Sightseeing part 4 - Space Noodle

Last but not least for this whirlwind day is the space noodle. 

The line to get in is about 45minutes, which you don't see until you actually get your ticket scanned and walk in. 

As expected though, the views are spectacular. Mt Rainer looked glorious all day long, and while we'd like to visit it too,  it's just not the right time of year. 

Lots of glass floors on the spinning deck. Don't get distracted by my socks, or legs.

We round out the day with some pho and basil pork from this cool cantina place. 

Such a long day!

Sightseeing part 3 - PacSci Butterflies

Off we went to PacSci, the Pacific Science Centre, which is a lot like the old Science Alive from Christchurch. It was basically free to do with the pass we brought, so in we went. 

The butterflies were the most interesting thing on display for us. I was blessed by one lading on me, too!

Lots of cool species here. 

We played with some of the interactive displays and took our time looking around the whole place. 

You can probably guess our next destination from this picture!

Sightseeing part 2 - Chihuly Glass

After Mopop, we went into the Chihuly Glass Sculpture exhibition. 

Mind boggling amounts of coloured glass in often nautical themes. 

We watched a live glass blowing demonstration, which yielded a nice vase that is sold off in the gift shop for about $80 USD. Very interesting, and intense work that they do.

We continued to walk around the gardens at the exhibit, where more tentacle-y like glass is incorporated into the bushes and flowers. 

So many cool things to see here in Seattle. Onto the next stop!

Mopop Bonus Exhibition

The special exhibition currently running at Mopop is about historic and modern comics and manga.

From original storyboards and movie cells of the more modern, to the traditional styles of central and east Asia, the displays painted a rich story of the various styles of the regions.

Propaganda and outright banning of works was common. I suppose even America did the same with its own comics.

One artist spent years in the Korean military, gathering his own supplies and secreting their art away in a wooden box until the government allowed him to complete his service, such were the politically critical nature of his works.

Random cool piece.

There was plenty of naughty stuff in display as well. It was funny seeing children wander through the privacy screens, followed by their parents screaming at them to get out - just like at the old video rental stores years ago!

More cool stuff.

Really interesting exhibit. Well worth the time. 

Sightseeing in Seattle

So it turns out, we're not actually "in" Seattle. Let me explain.

I guess like Christchurch, there are satellite towns/cities, and we're staying in the equivalent of Rangiora. They've all grown so large around Seattle proper that there's just nonstop intensification for miles. Federal Way is our city, not far from Auburn and Pacific. It is however about an hour away from central Seattle.

We make our way in and start spending way too much money at the attractions. 

First up is Mopop, the modern pop culture exhibition museum. Being the home of grunge music and more,  there were awesome tributes dedicated to Nirvana, as well as Jimi Hendrix. 

We tour the horror, scifi, and fantasy wings, which have so many stage props and memorabilia on display. We did a fun scream room photo booth picture while there. 

Cool stuff.

The scifi room had lots of start trek, terminator, and other random stuff. 

The fantasy wing was the least inspiring, but still fun. LoTR and whatnot we have plenty of back home. 

Too much to add in a single blog, so that's all for now. 

Seattle Bound

Yesterday, we landed in the United States of America and are picked up from the Seattle airport by my oldest friend, Kayne. We get checked into our motel and go for a drive. 

We hit up a local mall for some Filipino food and play some games in a cool, huge arcade. 

Next it was off to Kayne's place to meet his impending wife and 9month old boy. Bubs is naturally taken with me, and cries when Isa has a turn holding him. 

Into the tequila we get, having got some margarita mixers prior, and reminisce about old times and plans to come. It's Kayne's birthday today (27th) and we'll soon be off for a walk in the park with him and bubs. There was talk of cake last night, so we'll see what materialises. 

English Bay Beach and Beyond

After a huge day on tour, we decided to visit a local market and relax at a nearby beach. 

We scored some fresh market food and watched a local softball game as we snacked. 

Next up was English Bay, 1st Beach. This bay is where the Stanley Park sea wall has been built, which surrounds the whole of the park. Heaps of cyclists and leisurely walkers are here, and we find a spot in the shade to enjoy some beverages. 

2nd and 3rd beaches are found along the path, and we make a few stops as we walk around the sea wall, spying a cool clearing with squirrels and ravens.

On our way out of the beach, we stop by a cool Japanese tapas restaurant. Delicious cocktails and delightful nibbles were had.

We head home, and start preparing for our flight the next day, double and triple checking everything. Alas, morning comes, and we leave our breakfast behind in the AirBnB. Bugger. At least we won't miss our flight, as I write this from the departure lounge.