AND THE TRIP BEGINS…..

We arrived in Seattle late Sunday afternoon after a long day in airports and planes.   After retrieving our luggage, we took the Seattle Light Rail to Pioneer Square, the historical center of Seattle, and the location of our hotel. The stop prior to ours was Lomen Field, the Seattle Seahawks Stadium.  “Watch out” a guy we had been chatting with said, “the Seahawks lost and they are going to be grouchy!”   Within a few minutes, our formerly near empty car was overly-filled with LOUD fans.  They did not seem grouchy though, I will give them that!  

I live in a small town in a state that is more attuned to college than professional sports so I was actually surprised.  When we got off the rail, we were surrounded by large groups of Seahawks fans, quite enthusiastic ones, chanting “SEAHAWKS”.  They were everywhere, all along our walk to the hotel.  Hanging out of bars, taking over the sidewalks, yelling about the natural superiority of Seattle as opposed to San Francisco.   A couple who walked by in 49er’s shirts were informed “your city is ok, but your team SUCKS!”  The Seahawks fan were even in our hotel lobby!  Several hours later when we went to dinner, the scene had largely dissipated but there were still a few fans around.  I suspect many had disappeared into the crowded bars we walked past…;-)

Today we did the Seattle thing -drinking coffee and walking around Pioneer Square to see what was new since our last trip three years ago. For whatever reason, we seemed to be directionally challenged! Our phone’s directions were incorrect, people we asked directions from seemed as befuddled as we were (most likely tourists themselves!) and we even had trouble with our map! We did find manage to find a place for lunch – an easy feat in this foodie town and eventually made our way to the harbor, which we enjoyed just as much as we did on our last trip. Tomorrow morning we will Amtrak south to Portland for three days!