Back in Seattle Again!

One week ago… On Monday, July 25th, we took the BC Ferry back to Vancouver. We planned on seeing our friends, Seth and Maggie for lunch, but the timing didn’t work out because of our late night partying. Let me explain. So the last night of any busker’s festival is usually a “big party” held in a loud establishment with lots of people. Of course, Jon and I love “big parties” filled with movies, popcorn, and board games. This “big party” was a little different filled with lots of tiny glasses, salt, and lime. Well, that was a first! Does that explain it? Ok, so we met Seth and Maggie at a coffee shop in Vancouver and Seth realized he had 5 minutes to chat before he had to head out. It was SO nice to see them, and SO unfortunate that we didn’t have more time to spend together.

We got into Seattle late and went out for Pizza at Talarico’s with Jon’s friend, Matt. It was Karaoke Night and it was our lucky night! We got to hear the most interesting karaoke singer ever! We’re disappointed we didn’t record it for you, but let me try to explain. So, imagine an unrecognizable ballad sung in falsetto by a 70 year old man who then sat down and fell asleep in his booth. Twenty minutes later, the wait staff woke him up for his second selection. And again, same style! We were told all of his songs sound the same, and he always sings the same four. He’s known as “chicken teriyaki” guy. What a treat! Matt and Lara graciously let us sleep in their second bedroom/office for a night and they were extremely hospitable! Thanks, guys! ☺

The next day we had breakfast at Bakery Nouveau and then headed into downtown Seattle and visited the Columbia Center, the famous Gum Wall (it’s a brick building covered in chewed gum…yes, disgusting and beautiful all at the same time), and the Fremont Troll. By the way, Jon and I did add some gum to the wall. For lunch we decided on Paseo, a small Caribbean restaurant semi-hidden alongside the road. Our Cuban pork sandwiches and rice and beans were extremely tasty. (A superb meal idea for those of you food lovers!) We know our friends Jeb and Allison would have loved it! After lunch we went searching for Sam Baldwin’s (Tom Hanks) houseboat from the movie “Sleepless in Seattle.” We searched and searched the docks, but were disappointed. We left the dock and as we were driving down the road, I kept my eyes peeled. I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse of what looked like the same houseboat. This thing was massive! It was only a glimpse, so I didn’t get a picture. Aww, shucks!

I’m sorry to say that I was happy to leave Seattle, mostly because I didn’t have to listen to the Frasier theme song anymore…

That evening we drove to Yakima, WA where we stayed in a nice hotel, Red Lion, for only $59 (regular rate $110). Way to go, Priceline Negotiator! Jon loves that jingle a little too much as well. We spent the morning and most of the afternoon at the Yakima Library because I had an assignment for my technology class due by 11:45 p.m. and hadn’t really started it. It was a PowerPoint presentation. I had an idea, but it just took FOREVER to finish! I actually used this cross-country trip as my project and it turned it out well! Tuesday evening we drove to Spokane, WA. We ate dinner out on the patio of Mizuna. I couldn’t believe we could actually sit outside! The weather was perfect! We’re finally able to wear shorts again.

Check back later (when we actually have Internet) to read about our Camping Adventures from Wednesday into Thursday! You don’t want to miss this one!