Christmas in Seattle With Virginia

I picked up Virginia from the airport as she began a ten day visit. We were both so excited, we got special coffees right away at Seattle's Best Coffee. We were happily catching up, chatting, paying for parking, making our way out of the parking garage and driving down Route 5, when suddenly, Virginia remembered she had left her checked bag at baggage claim. We made a U-Turn of sorts, and headed back to the airport. I brought her right to arrivals, and she was out of the terminal with her bag in no time. We marveled at how happy and relaxed we were. It's so joyous to be on vacation!

We decided to park by the Space Needle and go to the Experience Music Project since Virginia had never been there. It is really Paul Allen's tribute and memorial to Jimi Hendrix, but there are other things one can do there. I was especially thrilled with playing the drums in the jam session. Virginia tried to learn how to play the guitar, and we tried to make a very impromptu CD with keyboard, vocals and drums. It was hilarious, and we did not pay the $10 to purchase our wild creation.

We made our way to the Pike's Place Market, and had a lovely late lunch on the waterfront. Smoked salmon for me! It was festive and relaxing as we browsed through the flowers, fruits and vegetables. We finished the evening with cappucino and mocha at a roomy Starbucks - take your pick, there is one at every corner -  and then we headed for our car. We were able to see the Space Needle all lit up in the distance.

It was a crisp, cool evening, and lots of fun to be out in the city with twinkling lights here and there. There was a golden Christmas tree with red star on top on the tippy top of the Needle. We also had fun seeing street musicians and even a guy juggling a power saw and a rubber ball. We got video of that!

I got some photos of our hands and mugs of coffee I'd like to sketch. Now that typifies Seattle in the wintertime! Well, actually, all year round. I'll try to sketch from the photo tonight.