We love Seattle!

After the trip to the Windy City, we made a trip to Seattle -- the Rainy City!

Called the Rainy City because of the copious amount of rain it gets, we were really grateful for the blue skies and white clouds that welcomed us!


Everything I know about Seattle is from my two most favourite-est TV shows: Grey's Anatomy and Fraiser! In both shows, the skyline of Seattle is always featured, and it will undoubtedly include the famous Space Needle.

And here it is!

The Space Needle was born because the Chairman of the 1962 World Fair wanted to celebrate the Fair by erecting a tower with a restaurant at the top. The design of the Needle was a fusion of two designs, by Edward Carlson and John Graham.

And can you imagine: This mighty structure is earthquake proof!

To make the Needle earthquake proof, they have a concrete base underground which weighs as much as the above ground structure that we see. As a result, the centre of gravity of the Needle is only 1.5m off the ground! Sadly, we did not have the time to go to the Observation Deck on the top of the Space Needle to see the view. But I am sure we will go there again... :)

***

Another die-die-must-see attraction in Seattle: The Pike Place Market!

If you have read the self-help book "Fish!", you would have heard of the famous fish market located in this Market -- the Pike Place Fish Company. This is where you can witness the "Flying Fish". So famous is this feat that it was actually featured on one episode of Fraiser.

So what is the "Flying Fish"?

The trusty Wikipedia has this to say:

"When a customer orders a fish, an employee at the Fish Market's ice-covered fish table picks up the fish and hurls it over the countertop, where another employee catches it and preps it for sale."

"According to the employees, this tradition started when the fishmongers got tired of having to walk out to the Market's fish table to retrieve a salmon each time someone ordered one. Eventually, the owner realized it was easier to station an employee at the table, to throw the fish over the counter."

It may sound mundane, but add in loads of spirited shouting and exciting catch-and-throw action, and it becomes quite a sight! In fact, there was a crowd of about thirty people watching all the action while we were there! Some kids were even posing for a photo with a three feet long, cold, dead fish in there hands... icks!

The bestselling book: Fish! being featured outside the Pike Place Fish Company

***

Besides the fish, there are loads of things to see in Seattle.

1. The beginnings of "Buckanization"

Seattle is also home to the now ubiquitous Starbucks! The very first Starbucks Coffee was founded in 1971 near Pike Place Market. Unfortunately, we did not have time to seek out the coffee joint to enjoy a cuppa! *Sobz*

2. The World's Best Mac and Cheese

Or so claims Beecher's Homemade Cheese... We tried a bowl of their "World's Best" Mac and Cheese... Deeeeelicous!

And look what they have in place of chairs! Hmm, not very friendly for big butts like mine... But quirky, I like!

And in case you have doubts about whether the cheese you are eating is really fresh, they make their cheese right in front of you!

3. The Experience Music Project (EMP)


Okay, we only went in to use the restrooms, but the architecture on the outside is funky enough to make us want to come back the next time. Designed by the Frank Gehry, the colourful metallic exterior and the monorail that runs through the building maxes out the wow factor.

***

We zipped through all these attractions within a grand total of four hours!

It leaves us craving for more... Now, Seattle is officially my favourite US city. (Not that I have been to that many... heh heh)