Have you ever been to downtown Seattle? I have not. Well, until now. Last post I talked about how I got to Seattle so this post is all about my 11 hours before heading down the coast on the Coast Starlight train. More on the train ride another time.
Late Tuesday night, after a [kinda] cross-country journey to SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport), I finally arrived to my hotel in downtown Seattle. Having just accrued a bunch of Hilton Honors points from a 4-week work trip, this evening was booked with points at no cost to me. I am all about saving some money! I checked in and checked out my room ready to settle in to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Waking up early on the west coast is easier when your body remains on Eastern Standard Time. That’s exactly what happened. I woke up nice and early, met up with an old friend from middle school, and walked several blocks in downtown Seattle. The Hilton breakfast (I had Executive Lounge access) in downtown Seattle is the best Executive Lounge breakfast I’ve had with the brand. Highly recommend if you’re in downtown Seattle.
My only priority while walking downtown was to get to the Pike Place Market and, at the very least, see the first Starbucks store. Check and check! Since I was there so early, I was able to spectate as the market folks were setting things up for the day. There were no fish flinging frenzies, not many stands open yet, nor were there a ton of visitors. Sure, that sounds boring, but it was fascinating seeing the market come alive before throngs of people flooded the area. I would return just to eat the pastries from the many different spots. Time was not on my side.
I have only seen downtown Seattle in movies, shows, and on the news. A weekday morning in downtown Seattle was not all that bad, however, I am not a city lover. My comfort zone is outside the city away from the craziness that is the hustle and bustle. Would I visit downtown Seattle again? Not unless I’m going to a ballgame or visiting a good friend. Even then, that good friend may have a room for me to stay in. I’d much prefer that. It’s been real, Seattle, but the train is beckoning.
Signing off from Seattle, WA.
A Couple New Things 
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