There's No Place Like Home...Especially if That Place is Seattle.

Although living in New York has been a "dream come true" (please forgive the tired cliche), I would be lying if said I didn't miss the smell of the Puget Sound, the crisp morning air, and all the people I know who live in the Seattle area. So, you can imagine my glee when I had money and vacation days to visit "home" for my cousin's wedding. I filled my time as best I could with my favorite Washington State activities. I shared meals with two former co-workers; played trivia with my former trivia teammates; went shopping with my best friend at University Village; ate at Ooba's, swapped music with my best music-friend; ate Sunday dinner with my aunt, uncle and cousins; watched the Olympics with my closest friends; and had quality time at Pike Place market. Since I am not the best photographer (those genes went to my sister and cousin), I only have a few to share about the week.

Each morning I took a lovely walk in the mountains. Yes, mountains. For some reason when I lived in the Seattle area I didn't realize that the region was not just hilly--it was mountainous and absolutely gorgeous. My eyes and heart needed the reprieve from all the architecture. One morning on my walk I picked blackberries. Wild blackberries that were sweeter and juicier than the ones I have been purchasing here. Plus they were free.

New York has lots of nice farmer's markets, but I prefer Pike Place. NYC's so-called flower district as nothing on this place.

Luckily, tourist season keeps this place packed and lively. It is highly ironic that I now like this place packed with people. When I was little I was always afraid of getting lost in the throngs. I am pretty sure I gripped my dad's hand for dear life.

The best produce is in Washington state. Isn't it pretty? Well, except for the large, icky fungi.

I didn't get a chance to take a ferry ride either. Another ironic glimpse into my childhood: I didn't like ferry rides. At the time it wasn't a nice clean commuting aid; it was a place for wierdos to hang out.

I loved the piers when I was a kid. My favorite was the Trident Pier. It had a fun shop full with Asian imports. I liked the Japanese fans. The store is long gone now, and some tourist shop has sadly replaced it. If you have a hankering for fudge, saltwater taffy, or a Grey's Anatomy t-shirt while walking along the waterfront you will not have to search for long.

The Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is full of mummies, skeletons, and petrified stuff. I like the totem poles. I wonder if they are real or stolen like the ones in Pioneer Square.

I really looked forward to my lunch at Ivar's; I recommed their fish and chips to everyone who goes to visit Seattle. I was so incredibly disappointed. My fish was overcooked, small, and obnoxiously over-priced. I hereby unrecommend the place. Go to Anthony's instead. Or bypass seafood entirely and eat at the 5-Spot in Queen Ann. I had amazing pear hazlenut French toast.

I had to wait in a long line for my food because of the hordes of people receiving similar advice that I gave to eat at Ivar's. There were also a lot of well-fed seagulls milling about squaking for handouts.

That's pretty much it for my photos, but I hope it gives a little glimpse into why I like this place so darn much. (Obviously this blog post is meant more for my readers outside of the Evergreen State. Insiders already know.) Up next: the few wedding pics I took. But now I am going to sleep.