Parce que tout semble mieux dans le francais

This weeks to do list

-Survive until next week

*Seattle

So last weekend I went to Seattle for the first time since I was little for a trip with some friends. We were only there a few days but I found some places I would definitely want to go back to. And of course it was all on a budget.

I suggest going with a group of people who are all wearing matching scarves (thank you Girl Scout markers) and maybe you too can get extra donuts from the guy at Pike’s Place who enjoys knitting in his free time. Maybe. 

We took the light rail from the airport to the International District where we stayed at the American Hotel, a Hosteling International hostel. The light rail was cheap and the seats were heated, which is more than any student traveler can hope for. The hostel was also comfortable, nice for hostel standards and about a block from the light rail and other public transport. Walking around alone at night is not advised for this area by the way.

Fun places to go:

Pike’s Place: An outdoor/indoor market on the waterfront that hosts amazing food, cool gifts and amazing food… oops i said that already, and for good reason. THE FOOD IS SO GOOD. 

-Market Grill: Literally, the BEST sandwich I have ever had. Cajun spiced salmon on grilled baguette with rosemary aioli, grilled onion (usually not a fan), lettuce and tomato. Their clam chowder was also the best I have had in a while, and I go to the east coast every summer. 

-The Donut Place: Not what it is actually called but Im sure once you get there you will find it. Just follow the amazing smell. When I was there they had sprinkled, powdered sugar, plain, and cinnamon but I stuck with just cinnamon and they were really good. Fresh from the fryer, small, and fluffy. Perfection. 

-Beecher’s: (Across the street from the main market) If you love cheese, you will love this place. They’re cheese making contraptions are behind a huge glass window you can look through while you wait in line. The cheese is really good but their other food is also fantastic. I’m going to have to find some more adjectives that mean good (BRING OUT THE THESAURUS) because this place was wicked awesome. I split the mac and cheese with a friend and it was plenty due to how rich it was.  What looked really good that I didn’t get to try was the grab grilled cheese type sandwich that the woman in front of us got… I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. 

Experience Music Project: This place is too awesome to believe. I learned how to play the base (sort of) and went into a recording session where you can jam and then buy your recording from the gift shop. 

Seattle Aquarium: I have to say, living in the Bay Area, I’m pretty spoiled when it comes to aquariums. Nothing I have been to, so far, has been better than the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Although the Seattle Aquarium is not an exception to this, the place is still pretty cool. They have a great Sea Otter exhibit where I probably could have spend 3 hours watching them, and really cool Octopi. 

Space Needle: It was nice because we had City Passes so we were able to just clip a page out of a booklet and there was no need to wait in line to get a ticket. The restaurant they have has some of the most (unjustified) expensive food I have seen in a while, but you pay for the view and the rotating restaurant. Yep, that’s correct. A rotating restaurant. If you do end up wanting to go, don’t tell your other party members that it rotates, the bathroom is stationary so when they come back to the table there could be some good laughs. p.s. I suggest not putting any personal belongings on the windowsill as the outside of the restaurant moves and a few minutes later you may not find them where they were previously set. 

Bay Tour: I cannot remember what the tour was called but it is on the City Pass and It was really interesting. Don’t miss going on one of these cool boat tours around the bay while visiting. If you’re lucky you may get a tour guide named Greg who is really passionate about his narration of the tour. 

Pioneer Square: Little area in downtown with a walking tour map of old architecture and a gold rush museum. Good for a nice stroll around a beautiful area. 

Off the beaten path: 

Pho Ba(c): This place is about three blocks or less from the light rail station and has some of the best Pho ever. To add to the food, there was a flat screen in the back (but visible) playing a Vietnamese version of Dancing with the stars, needless to say that made for some good conversation. I would not suggest going with a group of more than six people as they are not used to serving so many and may stagger the individual orders. Other than that I adore this place.

The Gum Wall: Exactly what it sounds like. Not sure the exact history behind it but it is a giant brick wall covered in gum. A cool place to take pictures, along with the graffiti on the other side of the ally. Bring your own gum, as it is not provided (unchewed) for you. Vandalism welcome. 

Shops! (of course) 

Alhambra: An upscale version of Anthropology with some great pieces for inspiration. Way out of my student price range but so so gorgeous. It’s worth just peeking in to see what they have in stock. 

Fini: The accessory section of Anthropology but cheaper. I was a huge fan, as I got a pair of Audrey Hepburn-esc sunglasses that I had been eyeing at Anthropology for $15, half the price of the ones at Anthro. They have amazing accessories and the lady who was behind the counter was very nice and helpful. 

Hope you can visit some of these places if you are ever in a touristy mood while in Seattle.