to see Christian and I casually asked who Christian was, and she replied "Grey."And so it hit me, oh yes, Christian Grey of Fifty Shades lives in Seattle. :) I forgot him for awhile because of daily busyness. Now, was Christian Grey one reason why we traveled to Seattle??:)
We were giggling soon as we were standing in front of the Escala Tower. Tal was supportive of our goofiness. Sylvia Day did her assignment well, most of the places she mentioned in the trilogy novels were real. And yes, they were definitely included in our itinerary.
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| Hmmm, Escala??:) |
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| Our Monorail transit ride |
There is ease of transportation in Seattle. Taxis that offer flat rate, monorail rides, Uber and transit can be reached at visitors' convenience.
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| Street girls at the first Nordstrom |
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| Witnessed a peaceful protest |
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| Red wine happy hour at Homewood Suites |
Pike Place market according to Arlette was also mentioned in Fifty Shades, I am trying to remember how and why, my memory just would not let me!!:(
Another famous first in Seattle- Starbucks!!!As a certified coffee lover with countless memories inked in Starbucks branches in PH, most notably Starbucks SM Pampanga, it was a feel-good vibe to set our feet on this tiny and cramped space that started it all. Starbucks and other local coffee shops are sprouted along the corners of the city, they are the equivalent of sari-sari stores in PH.
June 08-Day 2
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| Saan and lakwatsa today, Dora??:) |
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| Alley, I come across this term on novels. The infamous Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and now this Post Alley located at Pike Place Street. |
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| Jumbo crab legssss!!! |
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| Where were the wild fishermen? |
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| Dion and Tita Mitzi |
It was time to fall in line to have a taste of the most-talked about chowder soup in the city.
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| We chose the sampler meal- 4 kinds of soup. The bee line was worth it. |
Let us feed our mind with seaworld faces and facts now at Seattle Aquarium.
Discover playful sea otters, graceful octopuses, luminous moon jellies and more. Be amazed by the Windows on Washington Waters, a 120,000- gallon exhibit with daily diver shows.
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| Hello Octopus!! |
Time for a 1-hour Argosy Cruise Harbor tour.
It is a cruise of Elliott Bay and the Seattle Harbor, viewing the spectacular panoramic background of the majestic cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. See the city's historic waterfront, busy shipyards and natural beauty.
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| Met A Pinay celebrity!:) Ate Lei!!:)Salamat sa rice. |
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| Crab legs, longganisa, kanin and free Pinoy vinegar for dinner!! |
Seattle not only has the distinction of having the first Starbucks in the world. Rather, the 1st Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room is built just nine blocks away from its original store. When Tal and Arlette mentioned that we were going to "Starbucks sosyal", I thought was there such a place and I asked should we call in advance for a reservation(take the name) and was there a dress code.
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| I tried the smoked butterscotch latte.The usual frappucino and lattes were not on the menu. |
July 09- Day 3. Before Tal leaves for Bay Area.
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| Street wall art |
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| Cheers to more explorations!! Thanks for organising everything!:) |
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| At Queen ANNE Beerhall. |
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| The bartender recommended this Steigl kind of beer. He says it's for light drinkers like us!:) |
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| After 10 years, had a taste of alcohol again.Yayyyyy!!!:) |
True to what was printed on the Seattle CityPass, the Emerald City enchanted us with its best attractions, trees and flowers everywhere, "loud" locals, delectable food choices. Thankful to have a few days off from work, fly miles away from SoCal and breathe a different kind of air in Seattle. It was an apt time to enjoy and experience a new place with the best travel companions Arlette and Crystal, plus Dion and Au.:)
Next stop: Pilipinas!!!:)
Eat. Drink. Travel.
