Seattle

Many years ago (8), we flew out to see Richie and Tara and we drove down to Seattle to take in the sights. Our two stops were the Needle and Pikes Place Market. We made those stops again on this trip. The last time we came through traffic didn't seem so heavy and we were able to go right up the Space Needle. Today there was a crush of humanity everywhere. We didn't go up in the needle because we didn't want to wait for two hours and it was like $70 for all of us to go up. We all agreed it was more than we wanted to spend/do so we went over to the fish market and checked it out again.

 Around the Needle, there is so much to do, museums, parks, playgrounds, a green house and much more. Plus there is a crush of people out enjoying the weather. You could have your picture taken with storm troopers, Spiderman, a snake, and other crazy people in costumes all for a nominal donations. Street musicians, beggers and vendors round out a fun mix with the tourists.

 The inside of the market is packed with people looking, buying and selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to the catch of the day, trinkets, t-shirts, jewelry and more. There are six levels to the market and each has little shops but the action is on the main level and I love looking at all the different people cruising through. I even had some people lay hands on my and pray for healing.

 This fish stand is known for tossing around the fish when people buy them. They toss from the front of the counter up to the guys standing behind for them to wrap it up.

 This is a monk fish and it is attached to a string. When someone gets close to it, a guy behind the counter will make it up using the string. It is hilarious watching people get close to take a picture and getting scared when the fish jumps. I waited until no one was around before I took my pics. Last time we were here, it scared Patrick. This time they scared a little girl and made her cry.

Once again we had fun walking the streets of Seattle. It is a fun city but my favorites are Vancouver, Chicago and Phoenix. Seattle is in the top five. I'll round it out with Columbus because that's my home state capital and home of the Buckeyes!