What a Super Tuesday.

Will and I started our second full day in Seattle with breakfast with Jane and Don at the Red Cottage, then ran down their street to catch a bus downtown. We learned our lesson on Monday not to underestimate the power of Seattle coffee (we ordered larges, it took both hands to lift the cup), and stuck with a smaller dose for Tuesday.

We then entered the Pike Place Market, which "has more than just the guys who throw fish and the first Starbucks, you know", in the words of a grumpy shopkeeper. We explored tons of cool shops, bought books against our better judgement, and snacked on delicious treats. We had lunch at Seatown Seabar and Rotisserie and we agree that it was one of the BEST MEALS WE HAVE EVER HAD. The owner's sister runs a farm outside of Seattle and they try to get as much produce from there and from other local farms as they can.

I got to add something new to the list of most impressive gross things I've ever seen! Do you know about the Gum Wall? 

Now you do!

Pike Place Market, though undoubtedly touristy, was really fun to explore. There's a lot in information on Seattle's counterculture and its ties to the market in plaques along the walls, including one that told the story of Spoonman, who we unfortunately did not run into.

We walked along the water and right into the Olympic Sculpture Park, then to the Seattle Center where some amazing glass sculptures surround the base of the iconic Space Needle. Our friends Natalie and Lauren gave Will and me a gift certificate to eat in the spinning restaurant at the top of the structure. We had another delicious meal while we watched the sun set over Puget Sound, then saw a storm set in over the city, complete with high winds and lightning.

We're going to miss Seattle and the Red Cottage. We are so grateful for Jane and Don's hospitality and kindness, and we hope it's not long until we can come back and visit. 

Today we're off to Portland on an Amtrak train that Will and I agree is very Hogwartsy. Thanks for reading, and remember to comment with activities and sights we should experience along our way!

-SLL