Seattle Waterfront

Actually, the Best Western Hotel, located just a stone’s throw from the Seattle waterfront, seriously reminds me of the Marine’s Memorial Club on Sutter in San Francisco. Or perhaps the Claremont in Berkeley (prior to renovation). It has an old world feel about it. Curving staircases with actual carpet and polished wooden balustrades. The furniture is glowing, polished hardwood with the kind of details not seen in your average chain. From the outside, it really isn’t much of anything, which is why I didn’t immediately spot it when walking from the Pioneer Square light rail stop. This particular hotel might be named “Pioneer Square” but that isn’t where it is actually located. I really, really appreciate Google maps as I hadn’t gotten around to printing directions ahead of time.

Supper was easy – I walked along Alaska Way (or whatever it is called) till I found a take-a-away seafood place). It was a bit more than a song, but the price for fish & chips was more than reasonable. eat

Now, you are probably wondering what I am doing in Seattle, especially without giving some of you advanced notice.

Well, it is like this. I decided to take advantage of RCCL’s offer to participate in a five day “simulation” cruise. The destination may/may not include Ketchikan depending. The ship is the Ovation of the Seas. The one class of their ships which I have never sailed.  The daily service charge is not included, but I do not have to pay for my cabin (balcony – thank you very much).  I can role play if needed, but frankly, I am planning on five days of stitching at sea – what more could I want?

Oh, yah – where to find the ship in the morning. That little bit of critical information was not on any of the documents which I received. It isn’t in their app. After not seeing the information on the Port of Seattle website – I attempted to call Royal. Nice kid answering the phone, but he hadn’t a clue and couldn’t find one after checking with three supervisors. I hung up.

Called the Port Master’s office. The lovely lady laughed and told me “Pier 91.” Apparently I was not exactly the first person who called for that particular bit of information….

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About Holly

fiber person - knitter, spinner, weaver who spent 33 years being a military officer to fund the above. And home. And family. Sewing and quilting projects are also in the stash. After living again in Heidelberg after retiring (finally) from the U.S. Army May 2011, we moved to the US ~ Dec 2015. Something about being over 65 and access to health care. It also might have had to do with finding a buyer for our house. Allegedly this will provide me a home base in the same country as our four adult children, all of whom I adore, so that I can drive them totally insane. Considerations of time to knit down the stash…(right, and if you believe that…) and spin and .... There is now actually enough time to do a bit of consulting, editing. Even more amazing - we have only one household again. As long as everyone understands that I still, 40 years into our marriage, don't do kitchens or bathrooms. For that matter, not being a golden retriever, I don't do slippers or newspapers either. I don’t miss either the military or full-time clinical practice. Limiting my public health/travel med/consulting and lecturing to “when I feel like it” has let me happily spend my pension cruising, stash enhancing (oops), arguing with the DH about where we are going to travel next and book buying. Life is good!
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