Pike place market

Exploring Seattle by foot.

Waking up early and wandering down to the city's famous seaside market, Pike Place. A feast for the eyes! I had no idea. The bounty of the sea and land on full display. Dungess crabs and whole king salmon packed in so much ice with boisterous fishmongers in cajoling attendance. Aisles of kaleidiscopic flowers beckoning to passerby with bright colors and sweet fragrances. Stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables heaped in bright pendulous pyramids. Everything from rainbow carrots to wild chantrelle mushrooms. Replete throughout the whole block long spectacle were crowds of local Seattlites and summer time tourists, but in the early morning the place is open and airy enough. A feast for my senses and my camera. A very difficult decision choosing from so many great photos today, but the flower market won out in the end.

Later, wandering down the boardwalk to the city's sculpture gardens. Perusing past local plants landscaped on display beside all number of real and metaphorical sculpture of art and form. Even being offered an environmental stewardship job for the SAM, Seattle Art Museum after a chance conversation in the gardens,...though I already have a wonderful one lined up already. I never know what the day may bring. Finally wrapping up the afternoon in a jewel of a spot looking out over the water dipping into a cup of the most delicious heirloom tomato-fennel-cream soup with a catfish sandwich at a spot recommended by my new found Seattlite friends from the night before. Making more friends with the barman and a local couple sharing my elbow room with before meeting my old buddy Luke from college. Stopping off to catch up over a pint (almost 2 years) before meeting his girlfriend and winding down a day that really couldn't be better.

Great first impressions.