The Seattle Summary

We were expecting the west coast rain to stay with us until the end. However, both of the full days we spent in Seattle were rain-free. We took our time and enjoyed wandering around the centre of the city. Had we been feeling our best, there is no doubt we would have explored more of the outlying neighbourhoods, but weeks of enduring what we think may be an intestinal parasite slowed us down.

On our Seattle loved list:

• The roomy feel of the downtown (We couldn't figure out where everyone was! No matter the time of day, the downtown area felt downright spacious)

• The Seattle Art Museum sculpture park down by the waterfront. We so enjoyed it there that we returned the following day to sit and watch the boats in the harbour.









• The varied architecture such as the public library by Rem Koolhaas and the Experience Music Project building by Frank Gehry





• Eating at Serious Pie in Belltown — the spring pea soup is dreamy and the pizza pies are the perfect size and topped with great fresh veggies, cheeses and seafoods and meats

• Our CINERAMA experience. One of the few remaining CINERAMAS in the world that can still show the classic "three strip projection" format that was CINERAMA, this one in Belltown has been meticulously restored with help from Microsoft founder, Paul Allen. State of the art digital projection and sound, great seating and cheap treats make the ultimate movie experience. Check out more at: http://www.cinerama.com/

• The philanthropic perks sprinkled throughout the city such as CINERAMA, the sculpture park, the art museum and more. There's big money in Seattle. Microsoft, Starbucks, The Gates Foundation. It's interesting to see what unlimited financing can do when applied to make a city a culturally rich experience for people.

• The relaxed feel of the whole place (as far as city experiences go this was a pretty nice one)

• KEXP Radio. A Seattle legend, this community funded alternative music station has been around since the 80's playing everything the big corporate stations won't touch. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Death Cab For Cutie — thank these guys for discovering and bringing them to you. Here the DJ's still program their own sets and are committed to giving a voice to music and causes outside of the mainstream. Now also streamed online means the station is heard all over the world and we've been fans for several years. Since we're in Seattle, we thought we'd drop by the station (it turns out to be only a couple of blocks from our hotel) and make a donation in person. Good idea! They invite us in, give us a full tour of the station, let us talk to all the folks (really — it wasn't that big of a donation...) It's the highlight of our day and reminds us again of the importance of being part of something that's genuinely making a difference. Also it's another great Seattle philanthropic example — people love this station and believe in what they stand for. Three times a year, KEXP puts on a pledge drive to keep the station going and every time, people give generously.

• The coffee. Maybe not quite the caffiene experience one has in Buenos Aires, but pretty darn good. I'm still buzzing...


Did not love:

• The street people that throng to the Pike Place Market and along Pike Street giving it a very unsavory feeling. There's a growing disparity in Seattle that's reflected all over the U.S. — those who do and those who don't. Time to put some of that philanthropic money and influence to work in this area.




• No subway to quickly and easily connect to other. Traffic to the airport is a bitch... then again, isn't it always?!?!