A million-dollar trip with my grownup kid.
The excellent traveling companion and no-worries tourist mindset made for three perfect days in Seattle.
Bastyr University is a world leader in natural health arts and sciences:
respecting the healing power of nature
and recognizing that body, mind and spirit are intrinsically inseparable.
The campus has a bountiful herb garden, a reflexology path, and a bunny
behind the Hogwarts style school buildings.
It's a beautiful school, perfect for my modern hippie child - future ND.
Nathyn had his admissions interview March 10.
He was accepted, of course, starts school in September.
We enjoyed a day on campus and a tour of the clinic,
then indulged ourselves in the sights and shops of Seattle.
When driving was a necessity, the gps was a lifesaver. Truly,
we were dangerous and cranky navigating split-level, criss-cross streets.
While the locals were always quite willing to help, their directions were
always less than helpful. They too were often stumped by the map maze.
We took the monorail once and the city bus once,
hopped the state ferry for a relaxing ride on the water.
Mainly, we walked and walked and walked.
Seattle (eons ahead of Phoenix on green issues)
is pedestrian friendly.
Pike's Place Market is a world of its own -
curios, fresh produce, street performers,
good restaurants to satisfy even a picky vegan eater.
The waterfront view is unbeatable.
Pioneer Square (left) is more low-key,
something for every tourist on and below every corner.
We bundled up against the chill,
stopped often to browse, eat, and warm up
at the welcoming shops along the way.
Okay, it wasn't all that cold.
We went beneath the sidewalks for some history and humor. After the great fire of 1889, the city was rebuilt on top of itself and the
old Seattle business district was abandoned as merchants moved up a level.
The underground was condemned in 1909 for fear of bubonic plague.
At the Rouges Gallery we found the best souvenir gifts,
and some common sense political philosophy.
Those who ignore history are doomed to vote Republican.
Impeach Bush. Torture Cheney.
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time,
supporting your government when it deserves it.
The aquarium was amazing,
especially feeding time for the otters and harbor seals.
We left Seattle with 250 pictures on the camera...150 of those were otters.
Woodland Park Zoo was another real winner.
Farewell, Seattle. We'll be back!
Squirrels are People too! Pam's wildlife pages