Seattle + Victoria

Since arriving in America, I've been feeling the effects of the flu and jetlag, so haven't been too excited about being here - but on the mend now. It has been a bit cooler here which has been quite refreshing, especially the mornings which have been cold and overcast every day, clearing in the afternoon.

On our first day here in Seattle we went downtown to the markets, which were very crowded, but offered so much. So much activity and choice. We also walked along the waterfront for a while, along to the Olympic Sculpture park which has easels set up on the terrace, free to use. So the kids all made themselves comfortable and started sketching the view in front of them - all except Lucas who drew an alien-monster-dinosaur-car/plane????????? And passers by all commented on their artistic talents!

Outside the Pike Place Markets




Drawing at Olympic Sculpture Park

The following day we were up really early to catch the first ferry across to Victoria, on Vancouver Island. The first half of the ride was OK, but the second part was a bit rocky, and very foggy. The boat had to continually sound its fog horn. Thankfully the kids and I had all taken travel pills and got through it ok. Victoria was beautiful, but an icy cold wind blew through the city all afternoon. We had a look round the city, and checked into the Queen Victoria hotel (we had bought a packaged deal months ago which included a return trip on the ferry, and a night's accomodation), which was really really nice and luxurious. The kids took advantage of the indoor heated swimming pool, while I caught up on some rest. We then walked down to one of Glen's friends/colleagues houses for dinner. He cooked us a lovely big bbq and was a great host. He has a big old dog which has arthritis in its hips, however was really keen to play fetch with the kids and kept them amused all night. He also has a big friendly black and white long haired cat which reminded me of my one who we lost in February, only this one was a girl. She was gorgeous!

On the ferry to Victoria

The following morning we all enjoyed a big breakfast of pancakes (first time since we left Chch), with fresh fruit and maple syrup, which was so yummy, and then went for a walk through Beacon Hill park which was right behind the hotel. We walked up to the lookout, visited the children's petting zoo, where the kids were able to get right in with the goats and play with them, and then spent some time in the playground. We also had another look around the harbour as it is beautiful and wasn't as busy as it was when we first arrived. Our boat trip back to Seattle was much smoother and the sky clearer, so much more enjoyable for all. And a wealthy looking middle-aged couple sitting alongside us on the boat commented on how lovely and well behaved the kids were! That was lovely to hear, but really, if only they had been around this morning when a grumpy old man was banging on our door cause the kids were being noisy and he was trying to sleep! For goodness sake, it was 10am! And I was grumpy too so he didn't get alot of sympathy from me! Ooops, I'm turning into a horrible person!

This baby goat really liked Lucas's trousers!

Looking over Victoria Harbour

Anyway, today back in Seattle, Glen gave me some time off from the kids (the first time in over 8 weeks that I have had more than 5 minutes away from them - and much needed!) We all walked into town, and Glen took them on the monorail out to the Seattle centre, to visit the sci-fi museum, music centre and space needle, while I stayed in town and wandered around the shops in peace! However my joy soon turned to horror, when Jeremy (haha) dropped his load on my shoulder as I walked across the road! Only a little bit of it got me thankfully. Maybe this was karma for wanting to spend some time without my children! However when I turned my head - there was Macy's, and so I just HAD to go there to buy myself a new top! A few hours and a fresh latte later, I jumped on the monorail and joined them for the rest of the afternoon, and we continued to look around the Seattle centre, which is a big outdoor area with park like grounds, the space needle, various other attractions, museums, fairground activities, foodcourt, gift shops etc, and we had some dinner before heading back to the hostel for the night.

Kids at the top of the Space Needle

Kids at bottom of Space Needle

Tomorrow morning we pickup our rental car and drive to Portland, where we have 3 nights.

Thought for the day: Cats are like potato chips - you can't stop at one!