Seattle, our gateway to Alaska.

Seattle held promise. Martin had had promising reviews from work colleagues who had visited as part of an inter-hospital collaborative. Jacqui had heard of Pike Place (Fish) Market, whose fish-throwing antics and work culture had inspired the book "Fish!".

We had arrived on our way to Alaska (via its cruise port), reserving two days before and three days after to spend in Seattle. Two was probably enough, certainly without a car, which would have set us back another $150 / day for a Ford Fiesta. Pike Place Market, also the site of the first Starbucks Coffee shop, had the vibe of Londons Borough Market. Yes, they also threw fish and charged the earth for it, but the local fish chowder served in a hollowed-out bread loaf was delicious value. Nearby, Pike Brewery served up a delightful tasting tray of beers, and the Space Needle offered great views of the city and beyond.

We were struck by Chihuly Garden and Glass, an exhibit in the Seattle Center directly next to the Space Needle, showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. The setting was excellent, and his work was stunning and inspirational. Our concerns of quickly being bored washed away.

Whale watching, completed post-Alaska, interesting, for its distant Orca and humpback whale sightings, but at £130 each, ridiculously expensive for a 4hr harbour cruise.

Shopping, during which we needed to stock up on warm clothing, was sporadic; we struggled to find stuff. Presumably, the pandemic had closed many shops, and a nearby Mall (some 25 minutes drive nearby) had drawn in others, including Macy's. This was the backdrop to very public homelessness and drug problem punctuating every sidewalk. It was like the very beginning of a Zombie movie; people were space out, and back alleys were used for drug-taking or splitting goods stolen from the remaining nearby shops. (Seattle admits to the problem).

We visited the much nicer suburbs, including nearby Alki Beach, where a bald eagle sat majestically on the shoreline, ignoring swooping crows and eager bird-watching humans. A nearby lighthouse opened its doors free of charge.

The Seattle setting was magnificent, punctuated by the not-over-inflated city skyline with mountain ranges in the distance. The sudden change in temperature from the heat of the Caribbean was quite welcome, the sudden lengthening of the day disconcerting.

M&J