Visiting Seattle

I realize that I actually live in Seattle now, but I've never actually visited the city. Today I went out to do all of the tourist things that I never did before moving up here. First we went to the Market. I'd been through it before, and couldn't see what all the fuss was about. Apparently it's because I took a wrong turn somewhere and only saw the backs of buildings. Today we saw the guys throw fish at the entrance to the market, checked out all of cool vendors and their wares, and got coffee at the first Starbucks. We also went down to Pioneer Square and went on the Underground Tour.

The guys throwing the fish really startled me. They just start yelling and then throw the fish to each other. Ginny told me they wouldn't throw them at the people standing and watching, but then they launched one at an onlooker. Turns out the fish was stuffed, and the guy they threw it at got to yell and throw it back at them.

I was amazed at all of the interesting items that vendors were selling in the Market. There was food, flowers, figurines made out of volcanic ash, matted art, and other crafts. We didn't buy anything, but I know where I'm going to get everyone's birthday and Christmas gifts this year! I was really impressed by how many booths were open, and how many unique items were on display.

Seeing the original Starbucks was really exciting. We spend so much time at work focusing on how the business is now, that we lose track of where the business started. Amazingly enough, the store was fairly empty so we were able to see all of the Pike's Place merchandise and check out the store. We walked by a little bit later and the store was packed. It looked like the line was coming out the door.

The underground tour was pretty interesting. The tour guide was full of trivia about the city around the turn of the city. Unfortunately we were one the family friendly tour, and they had to clean up some parts. It looks like they have another tour that tells a little more about the dark side of the early underground. I think the girls at work are planning on going on it when it opens up again.

All in all, my adventure in Seattle was a lot of fun. I can't wait to explore more of the city!

It's Official!

I am now officially a Washington resident. After much arm twisting, and lots of stalling on my part, I finally got a Washington driver's license and license plates. It only took me four hours at the DOL (here apparently they do not have a DMV and you have to go to two separate agencies to get your license and plates). It was really sad taking the Oregon plates off and having them punch a hole in my Oregon driver's license. I guess there'll be no more getting out of paying sales tax now. Anyway, it's official now. I'm here for the time being, and had better get used to it. Enjoy the pictures of the conversion. *Notice the subtle plug for good ol' Oregon in the license plate cover...