Seattle Love

Hey Seattle, I love you! I realized that I never wrote about my former-home city. When this lil blog was born three and a half years ago, I was focusing on TRAVEL and my transition to Myanmar. Seattle did get an honorary mention as my road trip and travels began, but I think she deserves her own post; don't you?

As part of my USA visit, I booked two weeks in Seattle (note to self, and friends, please remind me, next visit should be 3+) at the beginning of December. No, that's not the most beautiful weather time to visit, but my friends look just as good in the gray. ;) When the clouds finally parted, as we descended, this was my first glimpse.

Seattle, impressive rain or shine

The first week I stayed at R's lovely home, visited a lot with Y and hit up some favorite spots. Araya's is an old favorite vegan Thai restaurant. My first meal in Seattle was at their Madison valley location; they had one restaurant when I first moved to Seattle (U-District), now they have three!

At Araya's with J, yes, I visited more than once. ;)

One of my favorite things about Seattle is the live music scene. It's also one of my most-missed aspects of living abroad. Seattle has small, medium and giant-sized music venues and there is something interesting happening every single night of the week. While living in Seattle I saw plenty of shows at the Paramount and I was amazed to see that another old favorite, the Pixies, had decided to visit Seattle on their tour at the same time as me. I managed to get a ticket to the sold-out show and they rocked as much as always. La la, love them!

A familiar landmark

As amazing as ever

Plum Bistro is an all-vegan restaurant on Capitol Hill. It's a cute, but tiny spot and they don't take reservations. Their mac n yease recipe is an experience (to die for!) and everything on the menu is delicious, whether you have dietary restrictions or not.

R and I visit Plum

It's an interesting experience to be in the states without a car. I spent a lot of money on taxis, Lyfts, Ubers, walked and got back into the bus system. I enjoy not having to own a vehicle, but that's something that is a lot harder to manage if you live in the US.

Waiting for my bus

In my first week, I also visited my beloved Eastside Prep. It has expanded and the physical layout and campus have changed a lot! Still, after visiting with former students, administrators and teachers, I would say that the soul of the place hasn't changed. Teachers: if you want to work in Seattle, apply here! Parents: if you want your kids to learn and grow in a supportive yet encouraged-to-stretch environment, apply here!

Another very vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly restaurant is Cafe Flora in Madison Valley. I love their tofu scrambles and coffee in the morning. Gosh, it's easy to have dietary restrictions and live in Seattle.

R, Y and I caffeinate and prepare for the day at Flora

After a week in the city I was whisked a little farther north for a couple of days to reunite with A and A (elementary school friends!). We chatted, chatted, joked and chatted one morning at the Skagit Valley Co-op in Mt. Vernon. They have a great natural market and lots of deli dishes too. My favorite was the turmeric almond milk latte.

Two old friends and one very new one.

My second week began back in Seattle, but West Seattle this time. Have I mentioned all the sunny days that Seattle shined on me? Maybe she was trying to woo me back... Too bad, during my stay here I signed a contract with would pull me south. 

Seattle skyline from West Seattle

I had my very own room at J and M's, J graciously let me use her car to attend Yoga training in Redmond at Sattva Yoga (I'm very close to finishing my 500-hour cert!), M made the best popcorn, J made the best vegan chilli, Bowie is the cuddliest kitty-company and J and I even had time to do a little touristing, too.

I was in town just in time for a show at the Skylark, featuring many friends and former colleagues playing their music.

One Sunday morning there was a reunion at A and V's new place in West Seattle. Everyone was moving too quickly for me to get any great photos (including the twins!), but here they are!

V oversees the prep

A in position barista!

J and I decided that our favorite spot for breakfast/brunch is Chaco Canyon Cafe. They have kombucha on tap and lots of delicious organic options!

Pike's Place Market, downtown is a not-to-miss spot on any Seattle tour and this trip was no exception.

Required photo shoot!

The last day was a walk along West Seattle with this one and lunch at my new favorite Thai spot outside of Thailand - Buddha Ruksa - before my airport drop. Time went super-fast and I hope I'll have time to see everyone next trip.

Thanks to all my friends for hosting me, treating me and driving (or letting me drive!) around! I've got such great memories of our time together. See you next time! Or, maybe... in Mexico???

Vietnam, Part 3: Hue

This post describes my time in Hue. I had just two nights in this town and there is a LOT of history to take in so I stayed busy. I enjoyed wandering by the river, a great sushi restaurant (two meals!) and checking out the night market in addition to all of the historical sites.

I spent a few hot days trekking all over the town and I only made it to a few of the many enormous historical sites (The Citadel, Tomb of Minh Mang and Thien Mu Pagoda). Since most of the things to see are also huge spaces in which to walk around, this is a place where you get your exercise as you take it all in! To save my feet in between monuments I took a bicycle taxi, river cruise and motorbike taxi to get around.

Dragon detail at the Citadel 

I was really into all the arches at the Citadel

I woke up early to get to the Citadel before the heat, but by early April the hot season was already settling into Vietnam. Lots of water, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen are recommended if you visit this time of year!

An iced coffee break at the Queen's Room

So this is a thing...you can rent the traditional costumes and dress up and have your photo taken. It seemed popular among young Vietnamese couples. This pair was delighted when I asked if I could take their photo.

Stunning architecture that was NOT destroyed by war bombs (a lot of the palace was)

Close up of detail

During the hottest part of the day I trekked around the Tomb of Minh Mang. There were a lot of stairs! I also enjoyed a fresh coconut in the shade and watched butterflies play on the lake. 

Sun or sun, climbing stairs!

It was too hot for much lunch, so I had snacks and drank lots of water as I explored each of these spots. I enjoyed my motorbike taxi because the breeze was refreshing (and a helmet was worn).

Part of Thien Mu Pagoda; a restful stop compared to the rest of my day.

To end my day I decided that I had to try the Dragon Boats that cruise the river. It took some haggling to get a decent fare back to the center because most people rent the boats for the entire day. It was not exactly a glamorous ride, but it was a nice change of pace and the dragons sure do look cool.

Boat ride back to the center...where I could hop off and have a rest in my room before dinner.

The next challenge of the trip was to figure out transportation from Hue to Hoi An... I had heard there was a train and a bus, and lots of people also hire private cabs. Find out which option I went with next week! 

New Old Favorite:

I have been a Pixies fan for years. Read about and listen to their new album here.

Interesting Article of the Week:

Does your moral compass change when you are operating in a second language? Studies say yes... Find out why here.