Seattle, August 6, 2013

This morning, Alexandra and I slept in a little later, and Margo left for work before we arose. We decided we wanted to go out for breakfast, so after showers and dressing we were off to a favorite coffee house of Alexandra's in the Wallingford section of Seattle, called Zoka. I had her order for us both; she had a chocolate croissant, and I had an almond croissant. Both of us had a latte to drink, and both of us had a lovely leaf pattern on the top, which I understand is called "latte art." After that we drove to downtown Seattle and parked across from the Aquarium and under the viaduct. From there we walked down to Pier 55, to the box office of Argosy Cruises, where we bought tickets to the 12:15 p.m. cruise of the harbor. Then we walked down towards a few more shops to kill time before sailing, and stopped in a store featuring Seattle and Washington mementos and keepsakes. As we returned to Pier 55, we saw a long line forming to get on the boat, and soon the boat appeared as well, containing two indoor levels and a top deck out in the open. We grabbed two great seats on top deck, battened everything down, and departed promptly at 12:15. The harbor cruise we took has been a favorite attraction on Argosy for millions of people since 1949. it cruises Elliott Bay, and highlights of the cruise include the Seattle skyline, the Great Wheel ferris wheel, one of the world's largest shipping terminals, Mt. Rainier and the Cascade and Olympia mountain ranges, and the Space Needle. Upon returning, we thanked our excellent guide Shaun, then crossed the street and went to the Pike St. Press, a shop Alexandra wished to explore. It does letter press stationery, wedding invitations, journals, Christmas cards, and business cards, among other items. I found a letter press print of a lighthouse that appealed to me, but did not buy it. Interesting establishment! After that, we headed towards the Space Needle, passing the Experience Music Project Museum, designed by Frank Gehry (a very strange building that will have to grow on me), and heading towards the Chihuly Garden and Glass. It showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly, and it opened in 2012. Both museum and garden feature many of his most popular series works and architectural installations highlighting the wide ranging breadth and scope of his career, and include new, existing, and archival works by the artist. There were 8 interior galleries, lush outdoor gardens, and a centerpiece Glasshouse. Magnificent pieces, quite a few of which I had seen at the Arboretum. I just kept taking picture after picture, as the colors were like the most glorious jewels, and I could not get enough of admiring them in person and choosing the most unusual and arresting combinations of color and hue. After our stint at the Chihuly Garden and Glass, we were off to West Seattle to eat at the restaurant Maranation Ma-Kai for a late lunch. A superb view of the downtown skyline treated us. We both ordered three small tacos apiece, containing Kalbi beef, ginger chicken, and spicy pork, as well as some passion fruit guava nectar to drink. A great drive after lunch along the Alki beach, and then we were off towards Bakery Nouveau, where we picked up desserts for tonight-- a piece of pistachio cassis cake and a piece of limoncello cake. At home, Alexandra put together the ingredients for challah bread, and now she is monitoring the rising of the yeast. She is also unwrapping her new vacuum cleaner as we speak, and Margo has just returned home. Tonight, we plan to have a salad and the challah bread, then our scrumptious desserts, and perhaps we will watch my York slides and another episode of the BBC production "National Geographic:Yellowstone." Gorgeous afternoon, with high cirrus clouds trailing the sky and the city gleaming in the late afternoon sun. Great day!