Sleepless in Seattle

Pike Place Market

My fav Italian couple is going to Seattle this weekend and I feel that it is my obligation to give them some tips.

They are a really cool couple that loves to travel independently. No tourist buses for them.

Seattle is a gem. It's one of the most beautiful cities that I visited so far in the US. Its very natural but at same time modern and cosmopolitan.

It didn't rain while we were visiting so I only have good things to say about it.

You can spot the Space Needle from almost everywhere in the city. It looks so like Star Wars meets the 90's.

If you have less than 48h in Seattle:

- go early morning and sunset to the Queen Anne Hill. You'll have a stunning view over the Space Needle and Mount Rainier.

- Take a walk in the Olympic sculpture garden just across the waterfront.

- If you are a foodie (or trying to become one) check the Pike Place Market. There you can taste different foods. And if you are lucky you can see the fishmongers throwing fish around the customers. This market is super famous. If you like chowder, Pike Place Chowder is for you. 

- The first Starbucks was located close to the market. Supposedly it was in a basement. It's not the one people go to thinking it is the first starbucks, the first one closed. Apparently this is not even the second one...

- You have to take a ride in the monorail. It's something that you really have to do. It's part of the city's spirit. It reminds me of the Jetsons (if you've seen it you know what I mean). It's the future in the seventies!

- The Dahlia Lounge is famous for crab cakes. 

- If you are a brunch person (my friends are), go (early) to Toulouse Petit. 

Check my pics on Tumblr

Embassies Open House

There are plenty of cultural events happening in DC. This is a nice thing about living in the District. You never get bored. Or are left with no plans.

Irish Embassy

Last weekend we had the European Union Open Embassy day. It's already a popular event in DC. During one day all the EU embassies will open and promote their culture. 

It was my first time and it was a nice experience.

The visit involves lots of planning and a strategy.
Most popular embassies like the Belgian are crowded but it gets worse after lunch time. You have to decide in advance which ones you intend to visit. 

The highlights of our visit were Cyprus and Slovenia. The first had a delicious cheese and dolmas.  The Slovenian embassy had food and plenty of cultural info and activities. Besides that in both embassies staff were very nice.

When we were passing by the Islamic Mosque and Cultural Center we were invited to take a look inside. We made the right decision. We had lunch there. 
They had many food stall from different countries, namely Pakistan, India, Sudan... We had a biriani from Bangladesh. Very simple but delicious. The samosas were also terrific. 
Next year hopefully we'll repeat the experience and we'll plan it with more detail. 

Check my pics on Tumblr