Sleepless in Seattle

Somehow, I suppose didn't realize that Seattle was a 6 hour flight from ATL and that Airtran would not serve any food on board....but this was compensated by the fact that Ben brought his computer and we watched Genghis Blues--HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (thanks Jenny for the tip!)--and The Boxer (Daniel Day Lewis = the bomb). Wow, watching a movie on the plane really makes the time pass!

But we arrived and Miyo's family has hosted us with such kindness and hospitality we have been overwhelmed. And we miss Miyo!

Pike Place Market--where every tourist's journey must begin--was teeming with people, brilliant produce with ginormous peaches, nectarines, blackberries, and every shade of gladiolus you could imagine (helpful for wedding planning!). I was so tempted by the giant and delicate looking raspberries. We checked out the homemade cheese store, the Russian bakery, the original and first Starbucks, and sat down at Le Panier, a french style bakery, for a lovely coffee and pain au chocolate. The baked good was more than good--the croissant buttery and light, and the chocolate dark and bittersweet. PauC is probably my all time fave baked good--too bad I can't make em myself!As we explored Pioneer Square, Ben bumped into two high school friends.

And how can we not mention the several delicious meals we have had here?

We've both remarked several times how funny it is to travel in the "first world" as we are much more accustomed to traveling together in Brazil, Dom Rep, Costa Rica, etc. But it is quite lovely and perfect for us right now. Low-stress, no language issues, a deep sense of understanding and comfort (albeit high prices) are exciting. We look forward to exploring British Columbia, where we are headed today!