Situated on the Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, this northernmost major city of the United States was our first halt on our way to Alaska. Initially a logging port, this city gained importance in the late 19th century as a gateway to Alaska during the Gold Rush.
The city derived it’s name from the chief of Duwamish and Suquamish tribes that inhabited this area. It is heavily defined by its musical history with jazz clubs , origins of rock music etc. Today, it is a major technology hub with many technology companies having their offices there. Apart from that, Boeing also operates out of Seattle.
The city itself is very hilly , though not so uniform and lying on the Pacific Ring Of Fire, is prone to earthquakes.
Some views of the city as we spent a couple of days here.
The Link Rail
We used local transport most of the time and found it very convenient and user friendly. The tickets can be purchased at the vending machines at the station and are reasonable.
Display boards inside guide you about approaching stations
The link rail and it’s interior
Some of the stations are underground . The train itself was plush but the stations definitely looked run down . Homeless people and drug addicts are all over the place and even WestLake station which leads to posh shopping complexes was dirty and gave out a bad stench!!
The run down WestLake station with filth all around!!
Monorail
This train takes one right into Seattle centre. After taking the light rail to Westlake, one can change to the monorail to reach Seattle Centre.
This monorail runs in between skyscrapers almost scraping them and gives views of downtown Seattle.
The Monorail station next to the buildings and interior of the monorail
Views of Seattle downtown from the Monorail
Seattle Center
Seattle center is an art, entertainment,and tourism centre in Seattle covering several acres and built in 1962 for the World Fair. One of the iconic images of Seattle, the Space needle is located here. Besides that, it is home to various attractions like the International Fountain, Totem Pole, Monorail terminus, Kobe Bell, outdoor mural amphitheatre, Mueum of Pop culture,Pacific Science Center , Chihuly garden and glass, various theatres, the armoury and many more. It hosts several performances and festivals too.
Space Needle
Considered an iconic landmark of Seattle it is an observation tower at Seattle Centre , built for the World fair in 1962. It offers great views of the city besides the Cascade mountains, Mount Rainier , Olympic mountains and the islands of the Puget Sound. The hovering disk of the space needle houses Skycity, a Pacific northwest restaurant. Some pictures..
The iconic Space Needle
The Observation deck views
City Views from Space Needle
Musicians are a common sight at Seattle center. Here is one guy enjoying himself…
Here’s another band for you…
Enjoy this…
Even here there are plenty of homeless and drug addicts and the lonelier parts are stinky .
International Fountain
A large fountain at Seattle centre, it is lit up at night and has music too!!
International Fountain
John Williams Totem Pole
Besides being a work of art, this totem pole has a sad story behind it. John was shot and killed by a police officer as he was walking along with a carving knife and a piece of wood. To highlight this issue peacefully, his brother decided to make a totem pole in honor of John. Soon it gained popularity and it was bought from him by a group of family and friends who arranged to have it installed at a public place.
John Williams totem pole
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
The history of Seattle has always been intertwined with various forms of music like jazz, pop, rock etc. The Museum of Pop culture showcases this. The architecture of the building itself is unique and very jazzy. The light rail almost enters this building as it reaches Seattle Centre.
It houses some of the legendary pop culture artifacts, exhibitions featuring pop luminaries, film and television personalities and various yester year bands. One can have various interactive experiences here too.
MoPOP
Arrow showing the monorail tracks almost entering the building
Grass blades art work that acts as a screen for the car park at MoPOP
Outdoor Mural Amphitheatre
Mural Amphitheatre is an outdoor gathering space built on a natural hillside located in the heart of Seattle Center just minutes from downtown Seattle.
The Amphitheatre serves as a primary venue for concerts during the major summer festivals
Outdoor Mural Amphitheatre
A children’s play area is also part of the complex ….
Play Area
Kobe Bell
Kobe in Japan and Seattle are sister cities and this huge metal bell under a pagoda in a meditation garden looks beautiful.
Kobe Bell
Chihuly Garden and Glass
I found this to be the most colourful and attractive part of Seattle center. This is actually the glass studio of Dale Chihuly ,the glass sculptor and features a garden, a glass house and interior exhibits.
The creations were outstanding and the reflectivity of the glass made the works pop even more.
Some pictures…
Attached to it is a shop where some of the art can be purchased.
Some pictures…
Artwork for sale
Pike Place Market
A very popular tourist destination in Seattle is the Pike Market. It is a public farmer’s market in Seattle where many small farmers, craftsmen , merchants and fishermen sell their wares. This market which started in 1907, has some great restaurants selling seafood with views of the Puget Sound. Many of the merchants live in the buildings surrounding the market. The market operates at various levels.
Pike Place Market
Inside the Pike Market
One of the major attractions here is the fish market where fish are displayed and once a customer orders one, the employee picks it up and throws it to the counter where it is prepared for sale.
Famous fish throwing
Exotic seafood
The flower section looks very beautiful with fresh blooms all ready to be sold!
Blooms …..
Vegetables and fruits
Restaurants and bars
Street food
Ferris Wheel
Another attraction on Elliott bay near Pike Market is the 53 metre tall Ferris wheel . The illuminated ferris wheel adds colour to Elliott bay in the evenings. On special days, it gets lit up in various themes .
The Ferris Wheel
Well, with this I finish the roundup of Seattle. From Seattle we headed to Anchorage starting the real Alaskan adventure. See you next week from Anchorage. Till then, do give me your feedback and comments.
Travel-along.in 