Amtrak Adventure - Day 24 - Sunday in Seattle

Day 24 started with a trip up to the top of Colombia Center, the tallest building in Seattle, to get a bird's eye view of the city. Seattle's Great Wheel looks more like a satellite dish than a ferris wheel 175 feet tall.

And even the famous Space Needle is dwarfed. 

The observation deck offers a 360 degree view of the city, giving the visitor a good sense of the layout and size of Seattle. 

Back down on the ground, I took an hour off from sightseeing to meet up with fellow author DV Berkom. If you like action-packed thrillers with strong female protagonists, I highly recommend you check out her books. I'd only got to know DV online so it was a great opportunity to finally meet her in person. Needless to say, the conversation revolved mostly around writing.  

Then it was time to explore Pike Place Market which has been in operation since 1907. At the Pike Place Fish stand the fishmongers turn selling fish into a performance with their 'throwing of the fish' whenever a customer orders a full fish. The ritual has become so well-known that tourists congregate around the stall with cameras ready, waiting for the next throw. You have to be quick to get an action photo when it happens - turns out I'm not quick enough!  The fish does look good though.

The market also has lots of flower stalls, all selling vibrant bouquets at prices way lower than in New York. Shame we couldn't get some to take home with us!

This brass statue, the mascot for the market, goes by the name Rachel and is a piggy bank used to raise money for the Market Foundation.  If you rub its nose and make a donation it is supposed to bring you good luck. 

Next on the agenda was a trip to Bainbridge Island, a thirty-five minute ferry ride from downtown. Not only did the ride get us away from the crowds, but it also provided more city photo opportunities from yet another perspective. 

The not-so-small ferris wheel

Here, the Space Needle towers over the surrounding buildings

The ferry docks at Winslow, one of four communities on Bainbridge Island. Along from the ferry dock a small park leads to a marina full of yachts and other craft. A sailor's paradise?
  

The small main street is lined with attractive shops and cafes.

There is even a  Museum of Art. which, when we were there, had a fabulous exhibition called 'Cut and Bent' showcasing articles ranging from pictures, model airplanes and even a table cloth made with re-purposed tin. The creativity shown in turning discarded items into art pieces is stunning. 

The return ferry ride gave us another chance to see Mount Rainier. This time it looked as if it was floating.

Verdict: A wonderful day. Seattle is a vibrant, lively city, well worth a visit.