Northwest Passage

June 25, 2021

In researching a trip to Alaska, I found that many flights had a late night or overnight layover in Minneapolis or Seattle.  This isn't North by Northwest (I was flying Delta!). So I decided why not just book separate flights and spend quality time in Seattle. Northwest Passage by Northwest (okay, Delta). And not really the Northwest Passage across Canada. But you get the idea.

Arriving in the Seattle Airport early evening gave me a sense of post-COVID distressed economics. Lightly populated at 6 pm and very few shops opened made me wonder if traveling yet was a good proposition. What restaurant would be open? Thankfully, I had reservations for the Space Needle and I brought snacks just in case. Those fears would be alloyed when I saw more activity and open restaurants near my hotel.

It was hot though. This was supposed to be an escape from 100 degree heat! The Pacific Northwest was hit by a record breaking heatwave. 95 in Seattle. My 10 minute walk to the Space Needle had me drenched when I joined other people (!), all of us wearing masks of course. The swift outside facing elevator shoots us up 500 feet in less than a minute.

I have a fear of heights but always find myself strangely attracted to tall buildings (London Eye, International Commerce Centre Hong Kong, Sky Tree Tokyo). Maybe it is a coping mechanism or some way to confront the fear. But I love the views, even if I'm holding on to the rear wall for dear life! So here I am hundreds of feet in the air in a thin tower with glass windows all around and open air above. The glass panels actually slant outward and each has a chair you ca. Sit in and lean against the glass. Is it terrifying? Is it a great view? Did I do it? Yes,  yes I did. Spectacular views of downtown Seattle and neighborhoods as well as the glimmering beautiful Puget Sound. And even Mount Rainier in the distance, a rare instance of clear Seattle skies. 

If you go down a level, you feel the joy and queaziness of a rotating floor. Stand and look out for panoramic views and video taking. Look down and you see the ground rolling by at the transparent floor. There is a restaurant and bar at this level. I already felt a bit dizzy (rotating and walking in circles and viewing the moving floor); adding a drink or too could get messy. But again, confront those fears and enjoy the, uh, ride.

Leaving the tower at about 9 pm, I asked one of the attendants about nearby restaurants.  It seems only McDonald's is open. Seattle, while boasts of 80% vaccination  rates, was also at the epicenter of the first Covid outbreaks in the US. They are slowly coming back to opening. But not near the tourist area. So it was back near mynhote, where I see a Mexican restaurant.  I know, Mexican? In Seattle? I usually don't even try anywhere outside Texas or the Southwest. But let me tell you, the seafood chili relleno, with scallops, prawns, topped with chipoltle cream sauce and pomegranate arils at Agave Cocino in Queen Anne was fantastic! No, I didn't get a chance to visit recommended Wild Ginger, but I'll come again.

I ended with a night cap on the rooftop of my hotel, Mediterranean  Inn, with a can of wine bought at the corner Safeway. By the way, when is Texas going to let grocery stores sell liquor? Every west coast state does. Come on now! Anyway the view of downtown skyline, the Sound, the Needle from the roof was beautiful and a nice way to relax (except for that confounding crane!). This was the right way to start. But Seattle, it wasn't  long enough. You deserve more time. Another trip seems necessary in the future.

(Blasted crane)

Next, to Alaska!