Simply Seattle
VIJAYA PRATAP eattle is a major seaport in the state of Washington, US. It is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Offering natural, historical, cultural and recreational opportunities, Seattle is home to a vibrant mix of attractions that will satisfy every taste. And what I heard about Seattle was exactly what I experienced.
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood, located in southern downtown. It is a charming place with old and imposing buildings that lend a character to the place. I enjoyed walking around and simply gazing at the lovely flowers that hang from baskets on balconies of houses. The statue of Chief Si’ahl and a totem pole further emphasise the origins of the city. This place houses Seattle’s art galleries, Klondike Gold Rush Historic Park, commemorating those who came to Seattle on their way to the gold fields, Smith Tower and the Seattle Police Museum.
Located just north of downtown Seattle, the Seattle Space Needle stands at a height of 605 feet, the observation deck atop the Seattle Space Needle offering a 360degree, panoramic view of the city, Puget Sound,
Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The Sky Cafe also serves light snacks and beverages. When built, it was the second revolving restaurant in the world.
I found Pike Place Market unique and exciting. Called the ‘Soul of Seattle’, it is located on the beautiful Seattle Waterfront and is almost 100 years old. It is a five-storey market, with most of it being underground. Lovely flowers, an unimaginable variety of sea food and some rare objects were on display. Most of the shopkeepers have been there for decades and some inherited the shops from their fathers.
Antiques, porcelain, books, clothes — everything under the sky was on sale. Pike
Place also houses the very first Starbucks Coffee Shop in the world, and the lifesized bronze piggy bank, Rachel.
Fremont Sunday Market is also very popular and interesting with many unique items on sale besides art objects, flowers and food.
My visit to Seattle Centre can be called the most noteworthy experience of all. The Pacific Science Centre had on a special exhibition, a rare collection from Egypt’s tombs. For those interested in science, and particularly for kids, it had many attractions that offered hands-on experience. Indian Nobel Laureate Dr Har Gobi n d Khurana’s photo was prominently displayed at the Science Museum. There were people taking the cycle ride that operates with a heavy weight weighing it down. It looked scary and the people who were riding the cycle above the water looked tense.
I heard that The Seattle Underground Tour is a favourite tourist attraction, taking place by the hour. There are at least 40 takers for each tour on weekends. After looking at all the rubble and dingy surroundings for 75 minutes, I felt that this tour was for those interested in the construction and civil works of ages gone by. But it was fascinating to know the history of the city and how well it has been preserved.
Volunteer Park is a perfect place to stop by and rest. I took a walk here and came back enlivened. It has huge trees and lovely water bodies with lilies and people basking in the sun everywhere.
There were some rare Asian art exhibits in the museum on the campus. The park also has a small conservatory with many rare plants. It’s like a mini park enclosed in a glass case, the greenhouse being full of amazing plants. The Frye Art Museum and St. James Cathedral in First Hill, not exactly a tourist’s haunt, captured my heart with their lovely paintings and great architecture.
The Seattle Great Wheel, also called The Ferris Wheel, can be seen from the ferry. In the nights, it glows in different colours, adding to the beauty of the cityscape. The fun-filled, 90-minute Seattle Duck Tour lets you explore the city on a very interesting World War II amphibious vehicle, called Seattle Duck, that travels on the road and floats in water. Its noisy whistle is unique. This tour is a hot favourite with tourists.
What I enjoyed most was looking at the amazing fall colours on trees. It is something I will always cherish.
The writer is a documentary filmmaker