Day 6 (Seattle)

Well, let's just say that Jesse now knows what it takes to make a CRAZY good cup of coffee. There are actually INDIVIDUAL coffee drips! Thank you MINDI! You don't know what a service that was. We woke up a little later than usual and sat in Mindi's gorgeous kitchen with water and market views. We decided to hit Pike Place Market first. Everything is right next to Mindi's place, but you could literally spit from her window and hit the back of the market sign. Holy heaven, what a place! Everywhere you look are giant tulips and folks selling their art, honey, bags, hats, and fish! The main meeting point in the market area is a GIANT bronze pig. It stands directly in front of the famous fish market where they throw the fish around. Remember Real World: Seattle?

Ok, so everyone prepare yourself. Mindi wanders over to this fish vendor, her favorite. She introduces us to her good friend, Richard, who works there. We all get to chatting and Richard asks Maura and I if we've had smoked salmon. That would be a NO. And if you know Maura and I you know that's a HUGE no. I didn't want to be rude and Maura was eager to take a taste and try something new! While Richard looked on, we sampled the salmon. This is Alaskan salmon, not any of that east coast city crap. Basically if you like smoked bacon, you would be in hog heaven. We finished our bites! Woot!

Back toward the other end of the market is Starbucks. I know what you are all thinking. Big fucking deal. BUT, this is the VERY FIRST ONE. Out of millions or probably trillions. The very first Starbucks which was opened in 1971 is still there and very much kicking. A favorite hotspot for tourists, buskers and coffee worshippers alike.

After the market we walked along the waterside with Mindi guiding us. She is every woman's essential tour guide to Seattle. A little about Mindi: She works for the Port of Seattle doing real estate development. Her building overlooks the sound and off the rear balconies you can see the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier (a volcano!). Inside the building, which used to be an old cannery factory, there are gifts from sister ports and tons of light. The space is maintained to utter perfection for the comfort of it's employees. What a concept. Surround your employees with tranquility and a sense of calm and they will be VERY happy to come to work.

We headed over to the Olympic Sculpture Park and Mindi headed out to do some Sunday errands. We followed the park around to the Space Needle. I mean we're here. It's like not bothering to check out the Eiffel Tower. The Space Needle was built 48 years ago and is 605 feet high. Nearly 8,000 people can pass through each day. We went up to the top for glorious Seattle views and stopped into the rotating restaurant. I (Jesse) got a little woozy. I don't think I would want to spin while I eat!

Back to the market we went. Shopped and walked. Shopped and walked. Fro yo and walked. We have landed back at Mindi's apartment and are taking a short decompressing break. Later tonight we head out to dinner with Lina and Mindi back near the market!