Olly085

Wow… My trip to Seattle. 2002. It was the best week of my life, and definitely not long enough. I went with my best friend- we were only 17, so we stayed at this bed and breakfast that our parents had pre-arranged. The man who ran it was awful- all I know is that I think it was across from a Trader-Joe’s.

Seattle is the best place I have ever encountered. The people are so unique and open-minded. At the time, we were avid smokers, and in fact, quite a few times walked down a street or sat on the steps of the bed and breakfast to smoke a joint.

The best place to be at night was this little park (if you ask someone there about it, they can probably tell you where it is)where there is a metal sculpture and a brick wall that you can sit on to view all of Seattle and the sound. There are apartments or condos directly across the street from it. It’s absolutely beautiful. If you are in Seattle with the one you love, I would absolutely 100% reccomend that you spend some time there at night.

It is easy to make friends there- everyone seems pretty tourist friendly. Most of the really cool stuff is within walking distance, and if not, you can take a bus for a very cheap fare. My reccomendation: DO NOTDEPEND ON A BUSDRIVER TO GETYOU TO THERIGHTPLACE!!! Our first day there we asked a driver if his bus went from the airport to where we needed to go(Queen Anne’s Hill)… He said yes, and then on the last stop dropped us off in the “ghetto”. Two young white girls with big rolling suitcases= prime target! We walked for forever and eventually I saw a cab. I made a run for it, caught him mid whiskey and coke (in a 7-11 cup, though his breath did not hide it well)and we were so happy to have found him we hopped in. He took us for a small tour of the city(aka cabbie ripoff)but it was actually helpful during our time there.
GET A BUSSCHEDULEANDMAP OF ROUTES!!!!

Places you should always hit up:

Pike Place Market- It’s a sin to miss it! The cherries are delicious and they have the best flowers. You will find so many varying things there.
EMP- Another sin to miss. Seattle being the birthplace of Nirvana, they have a great display. The Jimi Hendrix Experience was like nothing I’ve ever seen. I had to reach over (big no-no) and touch one of the guitars… Who can resist? They have a concert hall where you can rock it out on stage too.

The Space Needle- “Seeing the view since ’62” they like to say. To be honest, I found it kind of disappointing, but if you tell someone that you went to Seattle and say you didn’t go to the Space Needle, they reserve the undisputed right to bitch slap you. You pay to go up during the day, and then later at night. It’s definitely better at night, though during the day you can see the mountains- that kinda rocked too.

Seattle Center- there are a lot of fun things to do there, but prepare to spend some money to have a good time. It’s a great place to meet new people, but use your common sense, and remain cautious. Let us remember that most serial killers come from the West.

Ferry to Victoria, B.C.- If you have the opportunity, PLEASE take the ferry to Victoria. There are hundreds of shops and the wax museum rocks! The biggest thing on this day trip is that you change your scenery for a day- Victoria is gorgeous! The ride is kind of long (especially on the way back, you’re tired!) but well worth it, and they will feed you. Take advantage of the decks- go outside, get some fresh air, feel the mist. BRING A SWEATSHIRT! It is cold, and if you have to buy a sweatshirt on the ship (as we did) it’s extremely expensive. Be careful what you bring back, you do have to go through customs when you get back.

That’s all that I can remember as of now… It was 4 years ago people…

But GO!

Especially if you are young and open-minded, you will have a great time!