sleepless in seattle

This was my very first time travelling completely alone. I booked all transpiration, accommodations and activities myself and did everything solo. I've heard that travelling alone has its advantages such as you literally can do whatever you want, whenever you want which can be great if time is an issue. I honestly don't know what I was so scared about, it was great!

S P A C E     N E E D L E

Have you ever seen the romantic movie Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan? It's a classic and a must-see. After watching that movie, I've always wanted to go to Seattle and visit the Space Needle.

B A S E B A L L     G A M E

When I was checking into the hotel for the first night in Seattle, the gentleman behind the counter saw I was from Toronto and asked if I was going to the baseball game that night. I did not plan on it but when I then found out the the Jays were playing, how could I say no!

I quickly checked into my room and went back down to the lobby in search of a group of Jays fans to go to the game with. I was a little hesitant at first since I was alone but I managed to find a friendly group of Torontonians who adopted me for the evening. 

The game was unreal and the amount of Blue Jay fans was insane. Since British Columbia doesn't have a baseball team, a pile of people drive down to Seattle every summer for the 3 game series. 

E M P     M U S E U M

The EMP Museum has many exhibits showcasing some of the world's largest selections of rare artifacts, hand-written lyrics, personal photographs and interments belonging to Seattle's own, Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. Even though the building is massive, their personal displays make you feel right at home with comfortable seating, eye-catching photographs and headsets to listen to music.

Frank O. Gehry who designed the EMP Museum wanted it to scream rock n' roll with a Hendrix flare. He bought a handful of electric guitars, pieced them all together and made those the building blocks of his design for the building. 

Although I like to think I am a song bird while I sing along to the radio in my car, I have very little musical talent. The EMP Museum has an incredible section with a handful of instruments allowing you to jam along to music as if you were a rockstar. 

There was an exhibit for scary films which I dreaded going through. I've seen enough to know that I hate nothing more would rather not see one again. Being a tourist, I went to the scream photo booth where they show you a bunch of scary pictures and you scream your head off. Are you convinced I was scared? I actually was. 

P I K E     P L A C E     M A R K E T

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers' markets in the United States. This is one of Seattle's biggest tourist destinations as it is right beside the original Starbucks and the famous 'gum wall'. While walking around the market, there were loads of craft merchants, butchers, florists and farmers. Each and every display looked lush and full as if it was first thing in the morning. 

If you plan on visiting here, be sure to bring cash!

I was told by a handful of people that I HAD to go see the world famous salmon toss and I would know when I was there. Sounds weird right? Well, it was exactly what it sounded like - people ordering salmon and it would be tossed a handful of yards from one guy to the next. 

This is a fully functioning drainpipe - pretty neat eh?

O R I G I N A L     S T A R B U C K S

Well, you know what they say, when in Rome! I waited in the enormous lineup for the first ever Starbucks outside of the Public Market along with a handful of other people. Even though the line-up was huge, it went pretty quickly. They certainly have ordering and making the drinks down to an art in there!

G U M     W A L L

I don't know what else to say other than this literally is a wall of gum located in an alley under Pike Place Market. This started in 1993 when patrons of Unexpected Productions' Seattle Theatresports would stick their chewed gum to the walls. After the theatre workers scrapped their gum away twice, they gave up and around 1999 called this spot a tourist attractions. In 2009, the gum wall was named one of the top 5 germiest tourist attractions.

Even though this place has a potent smell of spit and mint, it is an interesting spot to visit!

When I was crossing the boarder from Vancouver Canada to Seattle USA, my luggage burst open in the bus terminal. The only tape the boarder security had was this neon green 'examined by customs and boarder patection' tape. Well, beggars can't be choosers so I took what I could get!

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to travel from Vancouver to Seattle, check out www.quickcoach.com. I used them and they were awesome but be sure you book over 24 hours in advance.

xo sara

dale chihuly museum // seattle

When I was planning my trip to Seattle, I knew I had to go to the Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum! His pieces are iconic and mesmerizing. It is absolutely incredible how much time and dedication goes into each and every one of his creations. Be sure to visit the website - the pictures are surreal (but nothing beats the real thing!).

If you purchase tickets ahead of time, you can save a few bucks. I purchased the package that let me visit the museum as much as I wanted during the day and evening and gave me a discounted rate on visiting the Space Needle.

The ceiling during the day:

The ceiling at night:

The Space Needle is literally right next to the museum!

As usual, I've been wearing my favourite Vionic sandals! These have been keeping my feet comfortable and supported the whole trip. This company has an incredible selection of fashionable footwear that have an orthotic built right into the footbed. I highly recommend getting a pair if you walk a lot!

In the museum there was a projector playing a film of Chihuly that showcased his art installations all around the world.

There are photographers walking around the museum available to take pictures of you. They give you a card that you can scan on the way out where you insert your email and the pictures will then be sent to you.

Last summer, my friend Susie and I visited London England where we went to the Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum. This was the first time both of us saw a Dale Chihuly piece! Read more about our London visit here.

xo sara