Seattle

Our morning started early with a brisk 55 degrees as we headed to the park and ride lot.  We hopped on the 522 Express bus into downtown Seattle, early enough to see the shop owners at Pike’s Place Market just opening.  The fish mongers were shoveling ice, then slinging fish, crab, lobster and shellfish into the cases before loading more ice.  The florists, produce farmers, and artisans were busy preparing their booths and the aroma of fresh bread, pastries, and doughnuts hung heavy in the air.
 The monorail was our choice of transportation to the iconic Space Needle, which was built for the 1962 World’s Fair.   Standing on line, we watched the elevator ascend 520 ft to the Observation Deck, and learned trivial facts such as; 467 truckloads (5,600 tons) of concrete were poured in one day  for the foundation.  







 

The views were stunning since we had beautiful weather as the morning fog lifted.












The Pacific Center had wonderful interactive science modules, but our interest was the visiting exhibit of The Terracotta Warriors from China.  Oh my, what a fascinating exhibit with so many of the actual clay 2,200 year old warriors.  The excavation is still underway with over 8,000 warriors discovered to date, ready for service the afterlife of Ying Zheng, the first emperor of China.  All the faces are unique and the positions designated purpose: infantry, calvary, archers, etc

We thoroughly enjoyed the Imax documentary on The Mysteries of China before we headed back downtown to the waterfront.  Our harbor cruise gave us a great perspective of the downtown area as well as the huge Seattle working port.   

Another great day, although 12 hours was not enough time to do justice to city, but by the time the Fitbit registered five miles, we were done!