tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89315036901339997612024-03-05T12:27:13.711-07:00Captain MicahMicahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.comBlogger768125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-8623475859923068672013-05-27T04:35:00.000-07:002013-05-27T04:35:00.848-07:00Hold For Release<p align="justify"><img title="20130524_145632" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20130524_145632" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5UspsYBcYpU/UaKr4sWP6EI/AAAAAAAATqY/uaj9MTvSruY/20130524_145632%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="600"></p> <p align="justify">Howdy there!</p> <p align="justify">I just wanted to let you know that I am working on some projects that need my full focus and attention for the next little while. </p> <p align="justify">As a result, this lil’ ol’ blog here will suffer some neglect. <font size="1">(Sorry, Mom).</font></p> <p align="justify">For now, I’m unsure of a timeframe but will be back as soon as possible! </p> <p align="justify">Until then, you might as well go reread some old posts with airplanes in them. Because airplanes <em>are</em> magical, after all…</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-92006138350846958832013-05-24T04:07:00.000-07:002013-05-24T04:07:00.408-07:00From Lovely Bremerton to Lovely Home<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0313" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0313" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PiPJb_mV0IQ/UZ5dKVD7P6I/AAAAAAAATlY/-Ent_NZHS-k/IMG_0313%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was a great two days exploring Seattle. If you don’t believe me, <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/walking-through-seattle-and-bremerton.html">you can read all about it</a> yourself.</p> <p align="justify">After I arrived back in Bremerton from the Seattle ferry, I decided to hit up my favorite eatery for a delicious dinner.</p> <p align="justify">I passed part of the Bremerton Navy Shipyard while walking the four blocks to Toro Lounge.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0314" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0314" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8fyMuLE2iu4/UZ5dK3UP75I/AAAAAAAATlg/zBrUjP95QWQ/IMG_0314%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Spring has definitely sprung in this part of the world. After a beautiful seventy-one degrees today, this flower was showing its beauty for all the world to see.</p> <p align="justify">Or, at least the people in Bremerton. And the four people who read my blog.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0315" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0315" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ua8zoAJumE8/UZ5dLS3sIwI/AAAAAAAATlo/yAWW6Lp11Mw/IMG_0315%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Ah, the <a href="http://www.torolounge.com/">Toro Lounge</a>. I love this place!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0316" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0316" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GdcRmf_84qo/UZ5dLwN6WQI/AAAAAAAATlw/IBmIDZaUT4Y/IMG_0316%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The inside is cute and quaint and modern. I usually grab a table to stay for my dinner, but I decided to get it to-go tonight.</p> <p align="justify">My hotel is a whole two blocks away, and I can eat dinner, rest my feet, <em>and</em> watch some Food Network. You can’t beat that!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0318" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0318" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I7yX2dAsqe0/UZ5dMTVwWZI/AAAAAAAATl4/hgQLWdNvN5o/IMG_0318%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">While waiting for my meal to arrive, I enjoyed the frequently-rotated art on the walls.</p> <p align="justify">These are done by local artists and are actually for sale. I really liked this ski lift one, though I don’t ski.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0319" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JDXiRTOSwrg/UZ5dM9ADZFI/AAAAAAAATmA/XCehevmoXE0/IMG_0319%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">When back in my room, I could hardly wait to unwrap my favorite food in Bremerton…</p> <p align="justify">Truffle Oil Papas Frites with Curried Ketchup.</p> <p align="justify">Yep, they <em>are</em> all that and a bag of <strike>chips</strike> fries.</p> <p align="justify">These are pure heaven. They didn’t exactly go along with my healthy goals, but I walked off quite a few calories today, too. So we’re good.</p> <p align="justify">And it’s worth it, anyway. I would never miss out on these beauties!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0320" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0320" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZlrsaujT2po/UZ5dNaAOrNI/AAAAAAAATmI/wnYr4APnWoQ/IMG_0320%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">To counteract the papas frites, I also got an order of edamame. </p> <p align="justify">That makes everything equal, right?</p> <p align="justify">I thought so.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0323" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vOQYQV1GQDk/UZ5dNpIpoCI/AAAAAAAATmQ/MLi7SBAIvk0/IMG_0323%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The next morning, it was time to head to church, then grab a quick lunch, then head to the airport to prep Gladys for our trip home.</p> <p align="justify">This is our view of Bremerton after finishing the three-hour block at church. Isn’t this gorgeous?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0324" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0324" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XhkWaJps2Cc/UZ5dOKHI__I/AAAAAAAATmY/t2wLTLxCK3Q/IMG_0324%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="471"></p> <p align="justify">As much as I hate eating out like this on Sundays, sometimes it can’t be helped on a work day. We grabbed a lunch at Olive Garden before our 2.4-hour flight home later this afternoon.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0325" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0325" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C0FN98mZj7I/UZ5dOkQsKtI/AAAAAAAATmg/qcg_2eOi5zc/IMG_0325%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I think it’s wonderful that healthier options are now available. It seems like a lot of the big chain restaurants are offering things like this for people who <strike>had papas frites for dinner the night before</strike> are watching what they eat.</p> <p align="justify">Of course, I am <em>not</em> a fan of the prices. When on earth did Olive Garden get so ridiculously expensive?</p> <p align="justify">They know that they’re just selling noodles and sauce, right?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0328" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0328" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XlfZLUAMe60/UZ5dPIXsnXI/AAAAAAAATmk/gfmxK7DHCIQ/IMG_0328%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I got the minestrone soup for my appetizer option. This whole bowl, of which I could only eat half, was only about ninety calories. Not too shabby!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0330" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0330" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CNnKWUNLzQs/UZ5dPWwPKVI/AAAAAAAATms/SLqhjOgMYVQ/IMG_0330%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I got the Capellini Pomodoro from the healthier menu. Again, just noodles and sauce. For $12.50.</p> <p align="justify">It was OK, but I only had a few bites. I boxed up the rest for Hubby to eat when I got home. He wasn’t a fan.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0333" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AejGRS5QJMc/UZ5dP3XNH5I/AAAAAAAATm0/UC9FAmep21o/IMG_0333%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Luckily, Gladys’ nose baggage compartment is a flying refrigerator! Since it isn’t pressurized, anything placed in there before a flight stays nice and <strike>sometimes frozen</strike> cold.</p> <p align="justify">My extra pasta and some breadsticks when home in this manner.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0335" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0335" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-08pc6DRcEm8/UZ5dQXS3VoI/AAAAAAAATm8/cGkvE0vqIUU/IMG_0335%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Then we hit the road again to head back to the Bremerton National Airport about seven miles south of town.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0337" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kZo5LDCW6Tc/UZ5dQzJkzZI/AAAAAAAATnE/BwILn4bamhM/IMG_0337%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And here we are!</p> <p align="justify">With such gorgeous weather and it being a Sunday, this airport was hopping! Everyone wants to fly on a beautiful weekend!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0338" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0338" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yXgg2lO4tps/UZ5dRIKDZkI/AAAAAAAATnQ/Vf69uDPFQuo/IMG_0338%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Even little Cessnas with original 1970s paint!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0339" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0339" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0kVXaKbru9M/UZ5dRmdXVFI/AAAAAAAATnY/nZ9YZqm5snA/IMG_0339%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As always, <a href="http://www.avianflight.com/">Avian Flight Center</a> was just wonderful to us. We feel so spoiled when we come here.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0341" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0341" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cjoc27Vu-48/UZ5dSM0AeLI/AAAAAAAATng/Gx05ceXYjOE/IMG_0341%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="1096"></p> <p align="justify">Real stairs!</p> <p align="justify">Man, I love this airplane!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0343" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0343" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lCU7T-44wOQ/UZ5dSk_8qaI/AAAAAAAATno/jLp9f03265E/IMG_0343%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Isn’t this a cute little terminal? I don’t even know what’s inside, since the solitary airport FBO is next door. And there is a little restaurant on the other side.</p> <p align="justify">Who knows what happens in this blue building!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0344" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zx_lE1S1IdM/UZ5dTEYVLUI/AAAAAAAATns/kwxNpegA1Xg/IMG_0344%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="415"></p> <p align="justify">After our passengers arrived and we had the airplane loaded, it was time to make a call on the CTAF frequency to announce to the world that we were taxiing to the runway for departure. </p> <p align="justify">Bremerton doesn’t have a tower, so we get to do a lot of stuff manually. Including calling Seattle Center on the ground to get our IFR clearance and release.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0346" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0346" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AmtMmzQKoR4/UZ5dTh1nrAI/AAAAAAAATn4/cekz8FasVk0/IMG_0346%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Soon, we were waving goodbye to sweet little Bremerton.</p> <p align="justify">Can you see the runway down there just behind the wing?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0349" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0349" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5pi2lOfvrkE/UZ5dT15SSdI/AAAAAAAAToA/ivY0c-Jc_Og/IMG_0349%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And then we had to suffer through some gorgeous views of downtown Seattle.</p> <p align="justify">Man, I feel like I was just <em>there</em>!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0351" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bLaB17mQdAM/UZ5dUSPyiNI/AAAAAAAAToI/s1eK1UdOeZE/IMG_0351%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And we flew right over the tiny Tacoma Narrows Airport. Can you see it down there just to the right of the bridge to Tacoma?</p> <p align="justify">Yep, it’s tiny.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0352" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0352" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gj9sp0NeIlc/UZ5dU06yKgI/AAAAAAAAToQ/-3iCTFcdRgM/IMG_0352%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are all sorts of pockets of water around these parts. The Puget Sound is huge!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0356" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0356" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PVyQPmAmojM/UZ5dVaVuJUI/AAAAAAAAToY/0nY6rUZJUPs/IMG_0356%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Mount St. Helens used to be huge, too, until she blew her top.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0357" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0357" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JH0Sj0DB3Nk/UZ5dVsLBRZI/AAAAAAAATog/sz1ggEPawHM/IMG_0357%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was nice and cool, so Gladys has no trouble climbing high and fast. We were pretty heavy today!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0361" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0361" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IDzp1u7kD4Y/UZ5dWEdsUdI/AAAAAAAATok/Lf8QEPCAL70/IMG_0361%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We flew high and fast all the way home, actually.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0362" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0362" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jvSIJlOrHIg/UZ5dWiM5PDI/AAAAAAAATow/djgq4MvMWAA/IMG_0362%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Which put us above some of these developing storm clouds.</p> <p align="justify">These would be buuuuumpy, so I’m glad that we are way above them!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0366" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0366" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9tfSs56NdPQ/UZ5dXANdSlI/AAAAAAAATo4/5YpH3eLucUg/IMG_0366%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Before we knew it, the descent into our home town had commenced. It had been such a wonderful nine days on the road.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0367" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0367" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Az3bnK-S3GU/UZ5dXh_nwtI/AAAAAAAATpA/22vLZO4-x1I/IMG_0367%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Like we usually do from this direction, we flew the JCOBS2 Arrival into Phoenix. Here we are headed Direct to SWIRL, since it is highlighted in pink.</p> <p align="justify">The little green noodle line just in front of us represents where we will be level for our descent.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0374" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sfXQkuwltFE/UZ5dX7bA1AI/AAAAAAAATpI/PpJ2hZVoFUc/IMG_0374%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">We started to see signs of civilization once again. It feels great to be home!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0375" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0375" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EM7quU-ocxg/UZ5dYcUhG5I/AAAAAAAATpQ/8nUnBJiP2Tw/IMG_0375%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We turned a right base-to-final leg for our runway. Isn’t this pretty? Cleared to land, Runway 21!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0376" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0376" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t1wsPt74DBI/UZ5dY0sCe1I/AAAAAAAATpY/zUREHc_IZ1M/IMG_0376%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">While on that turn, this is the view out the right-side of the window. Lots of green this time of year!</p> <p align="justify">Since we’re already 103 degrees today, I think that some of this Spring green will wear off.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0379" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0379" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hp6nvPfbbl4/UZ5dZaS1jGI/AAAAAAAATpg/zldFGkk8hs0/IMG_0379%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hi, Tower! Thanks for welcoming us home!</p> <p align="justify">There is the airport fire station, too. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0380" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0380" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ePriht-8ISo/UZ5dZvMnh9I/AAAAAAAATpo/zgUWF0ZVFm4/IMG_0380%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="415"></p> <p align="justify">I even wore my new shoes today! How fun!</p> <p align="justify">Cute <em>and</em> comfortable…what more could you possibly need on your feet?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0381" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0381" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KVuyu0G_BVM/UZ5daAfi5-I/AAAAAAAATpw/jwhmHAsnDsY/IMG_0381%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was a gorgeous eighty degrees when we landed. We unloaded the airplane and loaded the car to get our passengers on their way home.</p> <p align="justify">I’d say this airplane has earned her keep these past few months. What do you think?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0383" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0383" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M-K0shTv9Mo/UZ5davzsc7I/AAAAAAAATp4/8UcMtIXawzw/IMG_0383%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">One last shot to complete this looooong trip. We’ve done New York City and Seattle in less than two weeks. What more could a girl possibly want?</p> <p align="justify">A week at Disneyland with her Mama and brother? Well, OK. There’s always <em>that</em>. And it’s next!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-16997013245694067152013-05-23T08:57:00.001-07:002013-05-23T11:19:57.801-07:00Walking Through Seattle and the Bremerton Ferry<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0257" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0257" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ERyIPup5nCo/UZ48Qbei-CI/AAAAAAAATho/9yOssByNjKg/IMG_0257%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Any time spent in my favorite city is just heaven in my book…</p> <p align="justify">…but throw a giant chicken into the equation, and I feel even <em>more</em> blessed to visit Seattle today!</p> <p align="justify">In case you need a recap of all the fun during this two-day visit, here you go.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-beautiful-sunset-at-seattle-pier.html">The Entire First Day</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/back-to-seattle-and-bang-bang-cafe.html">Back to Seattle and the Bang Bang Café</a> <br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/shiskaberries-and-top-pot-doughnuts-in.html">Shiskaberries and Top Pot Doughnuts</a></p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0259" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0259" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A_vtu1_VBEs/UZ48Q7M7OrI/AAAAAAAAThw/TPgIqALmPuc/IMG_0259%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">To finish today, I wandered through the shopping district of downtown Seattle, then bought some wonderful shoes at Ross, then passed through Pike Place Market one last time on my way to the ferry terminal.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0261" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0261" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M7_tZaqDg2s/UZ48RvsvVvI/AAAAAAAATh0/JiLbKtmumHM/IMG_0261%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="1089"></p> <p align="justify">Not too far from this Nordstrom was a Nordstrom Rack. <em>Much</em> more affordable! I went inside to explore but came up empty-handed.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0262" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0262" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kN_RsO-CnlA/UZ48SJhtweI/AAAAAAAATh4/cCZSQZcxMeI/IMG_0262%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Just a few buildings away was a Ross, which I normally don’t like because they always feel like a clothes bomb went off inside. I figured that this <em>was</em> Seattle, though, so maybe their stores were different than mine.</p> <p align="justify">I am happy that I checked, because I found these cute shoes!</p> <p align="justify">You’re welcome for the wonky hand picture.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0264" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0264" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IGUZEhBLdAQ/UZ48St0PxgI/AAAAAAAATiI/qXkOBKJXw8A/IMG_0264%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I think that it would be fun sometime to take an official tour of the city, like in one of the Ducks. The drivers seem to make the entire ride quite enjoyable, and these particular passengers were singing a loud song as they rode along. </p> <p align="justify">Awesome! Maybe someday.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0266" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fBWqvmFKEh8/UZ48TUN1d6I/AAAAAAAATiM/2Sv0EVu_5Xg/IMG_0266%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The crowds got thicker and thicker as I headed towards the <a href="http://www.wsctc.com/">Washington State Convention Center</a>. Later, when I checked the schedule online, I realized that a huge gathering was taking place.</p> <p align="justify">I had never heard of Sakura-Con, but it’s an anime/Asian version of Comic Con.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0268" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0268" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7QJIvf_Yj2I/UZ48UOF_bXI/AAAAAAAATiU/ZjbylJEEWgk/IMG_0268%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="324"></p> <p align="justify">And I saw the strangest get-ups for this event! It made me wander the other direction!</p> <p align="justify">You should have seen what some of these people were <em>wearing</em>! hahahaha!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0270" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K2W_6KhUV-E/UZ48UgPwXOI/AAAAAAAATig/XlOnF2pN8so/IMG_0270%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After leaving them in my dust as quickly as I could, I decided to head towards the ferry terminal by way of Pike Place Market. </p> <p align="justify">I just wanted to walk through it one last time as I left town.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0272" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0272" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dytJ6k8EAe8/UZ48Vb45HUI/AAAAAAAATio/2SKf4q_9aHM/IMG_0272%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was late Saturday afternoon, and the place was appropriately packed.</p> <p align="justify">Don’t you just love Pike Place Market?</p> <p align="justify">I know that <em>I </em>do!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0273" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0273" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i1s5bVJxy-U/UZ48V4kklvI/AAAAAAAATiw/shpMoazGKB0/IMG_0273%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I walked through the Victor Steinbrueck Park again and decided to take a picture of this guy selling art. I had seen him the day before, too.</p> <p align="justify">And he was wearing the exact same thing then. I bet he smells <em>great</em>!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0274" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0274" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hu5lP2oRptU/UZ48WH7f2II/AAAAAAAATi4/QDlDM9hruhA/IMG_0274%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The park was full of happy sunbathers enjoying the gorgeous weather. This is the Seattle that I know, by the way. I would say it looks like this about 80% of the time that I’m here!</p> <p align="justify">Rain? Seattle? Really?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0275" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0275" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LLs0jPpnDXY/UZ48W6b0aYI/AAAAAAAATjA/oeIcmOKaYXQ/IMG_0275%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Shipping ports, stadiums, ferris wheels, and freeways.</p> <p align="justify">Can you see the pier below? And the Seattle Aquarium?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0276" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0276" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jgx933mBzoM/UZ48Xe5dByI/AAAAAAAATjI/OahEyExvuS0/IMG_0276%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The market shops spill out onto the street with these vendors. I didn’t even go inside the Market hallways today because the crowds were so bad.</p> <p align="justify">Been there, done that. I prefer it when there are less people so that I can actually look around!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0277" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0277" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kfBgnh-NPns/UZ48XgD7HiI/AAAAAAAATjQ/sW0VapShtNk/IMG_0277%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">More tulip boxes line the street. I am already missing this place!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0279" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0279" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V0BU0QMyKxc/UZ48YVBS5tI/AAAAAAAATjY/CHGOCy6mG8A/IMG_0279%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="945"></p> <p align="justify">The brick road just makes it even better. I love that they still haven’t paved down here. </p> <p align="justify">Leave it old and bricky!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0282" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0282" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x9iqsgShThI/UZ48Y-qvn3I/AAAAAAAATjg/NbCXn0fdujQ/IMG_0282%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="1085"></p> <p align="justify">I passed the famous Gum Wall on my way back towards the ferries tonight. Doesn’t this make you want some gum?</p> <p align="justify">No?</p> <p align="justify">Look towards the top, though. Some guy proposed by spelling it out in gum! It that awesome or what?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0283" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0283" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Iv08PThQ-_I/UZ48ZogdnWI/AAAAAAAATjo/g-nqPlyJ8uU/IMG_0283%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After leaving the crowds behind, it was a nice, quiet walk back towards the water.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0285" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0285" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UxJ-4gc75t0/UZ48aHqPkoI/AAAAAAAATjw/SG3st5uVygE/IMG_0285%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The tour boats were getting ready to depart with a dinner cruise at sunset. </p> <p align="justify">Wouldn’t that be fun?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0286" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0286" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dFuwGxX8Co8/UZ48abC7KJI/AAAAAAAATj4/RFbETPq9MJ0/IMG_0286%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="567"></p> <p align="justify">I waited at the entrance to the ferry boarding area until it was time for me to get on the boat.</p> <p align="justify">You just swipe the card through this electronic reader, and it let’s you through.</p> <p align="justify">Then it’s time to wait for the gate to lift after the other passengers have disembarked.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0287" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0287" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hPnz8mWduMY/UZ48bhgmKmI/AAAAAAAATkA/OyPyym8Hgg8/IMG_0287%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Let’s go back to Bremerton!</p> <p align="justify">Check out that guy carrying flowers. I would love to get some flowers at Pike Place Market sometime!</p> <p align="justify">That giant arrangement was just $5, by the way.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0290" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0290" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WsURJq0iY3U/UZ48cOLJTRI/AAAAAAAATkI/MTOCSLHBFZM/IMG_0290%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The Puget Sound is one of my favorite bodies of water.</p> <p align="justify">Can I say that?</p> <p align="justify">I love everything about this place.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0292" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0292" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r-rLxvVx33Y/UZ48crsWf9I/AAAAAAAATkQ/WZ6ERUCi4fQ/IMG_0292%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The ferry boarded its last few passengers, and soon we were on our way back to Bremerton! It will be a lovely hour on the water.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0294" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0294" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W5T2vtXNOxc/UZ48dELKuUI/AAAAAAAATkY/EG_hayMYVUE/IMG_0294%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I rode inside, because the wind is a little chilly when this boat <em>really</em> gets going!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0298" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0298" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aRCKTvJneLk/UZ48diDkzMI/AAAAAAAATkg/b1xazFbgwMo/IMG_0298%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Goodbye, Space Needle!</p> <p align="justify">Goodbye, ferris wheel!</p> <p align="justify">Goodbye, Walla Walla!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0300" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dVN7YFO06k4/UZ48eZhn-uI/AAAAAAAATko/MrKFuILV7o0/IMG_0300%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I really love you, Seattle. </p> <p align="justify">Truly, I do.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0301" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0301" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8ErLetybvTE/UZ48erNACnI/AAAAAAAATkw/zXY5poioed4/IMG_0301%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Sailboats in the harbor.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0302" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0302" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bYc0f-gPbjI/UZ48fCK0sXI/AAAAAAAATk4/SsctZG6ZFKo/IMG_0302%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="387"></p> <p align="justify">As the ferry pulled away from the terminal, I literally waved goodbye to this place.</p> <p align="justify">Isn’t it pretty, though?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0304" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0304" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nR9Q66hj58k/UZ48fjjr7zI/AAAAAAAATlA/KEKZIHy2xIo/IMG_0304%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="703" height="476"></p> <p align="justify">I think that the sailboat gave some good effort in trying to catch the ferry that left a few minutes before us. I wonder if he realizes that he will never catch them?</p> <p align="justify">I love the misty mountains in the background.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0307" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0307" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YCNHIRDEF_w/UZ48gK-6rzI/AAAAAAAATlI/uKp7wTeHvU8/IMG_0307%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And just an hour later, we were pulling back into the Bremerton Ferry Terminal!</p> <p align="justify">I can’t get over how blessed I am to have trips like these. I love getting to explore some of my favorite cities. While I work.</p> <p align="justify">But I haven’t been home in nine days, so it might be nice to head back there tomorrow!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-40804247471988345742013-05-22T07:32:00.001-07:002013-05-22T07:36:38.479-07:00Shiskaberries and Top Pot Doughnuts in Seattle<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0198" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0198" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c4bwBH4xEhw/UZzWmYb44lI/AAAAAAAATdI/YtqyyrIM3rU/IMG_0198%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="957"></p> <p align="justify">I know, I know. <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-beautiful-sunset-at-seattle-pier.html">I was just at the Space Needle yesterday</a>. But I love this place. And I knew that I was going to try a treat that I purposely avoided yesterday.</p> <p align="justify">Chocolate-covered strawberries have some redeeming healthy factor, so I actually don’t even feel all that bad.</p> <p align="justify">These monorail tracks lead right to the Seattle Center, where the Space Needle calls home.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0201" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0201" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kP92NgcjByI/UZzWm8xPxWI/AAAAAAAATdQ/eQ2Pu87zaug/IMG_0201%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There is a car repair shop on the corner near the Space Needle. The entire surface is painted depicting men busily working on imported vehicles.</p> <p align="justify">But this one cracked me up! </p> <p align="justify">I would not want the guy holding the Porsche sign to be anywhere <em>near</em> me or my car! And the guy sitting on the swing with the air gun? Sheesh, hide your daughters!</p> <p align="justify">I’m sure that this shop does nice work…just avoid the wall art to be safe.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0202" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0202" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--8SqIcDIZuY/UZzWpKSAgKI/AAAAAAAATdY/Bl8MC9x4C6g/IMG_0202%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="713" height="1100"></p> <p align="justify">I do believe that we are getting closer. That big round thing up there certainly looks closer.</p> <p align="justify">Follow the monorail!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0204" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0204" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jrcalFaJ224/UZzWqQLHFBI/AAAAAAAATdg/dq8EHUToE2M/IMG_0204%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="929"></p> <p align="justify">Ah, monorails. </p> <p align="justify">Disneyland has one, you know. And my next trip will be showing that monorail to you from being there in-person! Eek!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0206" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0206" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JCYqh9nZ8g4/UZzWqt23slI/AAAAAAAATdo/UOimnGwgq_U/IMG_0206%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is the base of the Space Needle. Inside is a cute souvenir shop and fudge. But you didn’t hear it from me.</p> <p align="justify">They hold all sorts of special events in the top of the Space Needle. I’ve never been up there, but it would sure be fun sometime!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0207" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0207" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k-djIn8cfcA/UZzWrBzyANI/AAAAAAAATdw/t3GlYBGz_kQ/IMG_0207%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="1094"></p> <p align="justify">Yep, I’m talking about way up there!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0208" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0208" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Do86loUsMxc/UZzWrtcZy2I/AAAAAAAATd4/qvUk4M-zJ7M/IMG_0208%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">While standing at the Space Needle entrance, you can look north towards the Pacific Science Center (on the left), and the Chihuly Glass Museum (on the right). Just past it is an entrance to a nice grassy area near the Armory.</p> <p align="justify"><strike>One of</strike> my treats is there today. Let’s go get it!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0209" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0209" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9UI8Abt0LGY/UZzWsPr8BuI/AAAAAAAATeA/Pr-qSUzEO-0/IMG_0209%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Here is a peek into the glass center! </p> <p align="justify">Wow, he does amazing work!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0210" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0210" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qn1qT7bsuS0/UZzWtMe4sUI/AAAAAAAATeI/bFoIuTCGsgQ/IMG_0210%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is a grassy meadow between the Armory and the Pacific Science Center. I discovered all of this for the first time yesterday, and I wanted to come back again today to enjoy it even more.</p> <p align="justify">That’s <a href="http://www.seattlecenter.com/locations/detail.aspx?id=41">the Armory</a> in the far distance.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0212" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0212" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MRc0Qf4RrVQ/UZzWtfNUl9I/AAAAAAAATeQ/c0odRxE1WPY/IMG_0212%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But you know my real reason for coming back today…</p> <p align="justify">So let’s play Where’s Waldo with the Shiskaberries hut, shall we?</p> <p align="justify">Can you see it hiding in this photo?</p> <p align="justify">True, it’s trying to be invisible behind a tree and a man.</p> <p align="justify">Thankfully, I will not be outsmarted. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m0VnzPFxew">“We can see you, Carl.” “We can totally see you, Carl.”</a></p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0213" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0213" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2VwQxpgBkqU/UZzWt7WX1LI/AAAAAAAATeY/R1HZcfJJtNs/IMG_0213%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="525"> <img title="IMG_0214" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0214" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zcmxQ9izUaU/UZzWubxxzPI/AAAAAAAATeg/PdZ6iff1lBE/IMG_0214%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="525"></p> <p align="justify">So, here it is. No, I didn’t get fresh whipped cream on top. I’m on a diet.</p> <p align="justify">And yes, I did add bananas to the order, which was just OK. I don’t like bananas that aren’t green, and there were “ripe” bananas.</p> <p align="justify">But hey. Anything covered in chocolate is instantly elevated. So I was fine with everything here.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0215" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0215" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-amZG0pTFnEY/UZzWukoEPvI/AAAAAAAATeo/IaC76UvdJQk/IMG_0215%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Especially when compared in size to the Space Needle. This was a large treat indeed!</p> <p align="justify">I got my $5-worth, that’s for dang sure.</p> <p align="justify">Was it worth the splurge? No. More on that later.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0219" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0219" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-THKQlAzd4ow/UZzWwnj5fcI/AAAAAAAATew/DIBo-4oMBWM/IMG_0219%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had seen from afar yesterday that there was even more to explore back in this park area. So I headed that way and could hear lots of kids laughing.</p> <p align="justify">This should be good.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0222" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0222" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O_c-uzUeRtQ/UZzWxFixmiI/AAAAAAAATe4/iDRwUNDv4WU/IMG_0222%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Even though it was barely seventy degrees, kids were playing in this giant fountain water ball.</p> <p align="justify">Like a creeper, I sat down to watch and enjoy the gorgeous sun.</p> <p align="justify">And a gorgeous rainbow!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0226" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0226" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_0UHssR3Qkc/UZzWxmG310I/AAAAAAAATfA/lk_UPBIP70w/IMG_0226%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It looks like a space machine spurting out water. This thing was pretty cool!</p> <p align="justify">And cool had many definitions today. I kept getting sprayed with some misty water. It felt nice, but it was a little too cold for that, still.</p> <p align="justify">Man, do I live in Phoenix or <em>what</em>?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0228" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0228" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nFoUsZyQhAg/UZzWyJ7uSAI/AAAAAAAATfI/axdT6gO8gPo/IMG_0228%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I walked behind some other buildings to see what I could find, and the entrance to the Armory introduced itself.</p> <p align="justify">Sheesh, what country is this? These eagles look like something straight out of Germany in 1938!</p> <p align="justify">And they also kinda look like they’re made of Legos. Just sayin’…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0230" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0230" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kj1BGsGctBE/UZzWylCCo2I/AAAAAAAATfM/CvX5JtH_ovo/IMG_0230%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This was a different entrance to the <a href="http://www.empmuseum.org/">EMP Museum</a>, which is a sci-fi classic here at the Seattle Center.</p> <p align="justify">I can never get over how beautiful (and shocking…how did they <em>do</em> that?) buildings that make up the museum.</p> <p align="justify">Aren’t these pretty?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0232" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0232" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xXj9a0afueQ/UZzWy1VEW8I/AAAAAAAATfY/Umk9BH7xs2k/IMG_0232%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The monorail goes right through them. Nice touch, guys.</p> <p align="justify">I wonder if you see the Grand Canyon when you ride through?</p> <p align="justify">Walt Disney thought of everything.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0233" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0233" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BtLdAjJrb_k/UZzWzQP-FeI/AAAAAAAATfg/hdGuPpUMV7E/IMG_0233%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="1106"></p> <p align="justify">Sunbursty action of one of my favorite landmarks in Seattle. </p> <p align="justify">Someday, I think that I’ll go to the top!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0235" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0235" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bQjDRsKXlU0/UZzWz3MS4hI/AAAAAAAATfo/4Zs-UJndf7s/IMG_0235%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Every time that I’ve been here, this little band has been playing (what I think is) Mayan music. They have flutes and pipes and guitars. It is beautiful music.</p> <p align="justify">I usually sit on the cement wall to listen for a few minutes. It was a nice rest for my feet, and also a wonderful chance to watch people.</p> <p align="justify">Which never gets old!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0236" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0236" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MywQXMRaSmY/UZzW0csa4CI/AAAAAAAATfw/wd-6AgKCwMk/IMG_0236%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You can really get anything your little heart desires here in Seattle.</p> <p align="justify">Honestly, why would you ever leave?</p> <p align="justify">Those lemonade drinks look yummy, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0237" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0237" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JfFNPrYQs64/UZzW09s5G4I/AAAAAAAATf4/hbSrKkBebpY/IMG_0237%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="1093"></p> <p align="justify">I just loved this old-school sign.</p> <p align="justify">Luckily, I didn’t have to follow its advice today. Car-free in Seattle!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0241" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0241" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8fl8clzcBEI/UZzW1of-D8I/AAAAAAAATgA/FXccT1-v4E8/IMG_0241%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="949"></p> <p align="justify">I didn’t stop to read more about this statue because of people nearby taking pictures. I just grabbed a quick shot and was on my way.</p> <p align="justify">But I love how old it looks. It probably <em>is</em> old.</p> <p align="justify">Check out the (bear? wolf? pig?) head coming out of the stone on the base of the statue. I love stuff like this.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0242" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0242" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mUt0nF-pO40/UZzW2BF5sEI/AAAAAAAATgI/MRf_obz1QcU/IMG_0242%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="713" height="1099"></p> <p align="justify">So I know this sounds terrible, especially because we just had a treat at Shiskaberries, but my next destination is actually for my <em>real</em> treat of the day.</p> <p align="justify">Because I’m counting chocolate-covered berries as a healthy snack. Man, I’m bad!</p> <p align="justify">I could be perfectly happy living on a flower-lined street next to the monorail. Doesn’t this look so peaceful? And clean!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0243" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0243" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MLEOBC7Zopw/UZzW2kf4X-I/AAAAAAAATgQ/P5_pyigbSgc/IMG_0243%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="1095"></p> <p align="justify">There were lots of little shops and eateries in this neck of the woods as well. They were all closed today, but I hope that’s just because it was Saturday. They are located downtown with lots of businesses that are also closed today.</p> <p align="justify">I love deli sandwiches!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0245" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0245" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2qH8gy2cfPc/UZzW3KLU6XI/AAAAAAAATgY/4HWeyo5IRjE/IMG_0245%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So this still puzzles me but also makes me laugh.</p> <p align="justify">OK, I get it. It’s a school for girls.</p> <p align="justify">But how on earth do they explain the multiple rubber chickens hanging from the window?!</p> <p align="justify">Would <em>you</em> want your daughter to attend a school like this?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0247" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0247" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KLouUTSpmhk/UZzW3nRyaOI/AAAAAAAATgg/f8DHx-5ouvI/IMG_0247%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="476"></p> <p align="justify">My phone did not lead me astray…we have arrived.</p> <p align="justify">In case you can’t read all of the sign, it says, “<a href="http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/">Top Pot Doughnuts</a>.” But the "doughnuts” part is visible, and that’s all you really need to know. It’s what matters.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0250" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dVvfwBrqHZ8/UZzW4ZW5kmI/AAAAAAAATgo/4W_efwz0YaA/IMG_0250%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had read multiple reviews about this place and had high expectations. Inside was cute and quaint.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0251" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0251" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rQr6YLDWHZI/UZzW4988FYI/AAAAAAAATgw/ChpNdSBZFqI/IMG_0251%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And the bookshelves were very inviting and inspire people to stay for hours, I’m sure!</p> <p align="justify">By the way, I would love a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf built-in like this someday. But with white wood instead. With one of those cool rolling ladders. </p> <p align="justify">Can you imagine?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0252" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0252" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XjTcx5DE7QE/UZzW5S36c5I/AAAAAAAATg4/VVWlhvK47b4/IMG_0252%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Anyway, back to the most important topic at hand.</p> <p align="justify">Have you ever wondered what it would look like if you peek through a window into heaven?</p> <p align="justify">I imagine that this is pretty close.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0253" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0253" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RlZlYMNXIP8/UZzW5zHBkiI/AAAAAAAAThA/NhibXZerqPE/IMG_0253%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I won’t even be able to describe the incredible smells to you. Let’s just say that they make from-scratch doughnuts here and leave it at that.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0254" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0254" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lrUn-cwyPt8/UZzW6ROIkVI/AAAAAAAAThI/L4PmuH3a9CU/IMG_0254%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Have you ever wondered what it would look like to peek through a pastry bag window into heaven?</p> <p align="justify">I imagine that this is pretty close, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0255" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0255" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oS3ktLuTS0w/UZzW61ttM6I/AAAAAAAAThQ/8AuBJMC16tA/IMG_0255%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I got a glazed old-fashioned cake doughnut, because those are by-far my favorite.</p> <p align="justify">And I must say this…</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/03/its-all-going-away.html">I’ve been eating healthy and working out very hard for about eleven weeks now</a>. I’ve occasionally had a splurge on eating a treat, but I’ve always come back to the thought that “Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.”</p> <p align="justify">It has <em>never</em> been worth it.</p> <p align="justify">Well, this doughnut changed that. So I’m very fortunate that it is so far from me most of the time.</p> <p align="justify">This doughnut may very well be one of the best things that I’ve ever eaten in my entire life. It was certainly worth the splurge. </p> <p align="justify">But I’m not kidding when I say it has been the <em>only</em> one worth it!</p> <p align="justify">I don’t have very good odds, apparently.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0256" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0256" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ia-ArqkhoD4/UZzW7YstnNI/AAAAAAAAThY/kC9NJ9J6tek/IMG_0256%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="715" height="1248"></p> <p align="justify">I guess what I’m saying is that…I would go back.</p> <p align="justify">If you are in Seattle, please try a fresh, hand-forged doughnut. Then you can know for yourself.</p> <p align="justify">Just look for the sign.</p> <p align="justify">More exploring Seattle is coming up! Are you enjoying these posts?</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-41306633081038040852013-05-21T07:30:00.001-07:002013-05-21T07:37:43.706-07:00Back to Seattle and The Bang Bang Cafe<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0163" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0163" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f-JFfWfBQDk/UZuEW6ovO9I/AAAAAAAATYs/yHWwG2HkrPI/IMG_0163%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Good morning, Bremerton! When I returned last night, you were dark and helped me sleep really well.</p> <p align="justify">After <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-beautiful-sunset-at-seattle-pier.html">a day exploring my favorite city</a> in the world, it felt just fine with my feet to be in a warm, soft, comfy bed in Bremerton.</p> <p align="justify">This was my gorgeous view when I woke up refreshed the next morning.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0165" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0165" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qrK4Yl551s4/UZuEXTXfRwI/AAAAAAAATY0/l-WHBMuHSbI/IMG_0165%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As you can see, I’m going to have to deal with awful weather yet again today. It’s going to be seventy degrees, and I have all day to spend in Seattle yet again.</p> <p align="justify">Darn.</p> <p align="justify">After a nice workout in the hotel gym and a careful breakfast in the lobby, I headed back towards the ferry terminal to hitch a ride over the Puget Sound.</p> <p align="justify">I think that I skipped because I was so happy.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0166" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0166" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I6S-1ZL8uJM/UZuEYCYe7VI/AAAAAAAATY8/h_cp0HO2xcA/IMG_0166%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Man, if feels like I was just <em>here</em>!</p> <p align="justify">I know that I’ve said it before, but I sure do love this font on the ferry terminal building. It’s old-school straight out of the art deco period, and I sure wish I knew what it was called!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0168" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0168" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-msltD6M0x0w/UZuEYnwGz5I/AAAAAAAATZE/do2j6gUUHg4/IMG_0168%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As you can see, lots of people decided to head to the city on a gorgeous Saturday morning! We waited patiently for the arriving ferry to disembark, and then it was our turn to get onboard. </p> <p align="justify">I’m already excited thinking about what a fun day this is going to be!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0167" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0167" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0SEbSL9i86E/UZuEZDhxsnI/AAAAAAAATZM/7ITtcLeawGs/IMG_0167%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">While we were waiting, this old car tried to start after picking up an arriving passenger. Unfortunately, after several attempts and a few minutes, the engine still couldn’t turn over. </p> <p align="justify">This is why I think people are generally still good, even though I’m sure that we all wonder sometimes!</p> <p align="justify">About five guys started to push the car to help the driver with a push-start. After about eighty feet, the car finally fired up and drove away, with the driver’s thankful hand waving out the window.</p> <p align="justify">All of us watching started to clap for those who had helped. It felt good.</p> <p align="justify">Cool car, too, huh? Too bad it doesn’t work.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0169" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0169" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rc25R6GUdhA/UZuEZed9uDI/AAAAAAAATZU/aVtpKUDFlUo/IMG_0169%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Let’s all board the Kaleetan! All of the ferries are named after things from the local Native American tribes.</p> <p align="justify">Pretty nifty, though I can’t pronounce half of them.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0170" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0170" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A5W1SjTs-JY/UZuEaBgVGGI/AAAAAAAATZc/BpnWMg92lf8/IMG_0170%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You can see a few boats peeking out of the Bremerton harbor. Soon, we will be winding our way through the Sound to arrive in Seattle just an hour later.</p> <p align="justify">The ferry is already moving! Let’s settle in for a nice ride!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0172" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0172" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rh1fmUwrzQU/UZuEatVJD4I/AAAAAAAATZk/L3T3iP29nvY/IMG_0172%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, before you can wiggle your nose, we’re in Seattle once again! Here is the pier with lots of action going on all day and night.</p> <p align="justify">Just for the record, I would be perfectly fine with having this short of a trip to visit Seattle any time that I wanted. I’m just sayin’…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0173" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0173" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-60c_r_6LaaY/UZuEa5X4GhI/AAAAAAAATZs/j2suHL55Jqs/IMG_0173%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I decided to take a different route into the city today, just so I could see new and exciting things. I walked ground-level along the harbor for a few blocks before crossing over towards the city.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0174" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0174" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OzmDjHaw6-U/UZuEbTTTctI/AAAAAAAATZ0/XQEwuZYsL0Y/IMG_0174%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This ended up being a wonderful decision, since I got to see <em>many</em> new and exciting things!</p> <p align="justify">Like this sign! Hello, fishies!</p> <p align="justify">Should someone tell them that they are headed the wrong way?</p> <p align="justify">You would think that they would want to swim <em>away</em> from Pike Place Market, which is famous for its fish stands. They should swim to their freedom behind them instead.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0175" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0175" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7HjZxHQpCC0/UZuEb2hQzNI/AAAAAAAATZ8/risveZbbYgY/IMG_0175%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’ve never seen Pike Place Market from this angle, but it’s the back of the famous “Public Market” sign, which I love so much. This is too cool!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0177" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0177" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S6lSpSYFyxI/UZuEcIQ7jAI/AAAAAAAATaA/FvvDn1Zj1z0/IMG_0177%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">I guess we should follow the <strike>crowds</strike> large green signs directing us towards the Market, huh?</p> <p align="justify">Being the rebel that I am, I decided to walk past this to arrive on the other end of Pike Place near the park from yesterday.</p> <p align="justify">Aren’t those old hand rails on the stairs cool?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0178" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0178" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RVDPPpjxZdc/UZuEcvKmfLI/AAAAAAAATaM/kHNgWgCMbcw/IMG_0178%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Well, we’re getting higher already. Which improves the view drastically.</p> <p align="justify">Way on the other side of the ferris wheel, you can see the shipping port of Seattle.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0179" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0179" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nNZyjP-pDos/UZuEdCjF5YI/AAAAAAAATaU/rya0tbqHMYs/IMG_0179%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And now we are looking at the north entrance to Pike Place Market!</p> <p align="justify">Wow, really. It feels like I was <em>just here</em>! But I’m pretty sure that I could never get tired of this place!</p> <p align="justify">Besides, I’m just walking through today on my way to grab a little lunch.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0180" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gq9zC34bTPA/UZuEdgekDeI/AAAAAAAATac/0-7OoGeqskw/IMG_0180%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I should have gotten a closer view of the parking prices, since they were out of this world. I would much rather be on-foot if I lived here. </p> <p align="justify">With so many wonderful public transportation options, and my two little feet ready for another fun day, why on earth would anyone drive?!</p> <p align="justify">It’s a neat-looking sign, though. Apparently, I love neon. Who knew?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0183" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0183" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tC2hr3pvBOw/UZuEeea3CcI/AAAAAAAATak/-IX82oXYYaA/IMG_0183%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After walking past the park and waving at Pike Place, I continued my walk along Western Avenue a little farther north.</p> <p align="justify">It’s always fun to see this folded-up umbrella sculpture, since it always reminds me of one of my favorite Disney movies. </p> <p align="justify">Jolly holiday, eh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0185" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0185" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EHP0UumTuDk/UZuEgLm21wI/AAAAAAAATas/efWQdp2Bevo/IMG_0185%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Underneath the freeway, they’ve made yet another tribute to the local orca whales.</p> <p align="justify">Man, these people really love their giant ocean mammals, huh?</p> <p align="justify">I thought that these looked neat, but I wonder if they fenced them off because they had to keep homeless people from sleeping here. Or maybe to keep out graffiti artists?</p> <p align="justify">Either way, the chain link fence definitely made an appearance in this photo today.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0187" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0187" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vV6JRJxNyQ0/UZuEgv-luAI/AAAAAAAATa0/jWPMGM9P_No/IMG_0187%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So I had done a little research before my lunchtime arrival today. I thought that a late breakfast would tide me over well, and this place was known online for its delicious breakfast burritos.</p> <p align="justify">There was another place up by the Space Needle that also had awesome reviews, but it was another half a mile. By the time I had walked the 1.8 miles to get to the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60878-d1580945-Reviews-Bang_Bang_Cafe-Seattle_Washington.html">Bang Bang Café</a>, I was ready to eat!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0188" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0188" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d6IdK_9A5vM/UZuEhCQ4kQI/AAAAAAAATa8/y4WAdLaqLP4/IMG_0188%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The inside was adorable. The reviews online had warned me that the breakfast burritos here were top-notch, so the the cute interior of the café was just a bonus.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0189" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0189" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_xJoqo0e_64/UZuEhkXD3VI/AAAAAAAATbE/oz_NuO7fr_k/IMG_0189%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love homemade menus like this. And this little place has quite the offerings, too! Bagel sandwiches, breakfast burritos, paninis, and sandwiches. </p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, I was told after I ordered that they were out of flour tortillas (wha?). So my breakfast burrito ended up being just a breakfast bowl.</p> <p align="justify">Wop wop.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0190" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0190" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7P59MyukXwA/UZuEid9shXI/AAAAAAAATbM/-yGIbWjj83E/IMG_0190%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is not a visual illusion! Seattle is a very vertical city in spots! Coming up from the harbor to the more-level 1st Avenue area means that you have to climb some pretty steep sidewalks to get there!</p> <p align="justify">You can see the angle of the car outside. He’s just waiting at the light to head closer to the pier.</p> <p align="justify">Crazy, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0191" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0191" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HlwU6UTr5X4/UZuEm6lRcBI/AAAAAAAATbU/oQXPa60vlUA/IMG_0191%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Their display case was filled with all sorts of homemade goodies. One of the things in here was their apparently-famous Shawn’s Vegan Mac. </p> <p align="justify">I usually steer clear of things that say Vegan, for my own personal reasons.</p> <p align="justify">Have I shown you my bacon tattoo?</p> <p align="justify"><em><font size="1">(This statement is an attempt for comedic relief only. No ink has ever touched this skin!)</font></em></p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0192" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0192" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OtR1IhROtCE/UZuEnR-lvQI/AAAAAAAATbY/8H3ffLUfYgU/IMG_0192%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My breakfast <strike>burrito</strike> bowl arrived. It looked yummy, but it wasn’t massive.</p> <p align="justify">Another wop wop.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0194" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0194" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7BX3qDbBUH8/UZuFCxyywbI/AAAAAAAATbk/Y5SWgRJPFKQ/IMG_0194%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But with potatoes (that tasted like they had been on the flattop all morning) and turkey sausage to accompany the scrambled eggs and cheese, this had potential.</p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, it didn’t taste all that great to me. I probably would skip this place on my next visit.</p> <p align="justify">I’m just being honest here, folks. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0195" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0195" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H4NFmWWxxHk/UZuFDRq4r9I/AAAAAAAATbs/CNrCWSyt_9A/IMG_0195%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Now I regret not waiting for the <a href="http://skilletstreetfood.com/counter_menu.php">Skillet Counter</a> breakfast burrito just half a mile away.</p> <p align="justify">Hey, live and learn. You can’t win them all, and that goes for breakfast, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0196" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0196" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KiKJlnXft7A/UZuFDw5iaOI/AAAAAAAATb0/eXn_ilovpIM/IMG_0196%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As I walked up towards Seattle Center once again, I passed the beautiful trees with some spring blossoms in full swing.</p> <p align="justify">I could easily live on a street that looks like this.</p> <p align="justify">In Seattle.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0197" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0197" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kz3F7g41TS0/UZuFEATXeJI/AAAAAAAATb8/bMPX76251Fk/IMG_0197%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Why do I want to head back towards Seattle Center?</p> <p align="justify">Well, you can see one of the reasons peeking over the buildings in this shot.</p> <p align="justify">Today is going to be awesome!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-52073908074182902692013-05-20T07:04:00.001-07:002013-05-20T07:06:24.208-07:00A Beautiful Sunset at the Seattle Pier<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0085" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0085" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1frm97te1qY/UZotEMJkocI/AAAAAAAATUM/RIKzglwWw8s/IMG_0085%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had about an hour to kill before the next ferry could take me back over the Puget Sound to Bremerton, where my happy little hotel room was waiting for me. </p> <p align="justify">It’s been a gorgeous day of exploring one of my favorite cities today. Did you miss anything?</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/lets-ferry-over-to-seattle.html">Let’s Ferry Over to Seattle!</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/delicatus-lunch-and-pike-place-market.html">Delicatus Lunch and Pike Place Market</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/chocolate-caramels-and-space-needles.html">Chocolate Caramels and Space Needles</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/downtown-seattle-and-best-hot-chocolate.html">Downtown Seattle and the Best Hot Chocolate Ever</a></p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0086" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0086" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iT-lxlWqtpw/UZotE0OGtyI/AAAAAAAATUU/FAQg5UQJyYc/IMG_0086%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Look, Mama! It’s <a href="http://www.ivars.com/">Ivar’s</a>! </p> <p align="justify">Why don’t you go in to eat your deep-fried clams, and I will happily stay out here to wait for you…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0090" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0090" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EoAGp3KBJ7Q/UZotFV7nOQI/AAAAAAAATUc/eCRtcx7OVgQ/IMG_0090%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Man, the sun makes all the difference in getting good shots. It’s hard to pick a favorite tonight because they all look so pretty with a sunset over water!</p> <p align="justify">I like this one for all the birds.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0095" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0095" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v9M-YPYZWA0/UZotFxUO4QI/AAAAAAAATUk/KDlGGBgXVC4/IMG_0095%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">These clams look startled. </p> <p align="justify">I guess if I was about to be eaten by countless tourists who like seafood, I would be pretty startled, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0096" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0096" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-adp7GsYIcdM/UZotGTYENfI/AAAAAAAATUs/CsRC3Ssvl0g/IMG_0096%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="1096"></p> <p align="justify">On this pier in Seattle, there are lots of little novelty shops that have several enticing offerings to bring you inside.</p> <p align="justify">Like fresh Mexican Jumping Beans? And free fudge?!</p> <p align="justify">The totem poles are neat, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0097" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0097" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fryCqEFUIyo/UZotG2zHNtI/AAAAAAAATU0/EvWRDe8ypoo/IMG_0097%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Ooooo, another pretty shot of the water, sunset reflections, a boat, and flying birds.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0099" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0099" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IpklO504YPw/UZotHdg-B7I/AAAAAAAATU8/Sq1h-Rc-kfo/IMG_0099%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I pass this hot dog stand every time that I visit Seattle. I guess if I was a huge hot dog fan, it would have already been on my list of things to enjoy.</p> <p align="justify">Luckily for me, I still had a hot chocolate keeping me full. So this didn’t even tempt me tonight!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0101" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0101" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bFY2-zQtUSg/UZotH42w3rI/AAAAAAAATVE/uW1H_JJc-JE/IMG_0101%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="1093"></p> <p align="justify">Oh my heck.</p> <p align="justify">This is definitely up there for my favorite pictures from tonight!</p> <p align="justify">I love the lights (no, really, I want some for my patio), and the ferris wheel.</p> <p align="justify">But I <em>really</em> love the light cascading down the sidewalk! Isn’t that gorgeous?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0102" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0102" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sJNGZCYcnyk/UZotIdkqj-I/AAAAAAAATVM/eYCrtqchFlk/IMG_0102%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This <a href="http://www.thecrabpotseattle.com/">Crab Pot</a> is another staple on the Seattle Pier. But these sailors never make fish look appetizing enough for me to give it a shot.</p> <p align="justify">Honestly, why would I <em>ever</em> give fish another shot?! </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0104" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0104" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g226WrWQ3l8/UZotI6ixiUI/AAAAAAAATVU/qdFAqyNZvng/IMG_0104%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="1016"></p> <p align="justify">I really like this picture, too, for the sunbursts on the right.</p> <p align="justify">Lighting is everything when it comes to getting amazing pictures! I lucked out tonight!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0105" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0105" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WFfcfll7-Js/UZotJf0dkBI/AAAAAAAATVc/j1y2nkhIPWw/IMG_0105%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are several pedestrian-friendly boardwalks on the pier as well. That is the Seattle Aquarium in the distance.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0110" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0110" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xyTSVJh0X1s/UZotKMQ9CDI/AAAAAAAATVk/iHw1ptybwvg/IMG_0110%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Oh dang.</p> <p align="justify">Sheesh! So pretty!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0113" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0113" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bZQ36brsm4U/UZotKqqUPoI/AAAAAAAATVs/hfE_jybV9L8/IMG_0113%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is a closer view of said aquarium. I’ve never been inside, but that couldn’t hurt someday, you know?</p> <p align="justify">I love places of learning like that!</p> <p align="justify">Nerd alert!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0120" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0120" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ejSzzuy_PhM/UZotLAYNVzI/AAAAAAAATV0/-2aOj1ykWN8/IMG_0120%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="1092"></p> <p align="justify">So I just wandered around the pier, taking pictures of anything and everything that I liked. And then the sun did all of the hard work for me. </p> <p align="justify">Don’t you love this?</p> <p align="justify">Should we go back to visit? Ok.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0121" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0121" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2dF9Ea0DnXs/UZotLhMXC3I/AAAAAAAATV8/EjcWhkXb19I/IMG_0121%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This isn’t the best picture of the ferris wheel tonight, but it <em>is</em> the best picture of a homeless man staring at the setting sun.</p> <p align="justify">Should someone tell him that he shouldn’t be looking straight at it?</p> <p align="justify">Poor guy.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0125" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0125" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tWLBTjn1N1Y/UZotMbi66vI/AAAAAAAATWE/Nj66w40rEno/IMG_0125%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love the water and think often how fun it would be to live closer to it. I don’t necessarily like being <em>in</em> the water, so temperature isn’t a big deal for me.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0126" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N9lx0foBcQI/UZotM5yzf4I/AAAAAAAATWM/VXAQ-RkhmZo/IMG_0126%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Man, that’s pretty!</p> <p align="justify">Don’t you feel like you’re there, with the breeze gracing your face, and the seagull cries filling your ears? </p> <p align="justify">We’re pretending, so you don’t even have to worry about poop falling on you, either!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0127" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0127" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FrA0urscgRQ/UZotNUFFWyI/AAAAAAAATWU/1VXRs9TdQLY/IMG_0127%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, of course, any city is beautiful with the setting sun as its light source. Look how alive these buildings become! </p> <p align="justify">I would be missing this place already if I didn’t get to come back tomorrow for another round of all the fun!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0138" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0138" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uK9BYABhP_M/UZotN_MnshI/AAAAAAAATWc/6J9_xaClDCk/IMG_0138%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Austin Powers arrived in his power boat.</p> <p align="justify">Austin Powers….he’s the maaaaaaaaan! For you!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0139" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0139" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hyv6qWaOQ14/UZotOZ9Ub2I/AAAAAAAATWk/2huZvJcknYs/IMG_0139%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">These harbor lights are pretty cool, too, since they remind me of something from the earlier half of last century. I love mid-century stuff! </p> <p align="justify">And that’s a <a href="http://seattlegreatwheel.com/">pretty tall ferris wheel</a>, too. I’ve never even checked the price on it, though I bet that it is pretty steep.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0141" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0141" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-en5IF0jX4es/UZotO_QwOZI/AAAAAAAATWs/1jJjLuoxz8E/IMG_0141%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Oh man. This is another favorite.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0142" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0142" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hSaZwq7Cnls/UZotPYetVOI/AAAAAAAATW0/XtxkkLhdZzc/IMG_0142%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="703" height="1086"></p> <p align="justify">But let’s head back towards the ferry terminal…slowly.</p> <p align="justify">And let’s pass some more cute shops and restaurants.</p> <p align="justify">Pirates Plunder? Yes, please! How fun!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0144" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0144" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v_aqNLnvREw/UZotP-bcGXI/AAAAAAAATW8/0hb90tbY_Mg/IMG_0144%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And I loved loved loved this t-shirt in one of the window displays. Isn’t that cute?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0146" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0146" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YMI_47N3c2Y/UZotQfa35rI/AAAAAAAATXE/aFpUtKNRdiM/IMG_0146%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="713" height="946"></p> <p align="justify">Well, this explains all the bird poop. </p> <p align="justify">Quit feeding those massive stone birds, buddy!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0147" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0147" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0fioFIlWTqU/UZotQ-iZlCI/AAAAAAAATXM/2jZNLHuLxqE/IMG_0147%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The fire department has a neat presence on the pier as well.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0148" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0148" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oG_68AHhmU0/UZotRXDsKDI/AAAAAAAATXU/kTdIf6k1_xM/IMG_0148%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And here we are back at the ferry terminal!</p> <p align="justify">About every hour, a ferry departs to Bremerton. I’ll be on the next one!</p> <p align="justify">A nice finish for a very reflective day…can you see the ferris wheel in the window reflection?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0150" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0150" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-57sMrJlLGb4/UZotR4s5igI/AAAAAAAATXc/YgNqGcPl3L4/IMG_0150%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Inside the terminal is open and warm and airy and smells delicious. There are several little food stands and even a coffee shop. </p> <p align="justify">Hey, it’s Seattle. There is a coffee shop every three feet.</p> <p align="justify">The timber beams above are so beautiful.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0152" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0152" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BnGLApiDI5I/UZotSdMAKUI/AAAAAAAATXk/tTSX5_gXDNQ/IMG_0152%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I bought my ferry ticket to return home. It doesn’t cost anything to come over to Seattle, but it’s $7.70 to return. </p> <p align="justify">It’s not a bad round-trip fare for a wonderful day, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0153" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0153" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IGkiJ8xXPbk/UZotS45QrAI/AAAAAAAATXs/X6lGNgz0Zlo/IMG_0153%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Let’s board the ferry! The trip takes an hour back to Bremerton.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0155" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0155" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bV1xQ0cxKI0/UZotTP8_gTI/AAAAAAAATX0/Xx_m6ZtIWZw/IMG_0155%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And I have to suffer through views of this sunset for most of it. What a terrible thing!</p> <p align="justify">Sorry about the light reflections. I couldn’t ask them to turn off the cabin lights for me while I snapped a few pictures.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0156" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0156" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0vOgMzj51ao/UZotTjDYV7I/AAAAAAAATX8/SZdFM0MaNWw/IMG_0156%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">For a Friday evening, I was surprised at how empty the ferry was. </p> <p align="justify">I’m sure that rush hour has already ended, since it’s almost 8:00 PM, and other people enjoying a date night in Seattle (can you <em>imagine</em>?!) are just now sitting down to their dinner somewhere.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0158" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0158" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6FpAx5TbU5c/UZotUBzUM4I/AAAAAAAATYE/u4MsevLOcBo/IMG_0158%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Just before nine, we pulled into the Bremerton Ferry Dock and disembarked.</p> <p align="justify">Then, I waved goodbye to the terminal as I headed to my hotel a few blocks away.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0162" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0162" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7DXoZgt841g/UZotUqcQupI/AAAAAAAATYM/Y3DXQ2MwkiU/IMG_0162%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">What a wonderful day. I can’t get enough of this place. I’m glad that I get a repeat session tomorrow.</p> <p align="justify">Are you ready for more?</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-60108563630518352982013-05-17T04:05:00.000-07:002013-05-17T11:23:58.075-07:00Downtown Seattle and the Best Hot Chocolate Ever<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0051" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vVGydOeHlxE/UZVS0EDI_fI/AAAAAAAATP0/s81z-bFPI2A/IMG_0051%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">A day off to explore Seattle. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?</p> <p align="justify">Actually, it does. I get to come back tomorrow and have a whole day here again!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/chocolate-caramels-and-space-needles.html">We just left the Space Needle</a> and are set to walk back towards downtown Seattle.</p> <p align="justify">There was lots of construction going in this city, which is something foreign to my hometown. Phoenix still hasn’t recovered enough from the Recession to start building on this scale.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0053" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4QNM-kKvcUU/UZVS0llgAQI/AAAAAAAATP8/UDt-yS95FxY/IMG_0053%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was on the north side of downtown, looking south towards some of the buildings. </p> <p align="justify">Sheesh, another building crane?</p> <p align="justify">Now they’re just showing off!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T2zoT3J4Zhk/UZVS1O9ybmI/AAAAAAAATQE/K-_QbklXpxw/IMG_0054%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My very first time staying in Seattle was about three years ago with my old job. I found a crummy hotel that was affordable enough to allow us to stay in the city instead of south by Boeing Field, where we landed.</p> <p align="justify">I had been to Seattle several times but had never had enough time to leave the airport. This was my first chance to really explore a city that has been on my love list since I was little.</p> <p align="justify">Sight-unseen?! Yes! It’s true! I have had a soft spot for this lovely city even before I had a chance to visit it in person!</p> <p align="justify">This elephant car wash sign wasn’t too far from that hotel, so I have great memories of it!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0055" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0055" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WoXY8nwtW6Q/UZVS3l7EmVI/AAAAAAAATQM/4S5YeFllQ1g/IMG_0055%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, come on…it’s cute!</p> <p align="justify">Pink elephants always remind me of Dumbo.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0056" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0056" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ox1bvEbuj_Q/UZVS560D_eI/AAAAAAAATQU/elM0x9gayX4/IMG_0056%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Speaking of the devil, here was the affordable hotel in which I stayed so long ago.</p> <p align="justify">I even found that post, if you want to read it. <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-left-my-heart-in-seattle.html">Here is the post from that trip</a>!</p> <p align="justify">As you can tell from the title, I already really liked Seattle.</p> <p align="justify">Now I’m just plain smitten!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0057" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0057" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hRrnSGwE1MU/UZVS6beGvbI/AAAAAAAATQc/qHCGkbbK-t8/IMG_0057%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Anyway, speaking of Seattle, let’s get a little closer to all the action, shall we?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0058" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jMxstrhN1II/UZVS64WL-fI/AAAAAAAATQk/4eajF1PJ9z8/IMG_0058%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I must be stuck on reflections for this trip. Isn’t this beautiful with the building reflected? The lighting is finally getting really wonderful for some pretty shots, too.</p> <p align="justify">Oh man…wait until you see the sunset on the harbor!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0059" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0059" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NF0yVVKF6S0/UZVS7YZMeDI/AAAAAAAATQs/RbVJhFySCkU/IMG_0059%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="1090"></p> <p align="justify">This building looks like it is straight out of the late seventies. Seattle has lots of younger skyscrapers, too, and lots of older ones (which is what I love, though I am no respecter of buildings).</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0060" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0060" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GHJx1DPIDL8/UZVS78oyTwI/AAAAAAAATQ0/oboTbQErY30/IMG_0060%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Speaking of mixing old with the new…this building was literally added to after it was built long ago. Can you see the newer section to the left, while the wonderful old section also still shines on the right?</p> <p align="justify">This building reminds me of something from Vegas, actually.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0061" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0061" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3KT3k-gxW7E/UZVS8fb9ckI/AAAAAAAATQ8/ZfH8o-7VAWM/IMG_0061%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="1055"></p> <p align="justify">I neared the shopping district of downtown and loved every step that got closer. </p> <p align="justify">Lots of cities have skywalks connecting the shops. Isn’t that cool?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0062" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0062" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sUtD8XxMZiI/UZVS81_kJeI/AAAAAAAATRE/b0Z17ApBDFY/IMG_0062%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="1092"></p> <p align="justify">Any store that you could possibly want is located in downtown Seattle, though I promise that this isn’t the <em>only</em> reason that I would love living here.</p> <p align="justify">But it doesn’t hurt, either…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0064" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0064" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TfOGUHt2jUQ/UZVS9QfgYDI/AAAAAAAATRM/E_B-FrqaQUM/IMG_0064%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="1088"></p> <p align="justify">I’ve passed this cupcake shop several times but have never gone in. I didn’t go in today, either, even though this sign had my name written all over it.</p> <p align="justify">I <em>love</em> red velvet anything!</p> <p align="justify">Out of sight, out of mind. I left it in my dust today.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0066" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0066" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qOivLEJ54DU/UZVS9lQybcI/AAAAAAAATRU/7fUmsBDfxn4/IMG_0066%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I turned west to intersect with 1st Avenue. Just another block away was Pike Place Market yet again! We had <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/delicatus-lunch-and-pike-place-market.html">so much fun there earlier today</a>!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0067" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0067" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QHDAvCVvivc/UZVS-CviJPI/AAAAAAAATRc/G77XJXw1UYo/IMG_0067%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But rush hour was nearing for the city. Traffic increased quite a bit as I walked along on this beautiful evening!</p> <p align="justify">Orange cabs, huh? They were hard to miss!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0068" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0068" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bEdvDDpekm4/UZVS-5mupbI/AAAAAAAATRk/bjLY2J5Su6g/IMG_0068%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="1046"></p> <p align="justify">One of my favorite stores recently opened in downtown Seattle. I was happy for everyone involved, since this fine establishment only makes Seattle that much cooler.</p> <p align="justify">Congrats, you guys!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0069" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hTNwaXxOYgk/UZVS_f9N8cI/AAAAAAAATRs/zNk0R_G4Ktg/IMG_0069%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As I walked along downtown, I caught a peek of the ferris wheel near the harbor. It’s so dang tall!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0071" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0071" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nbysUENJ2ck/UZVS_z_jX1I/AAAAAAAATR0/QJgbSVxy2Cw/IMG_0071%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="712" height="1098"></p> <p align="justify">As is this building, which has businesses in the first few floors and condos in the rest. My only complaint is that I wouldn’t have a balcony or patio to enjoy all summer long!</p> <p align="justify">Sorry, Building. You wouldn’t make my potential-housing cut today.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0073" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0073" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_YmprFn30co/UZVTAW2eHeI/AAAAAAAATR8/YTqhKNf6fcA/IMG_0073%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I passed an art studio that had these nifty little birds in the window. Aren’t they cool?</p> <p align="justify">I bet that they are pretty expensive, too. But one can admire from a distance.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0076" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0076" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5DvqZnQWrco/UZVTA8jXhUI/AAAAAAAATSE/5VzhrTs3Y94/IMG_0076%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The setting sun made for some beautiful light to capture these stately buildings in downtown Seattle. </p> <p align="justify">One of the million Starbucks in the city is peeking out from the bottom-right of the picture, too.</p> <p align="justify">Since their hot chocolate is awful, I was on a mission to find a place that serves the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0077" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0077" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i3KgnGGpFHw/UZVTBXf4NFI/AAAAAAAATSM/dsLX1Xnd-f8/IMG_0077%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">No, it’s not <a href="http://www.potbelly.com/">Potbelly Sandwich Shop</a> that makes great hot chocolate. I’m sure that it would be delicious if they made it, though! Everything else is in that place is heavenly!</p> <p align="justify">I’m happy to see that Seattle is now treated to the likes of <a href="http://www.potbelly.com/Food/OurMenu.aspx?subPage=Sandwiches">Dream Bars</a>. It’s one of the best desserts that I’ve ever eaten, and that ain’t no lie!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0079" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0079" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Knnbi7qIhI/UZVTB7CDXWI/AAAAAAAATSU/KvxEbsRa5Vw/IMG_0079%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This top-heaving building was gorgeous. </p> <p align="justify">It never ceases to amaze me what architects can do. </p> <p align="justify">This is why math is important, kids!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0080" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0080" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CTAWoUfvXWE/UZVTC_EsumI/AAAAAAAATSc/dSptQmWyTkI/IMG_0080%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Finally! I found what I was searching for!</p> <p align="justify">They are harder to find these days…apparently, lots of the stores are closing to transform them into drive-thru shops. I’m so bummed.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0081" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0081" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tu1guCDqCig/UZVTDeOKVaI/AAAAAAAATSk/bsKH0ol70aI/IMG_0081%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My ignorance took Borders Book Stores for granted when they had <a href="http://www.seattlesbest.com/">Seattle’s Best Coffee</a> shops inside. I had no idea how incredible the Triple Chocolate Hot Chocolate really was until the Borders stores here in the Valley were already shut down.</p> <p align="justify">My hot chocolate treat can now only happen when I’m in Seattle itself.</p> <p align="justify">And maybe that’s a good thing…</p> <p align="justify">Hot chocolate isn’t exactly known as a health food, you know.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0082" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t_T2nkR2CGQ/UZVTD5OWXmI/AAAAAAAATSs/DiQdXyC-TxQ/IMG_0082%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Especially with shaved white chocolate and milk chocolate chips on top of the creamiest, frothiest, sweetest hot chocolate in town.</p> <p align="justify">This was a treat indeed at about four-hundred calories. But I justified it by calculating all of the walking that has taken place today as I explored Seattle.</p> <p align="justify">And I can’t get one of these every day, you know? </p> <p align="justify">Treat justification process complete!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0083" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0083" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--D4oqMFm3A8/UZVTEE6SMQI/AAAAAAAATS0/GCRpHNQSla0/IMG_0083%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With a warm belly, it was time to walk back towards the harbor to explore before the next ferry left for Bremerton in about an hour.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0084" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0084" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ed7YqtmATwE/UZVTEup63_I/AAAAAAAATS8/28z2GUoOAEU/IMG_0084%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I passed underneath the freeway on my walk towards the pier. I can hardly wait to get some pretty sunset shots of my favorite city!</p> <p align="justify">Happy weekend to you! </p> <p align="justify">I’m at work today (yay!)…and with any luck, we are installing sod tomorrow morning. </p> <p align="justify">By ourselves. Cue the doom music!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-25178152093267183712013-05-16T07:58:00.001-07:002013-05-16T16:29:34.804-07:00Chocolate Caramels and Space Needles<p align="justify"><img title="1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qvSaKzQseLA/UZTzrnB3BeI/AAAAAAAATKc/iLIKPF3bsrw/1%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was a wonderful <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/delicatus-lunch-and-pike-place-market.html">walk through Pike Place Market</a>. I love this entire city and sure do enjoy spending time here on a day off.</p> <p align="justify">You can see the market down below, with the beautiful ocean right behind.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y2eOQVbEiE4/UZTzsDwltmI/AAAAAAAATKk/AOLVci0gH38/2%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But just one block up from the market are even more adorable shops. I had never really wandered through these streets before, but you’ll soon see why I was particularly glad today that I did.</p> <p align="justify">They call all of these tangents from the main Pike Place Market “Post Alley.” And there are lots of them!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1kP2lKmhouM/UZTzs758YJI/AAAAAAAATKs/McOOWlNapGY/3%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But, for some unknown reason, one wonderful little shop in particular really drew me in. Any idea why?</p> <p align="justify">“Tractor beam. Sucked me right in.” (Name that movie)!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c7qX7fbPo1Q/UZTzyhMbzYI/AAAAAAAATK0/_k_LIhOYY90/4%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I have been so good on my new <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/03/its-all-going-away.html">eating-healthy goals</a> that I decided that a treat could happen. A mini splurge, if you will. So I walked into this chocolate shop to see what all the fuss was about.</p> <p align="justify">Stamp of approval here, folks. But I usually always get the same thing in places like this!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eLx6wII2ao8/UZTzy_NfUkI/AAAAAAAATK8/z-pJ7uLmC-k/5%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was a little daring by having the sea salt added on top of this milk chocolate caramel. It was so delicious and sweet and salty.</p> <p align="justify">What a treat indeed! I grabbed a chair and ate tiny bites to make it last forever. </p> <p align="justify">Five minutes later, it was time to be on my way!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0hNzHYU0BWI/UZTzzslnevI/AAAAAAAATLE/x8Y5X8IB09U/6%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I decided to walk back towards the north side of Pike Place Market to visit one of my favorite parks. There are always tons of people here on a nice day, and, as you can plainly see, it was a <em>very</em> nice day!</p> <p align="justify">Goodbye, little ferry!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="7" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N1QhS1wXIts/UZTzzxzizLI/AAAAAAAATLM/oZVvIA0eGNg/7%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The park, which is called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Steinbrueck_Park">Victor Steinbruek Park</a>, is just north of Pike Place, which is how so many people find it.</p> <p align="justify">It used to house an old National Guard Armory before it was torn down in 1968. The land was then purchased by the city and transformed into a park in 1972. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Isvi7-A6ro/UZTz0SyUq7I/AAAAAAAATLU/Gb_8tKt6Sfk/IMG_0001%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had a lovely bench that I enjoyed while watching some very interesting people.</p> <p align="justify">It was a nice afternoon to sit outside and enjoy some sun.</p> <p align="justify">Until…</p> <p align="justify">The three kids (maybe twenty years old and not productive members of society, obviously) next to me had been talking about pot the entire time I sat there. Then, to my utter shock and horror, they <em>lit up</em> right next to me!</p> <p align="justify">In broad daylight!</p> <p align="justify">In a public park!</p> <p align="justify">I couldn’t believe it.</p> <p align="justify">So I kindly asked them to leave, and they did.</p> <p align="justify">But, unfortunately, I now know what that awful stuff smells like. And it smells terrible, like a skunk. Who would want that in his body?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QTIYlgYxXq4/UZTz030IRwI/AAAAAAAATLc/X2XGd1HAhkU/IMG_0003%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">After they moved far, far away from me with their stupid drugs, I once again enjoyed the view of the shipping harbor and ferris wheel.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bSjOe5wnltw/UZTz1SH_FaI/AAAAAAAATLk/UyatIpNi02c/IMG_0004%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As you can see, graffiti artists have even managed to climb this sign to leave their magical touch. </p> <p align="justify">Crazy!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0006" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6QMW_988h8o/UZTz1-2rwyI/AAAAAAAATLs/hr_D2oNkcGw/IMG_0006%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This keyboard guy was hilarious. He wasn’t very good, but he was very intensely into his music. </p> <p align="justify">Apparently, he had some fans. Look at that cute little couple in the background enjoying his tunes!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0007" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mFsIUQd4pxo/UZTz2SGCgaI/AAAAAAAATL0/xngTpd6zORs/IMG_0007%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">If standing next to the park near the freeway, this was the view when I turned around to see towards the east. Lots of shops and condos.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0009" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8xqtFYADmI4/UZTz20-8kJI/AAAAAAAATL8/cMehk9sSiqQ/IMG_0009%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After leaving the sunny park behind, I decided to head next towards the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Needle">Space Needle</a>. I always visit it on every trip. It’s a fun place.</p> <p align="justify">As I walked, I passed a little bar that had these strict requirements for what their guests wore. I thought that it was very comprehensive and funny.</p> <p align="justify">Boy, am I glad that I left my dew rag at the hotel!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0010" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k7JoMjEGahE/UZTz3eZo-aI/AAAAAAAATME/V6Gjn-gOXmM/IMG_0010%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">One road was completely torn up. They are always improving this city, which I love. It’s very well-maintained.</p> <p align="justify">Seattle is just so nice. Please go.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0012" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j7eiysiM7Us/UZTz3zu9frI/AAAAAAAATMM/qCvbV2Q9md8/IMG_0012%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I try to walk a different route every time to the Space Needle. This particular day, I passed this cute little bakery.</p> <p align="justify">Next time that I’m in town, I think that I will grab lunch here. For the rest of my day, I saw people carrying <a href="http://www.macrinabakery.com/">Macrina Bakery</a> bags, so it must be quite a popular place!</p> <p align="justify">Don’t look at <a href="http://www.macrinabakery.com/lunch-menu.php">their menu</a> if you’re hungry!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0013" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6LtwUWs268A/UZTz4f5R_1I/AAAAAAAATMQ/SPgbWGfTT0c/IMG_0013%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I continued plunking along 1st Avenue and passed some pretty residential buildings that had recently undergone a facelift. It would be so much fun to live in this part of town!</p> <p align="justify">And the street was surprisingly quiet for such a busy place just a few blocks away!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0016" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BtdYu9pKA5A/UZTz4-SJVhI/AAAAAAAATMc/X0_kirduht4/IMG_0016%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">But oh these blossoms that were in bloom!</p> <p align="justify">And they smelled <em>so</em> good!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2m2UGlYwwrQ/UZTz5bcduNI/AAAAAAAATMk/PyX6yS5d5qY/IMG_0017%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">When I was here with Hubby last Labor Day, we passed this <a href="http://www.theluckydiner.com/index.htm">Lucky Diner</a> after eating at the <a href="http://www.steelheaddiner.com/">Steelhead Diner</a> near Pike Place Market.</p> <p align="justify">We decided that next time that we are in town, we will eat here for a meal. So I’m going to wait for him to do it!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0018" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mtvEfvL0vWI/UZTz57_ZZ1I/AAAAAAAATMs/aeonGmF5Qso/IMG_0018%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.theluckydiner.com/menu.pdf">Their menu</a> was adorable and looked pretty tasty, too. </p> <p align="justify">Now I can’t wait!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0021" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0021" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uoqQq9ntf-0/UZTz6aAmegI/AAAAAAAATM0/xlVX-WLdzMs/IMG_0021%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I think a high-rise would be just perfect here, to take advantage of the awesome views all around. The Puget Sound on one side, the Space Needle towards the north, downtown Seattle just to the south, and Pike Place Market just in front. </p> <p align="justify">Can you imagine? I do all the time.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0023" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iMZ6fulOje8/UZTz7JjhWOI/AAAAAAAATM4/KMeDXb1giEI/IMG_0023%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My suspicions were confirmed! They <em>did</em> paint the Space Needle since last I came here!</p> <p align="justify">It used to be orange, but I love this bright aqua mint green much more! I wonder how often they paint it?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mt22fvjTOj0/UZTz7hOznvI/AAAAAAAATNE/m3_ybOz6QI4/IMG_0024%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="713" height="1100"></p> <p align="justify">What a gorgeous day to explore the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Center">Seattle Center</a> area today!</p> <p align="justify">In fact, I made a graphic to hang up in the guest bedroom. Want to see it?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="Seattle Center" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Seattle Center" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OyZag9KIUCQ/UZTz8EIlHOI/AAAAAAAATNM/-dA6MmbwOkY/Seattle%252520Center%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="907"></p> <p align="justify">Poor things. Like you have any choice!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0027" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0027" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-spCSCAD3W4Y/UZTz8kYhxHI/AAAAAAAATNQ/Jl1Gwehjqp8/IMG_0027%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/">Chihuly Garden and Glass</a> is such a beautiful building. I’ve seen his work on display here in Phoenix before at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Botanical_Garden">Desert Botanical Gardens</a>.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Chihuly">Dale Chihuly</a> does some pretty incredible things with glass!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0028" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mXMgeJInXrY/UZTz88P0_DI/AAAAAAAATNY/1H_w8xqz6mQ/IMG_0028%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I walked past the glass museum to see the rear entrance to the Pacific Science Center.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0030" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0030" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uJE4MSqD7k0/UZTz9fzIx4I/AAAAAAAATNg/c3vK0SRYe68/IMG_0030%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They made it look like giant orca whales were swimming in the courtyard. What a cool idea!</p> <p align="justify">And totally believable, with a little imagination!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0031" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zCtbKJXqAh4/UZTz92XqgxI/AAAAAAAATNo/nIdm6tMiIMI/IMG_0031%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I also loved the surrounding gardens, which were immaculately maintained, with this bronze whale fin sticking out for all the world to see.</p> <p align="justify">Shouldn’t he be a <em>little</em> embarrassed?! That’s not the best angle for him.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0032" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c_fHx7ja02g/UZTz-Y8GF2I/AAAAAAAATNw/s4EpbptgkhU/IMG_0032%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="1097"></p> <p align="justify">There was a little park back in this area, too, which provided a beautiful view of the Space Needle.</p> <p align="justify">But, let’s be honest here. <em>Every</em> view of the Space Needle is beautiful!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0035" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0035" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DTiamc8f2Uw/UZTz-1vD10I/AAAAAAAATN8/chhadn9mzxk/IMG_0035%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="701" height="1081"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">I kept seeing people walking around holding giant sticks of chocolate-covered strawberries. And then I found this.</p> <p align="justify">It’s a strawberry trailer! Isn’t that cute?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0034" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AXbLFDWz8lI/UZTz_k2_9nI/AAAAAAAATOE/AV7xMwcNjIE/IMG_0034%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And they make any flavor imaginable of chocolate-covered strawberries. What a brilliant <strike>and healthy</strike> idea!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0036" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ziV9feitjSY/UZT0AEcxmFI/AAAAAAAATOM/zA9S74O_GYU/IMG_0036%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="1090"></p> <p align="justify">Their menu was cute, but my favorite part was this disclaimer: “All calories have been extracted from <a href="http://www.shishkaberrys.com/">Shiskaberry’s</a> utilizing the latest in wishful thinking technology.”</p> <p align="justify">Dang! They’re on to me!</p> <p align="justify">Can you believe that I didn’t purchase one of these babies? I had already had my treat with that incredible sea-salted milk chocolate caramel.</p> <p align="justify">I’ll come back tomorrow to enjoy one of these, though, so don’t you fret!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0037" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0037" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qhMX2EnW66g/UZT0ArgEGSI/AAAAAAAATOU/QYzFL6E2Ygo/IMG_0037%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">How have I missed all of this previously?!</p> <p align="justify">There is a gorgeous park with a giant fountain! I’ve never even come back this far before, and it seems that I have been missing out for sure!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0038" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0038" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bPZZoIb_6WU/UZT0BHoD8gI/AAAAAAAATOc/O7a6O5uB-Wk/IMG_0038%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Aren’t those houses cute behind the park? I would never turn down a chance to live here.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0039" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dXC7JB5_PmI/UZT0BuTXdcI/AAAAAAAATOk/JxRXKwZ4WSc/IMG_0039%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I even plopped down on a bench to watch a skate park in action!</p> <p align="justify">Ironically, these were all grown men. Or, at least, they looked like they were in the mid-twenties.</p> <p align="justify">Who knew?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0040" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MmiyYFcObHg/UZT0CJ2gksI/AAAAAAAATOs/AHHmuggnzeg/IMG_0040%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="305"></p> <p align="justify">Some little kids showed up later with razors and skateboards, and these guys were all nice to them. So that made me happy.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0042" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GDCEG6sVMDo/UZT0CRXI8HI/AAAAAAAATO0/ED5B7JP--ek/IMG_0042%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Though I’ve never been inside, this little shop just across from the Space Needle is one of my favorite sights. I think that it is so cute!</p> <p align="justify">I’m afraid that if I go inside, I’ll buy something.</p> <p align="justify">So I admire from afar, thankyouverymuch.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0043" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0043" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PXBUQTnf1xc/UZT0C85yvAI/AAAAAAAATO8/oUWYLTgBI-w/IMG_0043%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="1092"></p> <p align="justify">This building is pretty stinkin’ awesome. If you come to Seattle, it’s a must. Of course.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0044" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8q4kuoP1Y1o/UZT0Dec-zVI/AAAAAAAATPE/WAn8NFDP_eo/IMG_0044%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are more museums at the Seattle Center. They are so pretty from the outside, too!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0045" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VxqdDRnUY-Q/UZT0D9cJ44I/AAAAAAAATPM/ge_zWaXqDKc/IMG_0045%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I started walking south out of the park today and passed the usual totem pole. I love how much the local culture sneaks into to so many aspects of Seattle landmarks!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0048" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fwQZwZXZtc0/UZT0EOtK3oI/AAAAAAAATPU/0vVSQb4QapI/IMG_0048%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="544"></p> <p align="justify">I got so excited when the monorail went overhead!</p> <p align="justify">I waved and smiled and waved some more.</p> <p align="justify">And then I realized that I <em>wasn’t</em> at Disneyland. And that it <em>wasn’t</em> the Disneyland Monorail.</p> <p align="justify">But guess what?! We’ll be there next week!</p> <p align="justify">Eeeeeeeek!</p> <p align="justify">What are some of your favorite spots in Seattle?</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-66016363367196303112013-05-15T08:02:00.001-07:002013-05-15T08:05:44.956-07:00Delicatus Lunch and Pike Place Market<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9926" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9926" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0CUSW9J6KLU/UZOjNs_ZfkI/AAAAAAAATE8/mZGUcmjqxGg/IMG_9926%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I am just in hog heaven at being able to spend the whole day in one of my favorite cities.</p> <p align="justify">Seattle has my heart for sure.</p> <p align="justify">We’ve already taken <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/lets-ferry-over-to-seattle.html">the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle</a>, and now it’s time to eat some lunch!</p> <p align="justify">I already knew where I wanted to eat, so it was just a matter of walking a few blocks from the ferry terminal to arrive at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Square,_Seattle">Pioneer Square</a>.</p> <p align="justify">It looks so different without any leaves on the trees!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9928" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9928" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1KnhtcuKew0/UZOjOQWl18I/AAAAAAAATFE/I3gX7V7ZCAA/IMG_9928%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I crossed the street behind one of those walking-tours groups. I’ve always wanted to do something like this to learn even more about Seattle!</p> <p align="justify">Maybe next time?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9930" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9930" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iRapNvN46Zk/UZOjO8LbJ8I/AAAAAAAATFM/RLQdxEjNLqo/IMG_9930%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And here we are! <a href="http://www.delicatusseattle.com/">Delicatus</a>!</p> <p align="justify">It was closed last Labor Day weekend when <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/09/seattle-is-better-with-hubby.html">I tried to bring Hubby here</a>. It is certainly my favorite place to eat in Seattle!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9931" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9931" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pO1ca4hkws0/UZOjPlWMdGI/AAAAAAAATFU/Um8WYI5zNno/IMG_9931%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The menu is wonderful. Gourmet sandwiches with a slight twist. </p> <p align="justify">I should probably start admitting that a well-made sandwich is one of my favorite things in the whole wide world to eat!</p> <p align="justify">Just check out <a href="http://www.delicatusseattle.com/menu/">their menu</a>! What would you order for lunch today?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9932" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9932" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5AGCQe47ae8/UZOjQB0cJQI/AAAAAAAATFc/fYzfOXEjirw/IMG_9932%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You can eat inside or outside, but today I decided to get it to-go so I could eat on a park bench in Pioneer Square to people-watch.</p> <p align="justify">Good food <em>and</em> people-watching? This day is already shaping up to be pretty wonderful.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9933" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9933" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F1pLRox5x5k/UZOjQpetgwI/AAAAAAAATFk/hBW6Im-BGF0/IMG_9933%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Don’t you love this old penny tile on the floor?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9936" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9936" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rr3Pi_u47Hs/UZOjRSVFvLI/AAAAAAAATFs/e9hFnhcrnZM/IMG_9936%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I personally love the décor on the walls. They have old drawings of animal cuts for eating! That pig looks good enough to eat!</p> <p align="justify">But I’m having chicken today. What a shame.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9938" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9938" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W_WPTROd2FY/UZOjRrUVFFI/AAAAAAAATF0/tyGrRwqMATY/IMG_9938%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They make homemade potato chips, so that was my side dish.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9939" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9939" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WS_WThuEwVw/UZOjSNHpHFI/AAAAAAAATF8/ehtf5iDAv30/IMG_9939%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">While I got the chicken salad sandwich on multi-grain bread to enjoy for my lunch.</p> <p align="justify">Healthy, right? Because it’s on multi-grain bread?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9940" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9940" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--efIhRxmZZQ/UZOjShQkskI/AAAAAAAATGE/hnL9LPWVQgQ/IMG_9940%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And may I just say…it certainly didn’t let me down from my high expectations of this place! Ever since I found out that we were spending some time here for the weekend, I had been looking forward to trying another sandwich at Delicatus!</p> <p align="justify">And the chicken salad was out of this world. Soft, fresh bread with crispy lettuce and ripe tomatoes didn’t hurt anything either.</p> <p align="justify">This lunch was amazing! I will be back!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9941" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9941" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hN3BbfsESKg/UZOjTHVjCBI/AAAAAAAATGM/168eXYgjKeg/IMG_9941%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I sat next to a street artist who was displaying his work for sale. It was warming up…probably around sixty-three degrees already! </p> <p align="justify">What a beautiful day to sit in a park in Seattle and enjoy good, affordable food!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9942" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9942" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SxKm_PJydhw/UZOjT5QSogI/AAAAAAAATGU/tgAzC2IYneA/IMG_9942%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With a happy belly, it was time to walk north towards Pike Place Market. </p> <p align="justify">While walking on 1st Avenue, I passed this old building. It reminds me of something from <em>Back to the Future</em>, which is one of my favorites.</p> <p align="justify">Doesn’t it kinda look like the high school? Should we save the clock tower?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9944" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9944" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1qvFYt4IJNo/UZOjUd5fvKI/AAAAAAAATGc/rdljU8tlqCc/IMG_9944%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As you can see, some of the trees were just starting to get spring leaves. </p> <p align="justify">And I love these buildings behind. So pretty!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9945" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9945" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kXphTtx2Yrw/UZOjU3oq-tI/AAAAAAAATGk/j5arH3RSznI/IMG_9945%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I hope that you’ve already had breakfast, because this window display that I passed on my walk may want you to wait a few hours to eat again.</p> <p align="justify">Isn’t this <em>creepy</em>?! I had to do a double-take to make sure that this squirrel wasn’t alive in there!</p> <p align="justify">It wasn’t. Someone just decided to stuff it and make it a main feature in their window display. </p> <p align="justify">Makes perfect sense to me.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9947" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9947" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-noAjYFiITtQ/UZOjVV7ztsI/AAAAAAAATGs/ZBPWg4Dy_1Y/IMG_9947%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="1091"></p> <p align="justify">I passed the <a href="http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/">Seattle Art Museum</a>. I hope that I time it on a free day eventually, because it would be nice to go inside someday. I just don’t want to drop $20 for admission, you know?</p> <p align="justify">I love museums. I prefer history ones, but art can be pretty dang cool, too.</p> <p align="justify">By the way, this giant statue continuously moves his hammer up and down. It reminds me of something from Mother Russia in the 1950s…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9951" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9951" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XktWphIS4fI/UZOjWIR5tTI/AAAAAAAATG0/MMsAueEUwkU/IMG_9951%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The streets are always safe with horse cops around!</p> <p align="justify">Though I’ve ridden a horse on asphalt…it’s not easy! Especially at anything faster than a walk!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9952" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9952" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9PHs7cLW2XQ/UZOjWoJRSLI/AAAAAAAATG8/E1-feh5worU/IMG_9952%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It cracked me up that they avoided traffic by sidestepping to the sidewalk.</p> <p align="justify">Is this really legal? I guess that they would know…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9953" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9953" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FTzXYhrCiBw/UZOjXL1tTPI/AAAAAAAATHE/MYXx1lfj4W0/IMG_9953%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Yippeeeeeeee! The Market is in sight at last!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9954" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9954" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3eCHQLlzP30/UZOjXpcAIPI/AAAAAAAATHM/GjVWMHJaY6I/IMG_9954%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Oh, I love this sign. It means that I am in one of my favorite places in Seattle.</p> <p align="justify">Have you ever visited the magical <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_Place_Market">Pike Place Market</a>?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9956" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9956" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j3EVMuNvicM/UZOjYXJ5V5I/AAAAAAAATHU/SaVo-bjWP1M/IMG_9956%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It’s magical indeed…and not just because there are homemade pickles at every turn.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9957" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9957" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GiYL2ENRqqQ/UZOjY8ogO9I/AAAAAAAATHc/6OrPPUxpWgk/IMG_9957%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">If I happened to live in Seattle, I know that I would walk down here every morning to pick out what to cook for dinner that night. I would see what looked great and smelled even better. Then I would pop it in a bag and walk home!</p> <p align="justify">Wouldn’t that be the way to live?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9958" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9958" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cSuq798S31M/UZOjZZsHiyI/AAAAAAAATHk/pLHa-7ZN1JU/IMG_9958%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The shops are actually located inside these green walls. It can get pretty crowded in there at times, so I don’t always pop in at the first entrance.</p> <p align="justify">Aren’t the tulip flower boxes above just beautiful?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9959" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9959" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cGvKgBZVLMc/UZOjZijtHwI/AAAAAAAATHs/VefN4h1so10/IMG_9959%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Everything is so well-maintained here. It’s a really beautiful place to wander and shop.</p> <p align="justify">I mean, <em>I</em> like it.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9961" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9961" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZJ6XdFVAwro/UZOjaNBrGSI/AAAAAAAATH0/lskvNDmsalw/IMG_9961%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">If I had to pick just one favorite thing from this incredible street market, it would be the incredibly cheap flower bouquets!</p> <p align="justify">In addition to some yummy vegetables, I would also get a giant $5 flower bouquet for my house every single day!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9962" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9962" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7-9y8Lj0K74/UZOja4eCnkI/AAAAAAAATH8/CRg18KlbS0k/IMG_9962%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are lots of little permanent shops, like this bakery window.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9963" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9963" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uLqM7F231-k/UZOjbO-BDOI/AAAAAAAATIE/z1bE2vni8tQ/IMG_9963%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Holy cannoli!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9969" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9969" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XlioYgQ-j5M/UZOjbqay9TI/AAAAAAAATIM/3PK7Kg4lZvA/IMG_9969%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">And there are also lots of little stands on folding tables set up along the walls. </p> <p align="justify">You can get anything in this place…food, clothing, <em>and</em> homemade handicrafts.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9964" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9964" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VN8O5NGhCF8/UZOjcA8IEeI/AAAAAAAATIU/9mG2vjHqMoU/IMG_9964%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This was one of the less-crowded spots inside the market, so I took a quick picture. Most the time, I am shoulder-to-shoulder and pressed along with the people!</p> <p align="justify">If you’re claustrophobic, this might not be the place for you!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9965" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9965" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aZ_-xvSD1gQ/UZOjchoM0XI/AAAAAAAATIc/dapIlVsOTe0/IMG_9965%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But they do have flowers. Doesn’t that make you want to see it in person?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9966" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9966" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vsZw3WkxIXI/UZOjdK-sPnI/AAAAAAAATIk/iUFrzcSfGkY/IMG_9966%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And it was definitely tulip season during this visit! Aren’t these just gorgeous?! </p> <p align="justify">Man, I love flowers.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9967" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9967" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9NiBlvn1hYk/UZOjd9SX-LI/AAAAAAAATIs/DRyCwp8cYRU/IMG_9967%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Oh yeah…there was fish here, too. That’s actually how the whole market got started back in 1907. Fishermen would come back early each morning with fresh catches, and people would be waiting for them in the harbor.</p> <p align="justify">And then someone started knitting kids booties, and it was all over from there.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9968" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9968" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fcKSJnSYSug/UZOjecG-KNI/AAAAAAAATI0/OeoCIgj5mSM/IMG_9968%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Mmmmm, more fresh veggies. Don’t these look so good?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9970" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9970" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_MctoFEsE5k/UZOje7kb7eI/AAAAAAAATI8/IiEumxk1rys/IMG_9970%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Uh oh. More fish.</p> <p align="justify">These don’t look quite as good to me, but that’s because I’m not a fish fan.</p> <p align="justify">But you already know that.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9972" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9972" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zf98S3Qyahg/UZOjfiptb9I/AAAAAAAATJE/2l882Z-ueFI/IMG_9972%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Back outside, I walked past the very first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starbucks">Starbucks Coffee</a>, which always has a line out the door. People want to say that they’ve had a coffee at the very first one, I guess?</p> <p align="justify">This shop first opened its doors in 1971.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9974" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9974" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O2c9q8QI7Vg/UZOjgaQXTvI/AAAAAAAATJM/oOp8h32N3r8/IMG_9974%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love the old brick for the street. I doubt that it is original, but one can pretend.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9975" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9975" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lgm5AlBtnFg/UZOjg0bZBeI/AAAAAAAATJU/DWqJtZwVgZs/IMG_9975%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I don’t believe people when they say it is dreary and rainy and depressing in Seattle. Almost every time that I’ve been in town, and that’s been several times, <em>this</em> is the weather that greets me!</p> <p align="justify">Maybe I’m just lucky?</p> <p align="justify">Don’t worry…I’ve been in town when it’s raining, too. It <em>does</em> exist. But not when I want to explore!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9977" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9977" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bl6_VGQZG8Q/UZOjhWlb_TI/AAAAAAAATJc/K0aUfGLhif8/IMG_9977%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Do you remember when <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/08/exploring-seattle-pikes-place-edition.html">I was at this very same spot last summer</a>? </p> <p align="justify">Will Farrell was shooting a movie inside this Beecher’s Cheese Shop, and a huge crowd had gathered to try to catch a glimpse of him.</p> <p align="justify">Do they forget that celebrities are just people, too?</p> <p align="justify">I’m glad that it wasn’t as crowded today!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9978" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9978" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pBd0FUR8G8c/UZOjh2yHgiI/AAAAAAAATJk/tNvuE4w_wDs/IMG_9978%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Eek! And <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/09/seattle-is-better-with-hubby.html">Hubby and I ate at this Steelhead Diner</a> last Labor Day weekend! </p> <p align="justify">I highly recommend <a href="http://www.steelheaddiner.com/">the macaroni and cheese</a>. Just trust me on this one.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9980" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9980" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wJuse39GY70/UZOjizAHYzI/AAAAAAAATJs/7RoWmsbwv94/IMG_9980%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love this sign. It brings me such joy and happiness.</p> <p align="justify">I love Seattle. Can you tell?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9981" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9981" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eFg9LKfeoYk/UZOjjb_GnCI/AAAAAAAATJ0/hYZ3iBKIqbk/IMG_9981%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Back in the day, I’m sure that it was a big bragging thing to be able to paint on the buildings that this place was sanitary! Now, it just cracks me up!</p> <p align="justify">But I do love the neon-lit pig.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9984" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9984" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yqTncVBNGvY/UZOjkJ-3bDI/AAAAAAAATJ8/vD7KFG1_4U8/IMG_9984%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And this bread shop always smells so wonderful when I walk by. One of these days, I’m going to stop to see why it smells like cinnamon rolls!</p> <p align="justify">Or maybe I shouldn’t!</p> <p align="justify">Lunch and Pike Place were yummy! How about we head up to the Space Needle next?</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-83176477145070521032013-05-14T04:31:00.000-07:002013-05-14T04:31:01.188-07:00Let’s Ferry Over to Seattle!<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9875" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9875" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QH0XXB_5cL8/UZGzhsBkKZI/AAAAAAAATAc/0ebKpLruTZc/IMG_9875%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Good morning, Bremerton!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/bremertona-nice-finish-to-long-day.html">I arrived last night</a> and now have a whole day to spend in Seattle. One of my favorite cities is just a short, hour-long ferry ride away!</p> <p align="justify">Today is going to be <em>good</em>.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9877" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9877" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jOmH9DAPdPQ/UZGziOCqyXI/AAAAAAAATAk/l3F3HUF3bLo/IMG_9877%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So let’s walk to the ferry terminal! It’s only a few blocks away from the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seasb-fairfield-inn-and-suites-seattle-bremerton/">Fairfield Inn</a> in which I’m staying.</p> <p align="justify">I really, really, really love this town. I feel like Bremerton has become a second home for me. I always love coming here.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9878" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9878" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IKmPbsvAJ1I/UZGzi1LVsXI/AAAAAAAATAs/EQkmualC_T8/IMG_9878%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is the courtyard between the Hampton Inn, where I’ve also stayed several times, and the Kitsap Conference Center. The fountain is really pretty and always attracts a crowd.</p> <p align="justify">In fact, this area was where <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/09/bremerton-blackberry-festival-with-hubby.html">Hubby and I entered the Blackberry Festival last Labor Day</a>. Do you remember? What a fun weekend!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9879" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9879" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NsP6cxuBzh0/UZGzjTeBvwI/AAAAAAAATA0/WWtnG8GYlpA/IMG_9879%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I cut through the pass-through between the Cold Stone Creamery and Subway to get to the terminal today. Walking clear around the Starbucks Coffee is just too much to ask!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9881" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9881" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2XP1MiuVpck/UZGzj5qMiEI/AAAAAAAATA8/bRQVlQSfggY/IMG_9881%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hello, Ferry Terminal!</p> <p align="justify">I’m so happy to see you. It’s been months and months! </p> <p align="justify">Two, to be exact.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9883" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9883" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_XPyndbPlsg/UZGzkREFpSI/AAAAAAAATBE/Umg2MikPcTk/IMG_9883%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There was already a line waiting to enter the ferry when I arrived. The ferry coming from Seattle was just entering the harbor, and then those passengers disembarked. Then it was our turn to get on for the trip back east across the Puget Sound!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9885" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9885" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jYRMMVgLQiU/UZGzk9lhPaI/AAAAAAAATBM/sYECChhjDx0/IMG_9885%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">While boarding, I stepped to the side to take a fun picture of the Bremerton Shipyard. </p> <p align="justify">(I’m <em>that</em> lady!) </p> <p align="justify">They still work on submarines and renovations to battleships and carriers here. It’s a neat place.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9886" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9886" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HqQoirZlUts/UZGzl527UdI/AAAAAAAATBU/7754nUwSL0Y/IMG_9886%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Holy smokes. This is so cool!</p> <p align="justify">This is my favorite picture of the day. Can you see the reflections in the windows of the captain’s deck? They are so clean and crisp and clear! I love that Bremerton can be seen through this reflection.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9887" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9887" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CISA22aybFo/UZGzmRbPiYI/AAAAAAAATBc/Xq5zBF_Kqdw/IMG_9887%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">People aren’t the only passengers going to Seattle today. Lots of cars, motorcycles, and bicycles come onto the ferry as well.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9888" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9888" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JwDosamPLcM/UZGzm8QE-xI/AAAAAAAATBk/MaUznJ0JeOQ/IMG_9888%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I walked to the front of the ferry and picked a spot inside that would afford a nice view of the city while protecting me from the chilly wind. It isn’t too cold when stationary, but the ferry moves pretty fast!</p> <p align="justify">Wind = wimpy me.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9893" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9893" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ipvPIa1bXh0/UZGznk8US6I/AAAAAAAATBs/xgpMVYRVXf4/IMG_9893%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Goodbye, beautiful Bremerton! I’ll see you tonight.</p> <p align="justify">Seattle is calling my name. I can’t help myself.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9891" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9891" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bUZNxEKlCKw/UZGzoARiB9I/AAAAAAAATB0/O193SWcl-GE/IMG_9891%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">This is the bridge that connects Bremerton to Manette, where we attend church when in town. </p> <p align="justify">It almost feels like a second home to me there, too! They are so friendly and welcoming!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9892" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9892" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eGDCAQyWoys/UZGzognQPgI/AAAAAAAATB8/zzzsOLDUn6k/IMG_9892%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Manette is a cute little town, too. I just like this whole part of the world, if you must know. You can’t be too picky.</p> <p align="justify">And, as you can see from the blue skies and puffy white clouds, we are in for a gorgeous day in Seattle today! The temperature is supposed to get all the way up to sixty-eight degrees!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9899" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9899" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fFlGU0njcU4/UZGzpKFCsiI/AAAAAAAATCE/UVimRyV8f4I/IMG_9899%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="302"></p> <p align="justify">My first glance of Seattle made me so happy. </p> <p align="justify">Man, I love this town.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9900" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9900" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4LatnhxGgJE/UZGzpVaWZvI/AAAAAAAATCM/fic27iUocqY/IMG_9900%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So we got closer.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9901" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9901" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0zwD2sNr4cY/UZGzqHnzJzI/AAAAAAAATCU/OM1Y5pOelWM/IMG_9901%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="304"></p> <p align="justify">And I narrowed my camera lens onto the Space Needle. I will be there later!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9902" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9902" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A-5vqCRPURc/UZGzqwLKzTI/AAAAAAAATCc/SssXUQs_CSI/IMG_9902%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="305"></p> <p align="justify">And beautiful Downtown Seattle. I will be there later, too.</p> <p align="justify">I’m a walking <em>foo</em> on trips like these!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9904" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lQXGo-vLb-Y/UZGzrbW6TwI/AAAAAAAATCk/s6hCZilNQgk/IMG_9904%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The wind won the chicken fight, so I went back inside to wait until we docked at the Seattle Ferry Terminal.</p> <p align="justify">I didn’t bring a jacket, since I didn’t want to pack it most of the day. If I can just get to where the ferry isn’t moving to make wind, the temperature will be great!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9905" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9905" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7XDVDyl3dyM/UZGzvJYUOJI/AAAAAAAATCs/Q48wO8xDQ9A/IMG_9905%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This cracked me up. This kid was crazy-hopped up on sugar or Wheaties or something. He kept running circles around his dad, and then he would randomly jump down for twenty push-ups. </p> <p align="justify">It was all quite admirable…and funny.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9906" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9906" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iOIZC1Q2fvQ/UZGzv2kDV0I/AAAAAAAATC0/KDT9K2jhb2Y/IMG_9906%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You can see some stadiums behind the shipping harbor’s cranes. Seattle is an important trading port, for sure. And they have a few sports teams, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9908" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9908" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WMF_rrJcLhc/UZGzwMPBOVI/AAAAAAAATC8/NfBuE2-xH4w/IMG_9908%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are ferries galore in and out of this place all day long! It’s free for me to ride <em>to</em> Seattle and just $7.25 to ride back to Bremerton. </p> <p align="justify">Pretty cheap transportation for a day of fun in this wonderful city!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9909" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9909" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ue9WHo5EkIU/UZGzwt4xu8I/AAAAAAAATDE/krQNhW6zd8I/IMG_9909%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The ferry terminal can house two ferries as a time. The arrivals and departures are timed to allow for the spots to be filled constantly.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9910" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9910" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jkUHJsHfb-M/UZGzxVU2OcI/AAAAAAAATDM/Fud9pTNVpr8/IMG_9910%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Ah, there’s the ferris wheel! </p> <p align="justify">It is new. I don’t remember it being there last year!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9912" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9912" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TpcdZygAvwU/UZGzxtvvs-I/AAAAAAAATDU/YKWqxitPhmc/IMG_9912%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Once we were docked, the gate descended and locked into place. Then we disembarked into the Seattle Ferry Terminal.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9913" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2PI7mg4EzNM/UZGzyO1cbRI/AAAAAAAATDc/_BPYjDSxoVw/IMG_9913%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You can stay on the catwalk around the terminal if you don’t want to go inside. That’s what I did to take some fun pictures of the city while looking back at the ferry that was just my ride.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9914" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9914" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F-k8CFF7-tQ/UZGzylvf-mI/AAAAAAAATDk/q8lsjSU7Z0I/IMG_9914%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We were right next to the shipping yard! Aren’t those cranes <em>massive</em>?!</p> <p align="justify">You can see the cars lined up on the tarmac to board the ferry back to Bremerton. At $25, it’s not cheap. I hope people don’t do it every day for work!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9915" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9915" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-trC0ErPJHpM/UZGzzDXzHiI/AAAAAAAATDs/aesMiCi4yQI/IMG_9915%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I can see the clock tower near the train station to the far right! King’s Station! Do you remember when <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-to-get-to-seattle-from-bremerton.html">I caught a train</a> to Vancouver there last spring?</p> <p align="justify">So many memories in this town already!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9916" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9916" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P2G3irkvY60/UZGzzkOfIfI/AAAAAAAATD0/ASShqh7lQp4/IMG_9916%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You can descend some steps and get on the harbor level with all of the shops. But I usually cross this skywalk to the city. Who wants to climb more hills than necessary!</p> <p align="justify">And I got plenty of climbing later, that’s for dang sure!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9917" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9917" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WyKV6embKrY/UZGz0JIMpfI/AAAAAAAATD8/V_a4fzTYOXQ/IMG_9917%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">While on the skywalk to the city, I took a picture of the road and harbor shops below. We’ll explore that more later on! </p> <p align="justify">Can you see the ferris wheel peeking through?</p> <p align="justify">How about the harder-to-see but newly-painted Space Needle?</p> <p align="justify">I’m coming, Needle! I’m coming to see you!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9919" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9919" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ee1j_ksQNnc/UZGz0sVQspI/AAAAAAAATEE/8gMNc3FkbbE/IMG_9919%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Ah, level, paved sidewalk is always nice in this town. We’ll get plenty of elevation changes later.</p> <p align="justify">I knew exactly where to head first-thing today.</p> <p align="justify">Lunch!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9921" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9921" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vE_C2_chCHY/UZGz1MssWGI/AAAAAAAATEM/1yOH5zskZfY/IMG_9921%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is my second-favorite shot of the day. I love how the lights have been strung between these two city buildings. I <em>love</em> lights like these! </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9923" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9923" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cFcggIO6MPc/UZGz1jX5V1I/AAAAAAAATEU/ZTHx2M4qE1M/IMG_9923%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My first glance of downtown from 1st Avenue. I only have a few blocks to walk to my favorite Seattle eatery!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.delicatusseattle.com/">Delicatus</a>! I’m coming, Delicatus!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9924" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9924" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z-VPBQUZ_Ds/UZGz2anFt7I/AAAAAAAATEc/YVfqPXlIhi8/IMG_9924%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I found this advertisement interesting. The cop and his horse don’t have faces. </p> <p align="justify">Good thing the graffiti was artfully added later.</p> <p align="justify">It’s our parting shot for now! Tomorrow, we’ll have the most incredible sandwich in Seattle!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-32727242082403708772013-05-13T07:12:00.001-07:002013-05-13T07:19:51.786-07:00Bremerton…A Nice Finish to a Long Day<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9821" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9821" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IMgayG-xHEk/UZD0tjD0YdI/AAAAAAAAS8o/v6OxjNkRkEM/IMG_9821%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Soon we were off again.</p> <p align="justify">Wait, did I start too soon? I’ve <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/goodbye-nychello-denver.html">already flown from Teterboro</a> near New York City this morning. We <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/leaving-denver-in-dust-for-home.html">landed in Denver for a quick fuel</a> stop before continuing on our journey home. With not enough time to run home to see Hubby, I just stayed at the airport for our next flight an hour later.</p> <p align="justify">We were headed to Bremerton for a long weekend, and I couldn’t wait to spend a few days in Seattle!</p> <p align="justify">Wow, New York <em>and</em> Seattle in the same week. Can it possibly get any better than that?! They are definitely my favorite two cities to explore!</p> <p align="justify">So…now we’re off again.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9824" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9824" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L0EELuLhSAo/UZD0uE64GcI/AAAAAAAAS8w/aZwTeIoAy2A/IMG_9824%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We waited for this Citation to land on our runway before we were cleared for takeoff.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9827" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9827" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tg4ejoJ6knc/UZD0ugFYuFI/AAAAAAAAS84/IcG5Ks-08_A/IMG_9827%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">What a gorgeous view just after we were airborne!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9828" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d5gNWtDI3mA/UZD0vX89nNI/AAAAAAAAS9A/4hemhR5YGoA/IMG_9828%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Ah, Spring in the Valley of the Sun. Things are green and nice this time of year. I’m pretty sure that it was seventy-four degrees when we took off. </p> <p align="justify">Perfection!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9829" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9829" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uDT5AO1SRIE/UZD0vsebpjI/AAAAAAAAS9I/jT7ZnZ89BJI/IMG_9829%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Do you want to know what <em>isn’t</em> perfection? Nightmares about work…</p> <p align="justify">I just woke up from a terrible dream this morning. I was back in my old job and had just found out that we were headed to Belgium. The real kicker was that I had been attending a day conference out of town and had no luggage with me. And all of a sudden I had to go to Belgium for three weeks. Instead of being thrilled to finally go to Europe, I was worrying about how expensive it would be to buy a toothbrush while there!</p> <p align="justify">No warning. No clothes. No communication. I think this pretty much sums up how I always worried about that old job!</p> <p align="justify">I don’t miss it one bit, in case you’re wondering!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9830" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9830" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sWvDBJEHiwQ/UZD0wAzsyxI/AAAAAAAAS9Q/aOgC-sDvA04/IMG_9830%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Anyway, back to the wonderful flight…</p> <p align="justify">This was a late Thursday afternoon of the Easter weekend when we were trucking north towards the Seattle area. The skies were packed with airplanes, and we saw lots go over and under us on their flights.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9831" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9831" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F_6XHLbygJE/UZD0wSylMbI/AAAAAAAAS9Y/D9SNB3YRikM/IMG_9831%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My window was facing away from the setting sun, so a little frost started to develop on the inside to my right. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9834" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9834" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XZw0Fdv91nU/UZD0xBBWTdI/AAAAAAAAS9g/Z3a2RbCX_hw/IMG_9834%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We were waaaaaaaay above the clouds down there, and thankfully, they were not convective. </p> <p align="justify">I’ve been up since 3:00 AM local time, so I don’t really think that any more challenges during this flight would work out for me!</p> <p align="justify">It’s going to be great to land in Bremerton in a few hours!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9836" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9836" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LSoKPLic89w/UZD0xhCfccI/AAAAAAAAS9o/AUxnb8p_HCk/IMG_9836%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Another blessing? Almost no headwind at all. Usually, flying northwest like we were, we have a nice little headwind around eighty knots keeping us from zooming along even faster.</p> <p align="justify">Tonight? It was from 005 degrees at three knots. Can you believe it?! What a blessing!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9837" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9837" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WlCXd4C8ewM/UZD0yHVOohI/AAAAAAAAS9w/LlN2R4D0egc/IMG_9837%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Another airplane flying over a pretty mountain as we got closer to Bremerton tonight. </p> <p align="justify">Airplanes in a picture just make everything better. Don’t you agree?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9842" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9842" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gi958PcitkA/UZD0yk1s0FI/AAAAAAAAS94/H8e5u_y0Exs/IMG_9842%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Well, OK…this picture is pretty, too. But it would be <em>way</em> better with an airplane in the shot. </p> <p align="justify">I’m just sayin’…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9843" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9843" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZY1D3YRkTqo/UZD0zHZqQhI/AAAAAAAAS-A/N4g-NC8_TwI/IMG_9843%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We descended just over Tacoma and came up to Bremerton almost from the south. Seattle Center does this to keep us away from their busy airspace. We are just across the Puget Sound from them!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9845" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9845" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T3sh9pvsxIw/UZD0ze4B68I/AAAAAAAAS-I/xT-hGU31Pxc/IMG_9845%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was a pretty gorgeous flight…especially admiring the sunset for almost our entire evening!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9848" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9848" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Aioap_n4uKs/UZD0zxrntKI/AAAAAAAAS-Q/J72D7YpZ5Iw/IMG_9848%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">That’s Tacoma directly underneath us, and Seattle is in the distance by that pretty cloud.</p> <p align="justify">Are you as excited as me to have <em>two whole days</em> off to explore Seattle?!</p> <p align="justify">Man, I love my job.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9852" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9852" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i1asdXswJ04/UZD00fuJMMI/AAAAAAAAS-Y/vYTX6sFW1AU/IMG_9852%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There were clouds all over as we began our final descent into Bremerton tonight. They were painted purple, orange, and pink with the setting sun working its magic.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9854" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9854" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z-yxe8U5L30/UZD00_XcfnI/AAAAAAAAS-g/v3Y3RtvWN6M/IMG_9854%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is a terrible shot of the Bremerton airport as we flew on a forty-five degree angle to enter the traffic pattern. </p> <p align="justify">There were a few other airplanes in the pattern tonight, so we had to play dodge ball to make sure that we could fit in for our landing.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9856" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9856" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C3POHTxAD6Q/UZD01U8tkMI/AAAAAAAAS-o/yJSdo5vrSyc/IMG_9856%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As we turned for our base leg of the approach, I could see the town of Bremerton just north of us. Those beautiful lights were welcoming me home!</p> <p align="justify">I love this place. I’ve probably already told you that a thousand times. </p> <p align="justify">But it’s still true.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9858" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9858" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wXLHLvY9Q9U/UZD01yfTpeI/AAAAAAAAS-w/8HdPwpzOLEw/IMG_9858%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We landed and taxied to the ramp. We always get spoiled rotten at <a href="http://www.avianflight.com/">Avian Flight Center</a>, and this evening was no different!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9860" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9860" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rHHpzRWxDJQ/UZD02VdI49I/AAAAAAAAS-4/v_nXDRwlQ9w/IMG_9860%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We got our passengers and their luggage loaded up into the car and on their way. Then I got to enjoy the gorgeous evening at the airport while prepping Gladys for three nights on the ramp in Bremerton.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9861" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9861" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NorULkM06GY/UZD02yIRiuI/AAAAAAAAS_A/qmVjDVABN4s/IMG_9861%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Is she smiling?!</p> <p align="justify">Yes, she is.</p> <p align="justify">We <em>all</em> love coming here.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9862" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9862" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Ogu1Bou5WQ/UZD03bKYZ2I/AAAAAAAAS_I/bC12uZDsk5c/IMG_9862%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Goodbye, pretty girl! I’ll see you in a few days! On Easter Sunday, to be exact!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9863" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9863" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dB434XayUOY/UZD03xeZjdI/AAAAAAAAS_Q/bTVHKa-0OlE/IMG_9863%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Once in the parking lot to borrow the crew car, I took a parting shot of the FBO hangar.</p> <p align="justify">These trees always remind me of something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. Don’t you think so?</p> <p align="justify">They are all over in this part of the world.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9864" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9864" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OtSY_cCpG3I/UZD04MsBd1I/AAAAAAAAS_Y/faflgh8RPIs/IMG_9864%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">A surreal shot of forest blur as we made our seven-mile journey from the airport to town.</p> <p align="justify">I can’t wait to get to that hotel room. It’s been a very long and fun day, but I’m definitely ready for some rest!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9870" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9870" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xQr_olm5CN0/UZD04s1ICqI/AAAAAAAAS_g/Ab_R4Pb7Hmc/IMG_9870%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We eventually made the final corner before coming into view of the Bremerton Harbor. </p> <p align="justify">Ah, Bremerton. You have no idea how much I love you!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9871" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9871" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nLVQuQSvZjk/UZD05MwONaI/AAAAAAAAS_o/i3YXUVpfIkU/IMG_9871%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I stayed at the lovely <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/seasb-fairfield-inn-and-suites-seattle-bremerton/">Fairfield Inn by Marriott</a>. I had a goal to get a certain amount of nights at Marriott so I could use some points to get free rooms while at Disneyland. </p> <p align="justify">It worked! We got four out of five nights paid for by Marriott points. So stinkin’ awesome!</p> <p align="justify">Thank goodness that I’ve stayed in a hotel room almost constantly for the past three months, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9872" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9872" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tiQi-uGlYnQ/UZD05y0-1OI/AAAAAAAAS_w/reBMlwjQhbM/IMG_9872%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was grateful for the microwave, too. I still had some healthy food in my bag, in case it was needed.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9874" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9874" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ekbnnPBm2Q/UZD06fSBsPI/AAAAAAAAS_4/_s564uXdLyA/IMG_9874%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="717" height="1106"></p> <p align="justify">And this was the beautiful view that greeted me from my hotel window. Through these two apartment buildings, you can see the Puget Sound. </p> <p align="justify">I am so happy to be here for this entire weekend! But, more importantly at the moment, I am so happy to fall asleep!</p> <p align="justify">Prepare for lots of Seattle. I couldn’t help myself!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-18158914957398669792013-05-10T07:29:00.001-07:002013-05-10T07:32:32.178-07:00Flancer’s is Now a Favorite of Mine<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1039" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1039" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mZ0Zk6IUmtc/UY0Dwa_4YMI/AAAAAAAAS6k/eNUoQcri3YE/IMG_1039%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="696" height="952"></p> <p align="justify">We have a local version of <em><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html">Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives</a></em> here in Arizona. It’s a television show on PBS that highlights local eateries submitted by fans. </p> <p align="justify">First of all, I love the show. You can even watch full episodes. But don’t treat this watching lightly…you <em>will</em> get addicted to <em><a href="http://www.azpbs.org/checkplease/">Check Please, Arizona</a></em>.</p> <p align="justify">I absolutely love PBS. Don’t even get me started on <em><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/">Antiques Roadshow</a></em>.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1040" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8z70t-OzqoM/UY0DyBA6D9I/AAAAAAAAS6s/gAdcWtW03LA/IMG_1040%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="1105"></p> <p align="justify">Anyway, Date Night rolled around for Hubby and I, and it was my turn to pick our dinner destination. So I checked the <em>Check Please, Arizona</em> website to find something remotely close to our house and within budget.</p> <p align="justify">It’s hard to drop $50 for a steak for us…you know? What do you mean that I have to pay another twenty dollars for a side dish?</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.flancers.com/">Flancer’s</a> was about five miles away and in our price range, so I surprised Hubby with a new place to try.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1041" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1041" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y_Hhtj16Zpc/UY0Dzgz6YpI/AAAAAAAAS60/8UBydgQN3mA/IMG_1041%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The guitar-playing goat is apparently their logo, but I didn’t let that sway my high opinion of this place already.</p> <p align="justify">Known for incredible sandwiches and pizza, I knew that we were in for a treat! Gourmet sandwiches are one of my favorite things to eat, after all.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1042" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1042" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3ARLvVt6FkY/UY0D1VUxQSI/AAAAAAAAS68/i9xLhzVmyho/IMG_1042%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And the selection was amazing, too! My tough decision was deciding between a few of the sandwiches that had been featured in <a href="http://www.azpbs.org/checkplease/segments/restaurant.php?id=5444">the Check Please, Arizona episode</a>.</p> <p align="justify">Do I do a Philly Cheesesteak? Or something with turkey, avocado, and green chile mayonnaise?</p> <p align="justify">I <em>know</em>! These are tough decisions in my life!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1043" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1043" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5PCWqRxUSKA/UY0D3AW226I/AAAAAAAAS7E/zitklANHAjU/IMG_1043%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hubby was having a hard time picking from all of the wonderful options, too. I was really excited to bring him here, since I knew that they had lots of goodies that he would enjoy.</p> <p align="justify">No onion rings, though. That was his only complaint.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1044" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1044" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w2F0xJ_Gz9c/UY0D5VCvxeI/AAAAAAAAS7M/GZqF9KTBxec/IMG_1044%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I decided to go with the Ace of Clubs, since I knew that I wanted avocado on whatever I got. It was very similar to the Chile Verde Birdie right above, except that bacon and ham came with it.</p> <p align="justify">I love me some pig.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1045" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1045" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DZaQbULvDZI/UY0D7d5IEtI/AAAAAAAAS7U/n_2-PxGQjjs/IMG_1045%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And Hubby went with the Philly Cheesesteak, which is one of their signature items. I was debating between this and the Ace of Clubs!</p> <p align="justify">But we’re so smart…guess what we did? We split our dinner and each got to enjoy half of the other person’s sandwich! </p> <p align="justify">Best of both worlds, really.</p> <p align="justify">And good for indecisive-when-hungry people like us!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1046" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1046" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n6B5ADu82U0/UY0D9uf5YYI/AAAAAAAAS7c/CP9hNqyi5ac/IMG_1046%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The inside of the restaurant was really cute and quaint, too. It was very casual and relaxed with all sorts of people eating here. The walls were decorated with old music labels from the seventies.</p> <p align="justify">I love when good places are busy. This was about five o’clock in the evening, too, so even before the dinner rush really hit! The place was packed by the time we left.</p> <p align="justify">I’m so happy for them!</p> <p align="justify">My only complaint is that this picture in the doorway was crooked. You <em>know</em> that I wanted to get up and fix it during my entire stay!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1047" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vrhA5NpfZ4A/UY0D_t0q4EI/AAAAAAAAS7k/uqY-CuygshM/IMG_1047%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="1101"></p> <p align="justify">It didn’t take long for dinner to arrive, and we were both happy about that.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1048" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0azVZKTJ26o/UY0EBXw0a1I/AAAAAAAAS7s/oOiQoSjyzY0/IMG_1048%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hubby picked the Jalapeno and Cheddar Mashed Potato Pie for his side dish to accompany the Philly Cheesesteak. I had a bite of the spuds, and they were delicious!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1050" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-odMOhM6zkRc/UY0EE-ziyTI/AAAAAAAAS70/fCLQdx_MoVs/IMG_1050%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And this was my Ace of Clubs with fries. I got the fries so Hubby could enjoy them, but I ate a few of them while they were in front of me, too.</p> <p align="justify">Woops.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1051" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1051" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dbyU0DxmT8I/UY0EHY-STcI/AAAAAAAAS78/fMDXnKdsD2U/IMG_1051%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Get out much? You would think that we didn’t go on a Date Night every week!</p> <p align="justify">I <em>really</em> love trying new places, and I was <em>really</em> hoping that this would become a new favorite eating establishment of ours. I would go back in a heartbeat.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1052" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xGgw3DvGqWU/UY0EJndMXtI/AAAAAAAAS8E/V0ISHp1wuok/IMG_1052%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I ate half of this, and then I swapped Hubby for half of his. They were both incredible sandwiches. The only thing that I would change is that I would leave off the banana peppers from the Philly. It made the entire sandwich a little more acidic than I usually prefer.</p> <p align="justify">But melted cheese made up for a lot here, folks.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1053" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1053" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a2qpwzeeHTU/UY0ELdLC_cI/AAAAAAAAS8M/d7jZoRNpOeM/IMG_1053%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The manager came over to ask how our meal was. Since I’m a chatterbox, I told him that it was our first time. When asked how we found out about them, he was so happy to hear that it was from PBS! Apparently, they have gotten a lot of business from being featured on the show.</p> <p align="justify">I’m <em>so</em> happy for them!</p> <p align="justify">He was nice enough to give us a coupon for our next visit. </p> <p align="justify">Dibs!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_1054" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6sffCONjhos/UY0EQdih3cI/AAAAAAAAS8U/0Gpbf19SPMs/IMG_1054%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They make all of their bread in-house and have an option to buy a baguette. I took one home and made homemade croutons with it for our homemade Chicken Caesar Salads over the next few nights.</p> <p align="justify">Plan ahead, I always say. Especially when bread is involved.</p> <p align="justify">Our entire evening was just so nice. The food was incredible, and we even have an excuse to go back.</p> <p align="justify">If you’re in the Valley of the Sun and are looking for a great place to grab a meal, might I recommend <a href="http://www.flancers.com/">Flancer’s</a> to you? You won’t regret visiting their restaurant. Even with a guitar-playing goat!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-8304073801238444982013-05-09T04:07:00.000-07:002013-05-09T04:07:01.611-07:00Work Pants, Dirt, Shovel, and Biceps<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0392" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0392" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xmNfgBKATu0/UYr2c1OnojI/AAAAAAAAS3w/G7dXX6r6Y_w/IMG_0392%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="981"></p> <p align="justify">In honor of getting our concrete curbing poured yesterday morning, I thought that I should do a quick post on some backyard updates.</p> <p align="justify">That we did five weeks ago. Because that’s how fast I am sometimes.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0393" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0393" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8svlo48PWeM/UYr2dulmwtI/AAAAAAAAS34/BYKSK8NEG58/IMG_0393%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It’s kind of fun to see these pictures, actually. I was outside all day yesterday, admiring our new concrete curbing around these two fences. And when I come in to edit these pictures…well, they just look terrible!</p> <p align="justify">Hey, we knew that it would take a few years to get this yard the way that we wanted. </p> <p align="justify">But now the fun part starts…picking out plants <strike>that will soon die</strike> that will thrive with our Hubby-installed drip system!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0395" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0395" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lD_Dr_1oeeY/UYr2eFM5rgI/AAAAAAAAS4A/-2YoAQT5Xno/IMG_0395%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="1094"></p> <p align="justify">Speaking of Hubby…have I mentioned lately how lucky I am to have such a hard-working man? He is willing to do lots of labor, even if it takes a little longer.</p> <p align="justify">And he’s buff.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0396" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0396" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zDfuyUIEFes/UYr2e9gAytI/AAAAAAAAS4I/2Eg2AhKtNKQ/IMG_0396%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We’ve learned from experience that these clumps of dirt need to be broken up as they come out and are still fresh. </p> <p align="justify">If left to dry in the awful Arizona sun, these clumps will make life purely miserable later on.</p> <p align="justify">Clumps don’t fill holes very well. Or break apart easily to fill holes.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0397" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0397" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Uyie3WKR6jk/UYr2fZIaMGI/AAAAAAAAS4Q/oDabyD_jqQo/IMG_0397%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="703" height="1084"></p> <p align="justify">This is where Hubby plans to dig for two sprinkler lines…one for the sprinkler heads for the (future) grass, and the other for the drip systems for these (future) planter boxes and garden boxes by the pool.</p> <p align="justify">I think that our plants will have a fighting chance now that they will be watered regularly…and without our forgetfulness getting in the way!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0399" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VJ4A4egpODc/UYr2gMQ3piI/AAAAAAAAS4Y/-mpONg2NPt4/IMG_0399%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="701" height="1083"></p> <p align="justify">This is our pure clump-removal process. It means chopping up the clumps as they first come out. </p> <p align="justify">Chop chop chop chop.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0401" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0401" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7xnZ10f4Uuc/UYr2g2mSWCI/AAAAAAAAS4g/PS7p7bA-FrU/IMG_0401%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="697" height="1073"></p> <p align="justify">He’s not even flexing here. He’s just that muscular.</p> <p align="justify">Can you believe that he slaves away at a desk all day?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0402" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0402" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-olVZzkYcLfc/UYr2hqx9nQI/AAAAAAAAS4o/WqqADbDdVpU/IMG_0402%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">How do you know that he is truly working? Because of these pants, of course. </p> <p align="justify">They are his official work pants. He does most of our house projects while wearing these plaid beauties.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0403" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0403" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gA3hbsc_5kg/UYr2icwUpFI/AAAAAAAAS4w/Tv1fE2_Ft48/IMG_0403%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The trench is dug. Soon, a sprinkler pipe will be in on this side as well. It will feed two sprinkler heads, while the other side of the yard has sprinkler lines <em>and</em> drip system lines.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0421" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U1t5iSNPn9E/UYr2i9z2xFI/AAAAAAAAS44/5V3pTK4Zr8Q/IMG_0421%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Diggity dig, Hubby!</p> <p align="justify">I feel so badly just taking pictures instead of helping.</p> <p align="justify">But I remember that on this particular afternoon, I had a meeting later and had already showered.</p> <p align="justify">Terrible timing on my part, I know!</p> <p align="justify">And I promise that it was an accident!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0422" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0422" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ERUo238ZmaM/UYr2jXYuz1I/AAAAAAAAS5A/SjYmGDFo-Fg/IMG_0422%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="1097"></p> <p align="justify">You feel really guilty when the backyard starts to look like this…and you didn’t do anything to help getting it that way.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0423" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0423" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wYJ8EnYWeLQ/UYr2kMmBpGI/AAAAAAAAS5I/HQew-5F48DU/IMG_0423%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Wow, buff <em>and</em> patient with his wife?</p> <p align="justify">Is this the World’s Best Husband or what?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0424" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0424" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J9lk93OSmkk/UYr2kvgJVmI/AAAAAAAAS5Q/fIRn3n8qLRc/IMG_0424%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We have found so many “treasures” while working in this yard. Hubby now keeps a trash bucket nearby to throw in what he finds.</p> <p align="justify">We’ve even stumbled upon drug paraphernalia. Weird!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0425" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0425" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m37-7obCoxk/UYr2lWcfyDI/AAAAAAAAS5Y/lHgEI4Wy7JQ/IMG_0425%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="1094"></p> <p align="justify">But mostly just rusted nails, toy cars, and trash.</p> <p align="justify">You know, stuff that we wouldn’t want in a brand-new, shiny backyard paradise!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0427" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0427" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XSi8LStRbDw/UYr2lyKML5I/AAAAAAAAS5g/Zvdi24dWIW0/IMG_0427%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="1093"></p> <p align="justify">These aren’t little sissy trenches, either. </p> <p align="justify">Hubby does <em>not</em> mess around when it comes to digging properly for sprinkler systems.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_0429" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0429" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A-BJ3ImS5dM/UYr2mxHf5XI/AAAAAAAAS5o/FK3G9OgwqJc/IMG_0429%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="696" height="1084"></p> <p align="justify">Pipes go in here. And then we can fill it in, level the yard, and schedule some concrete!</p> <p align="justify">(Apparently, pipes, filling things in, leveling, and concrete takes five weeks from start to finish).</p> <p align="justify">We are making good progress. I’m learning patience every step of the way!</p> <p align="justify">I can’t wait until we get this place finished! I know that it will be a space in which I will spend lots of time…when it looks nice and no longer like a gravel pit!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_8402" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8402" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yCZiby6HfI8/UYr2nZEUUSI/AAAAAAAAS5w/pTITieF4Nrs/IMG_8402%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="712" height="543"></p> <p align="justify">Do you remember what this all looked like when we first moved in?</p> <p align="justify">I do. <em><font size="1">shudder</font></em></p> <p><img title="IMG_8404" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8404" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uUaYsMboWmI/UYr2n3m-L6I/AAAAAAAAS54/AhLfs7hroaI/IMG_8404%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="712" height="543"></p> <p>We’ve already made a teensy weensy bit of progress!</p> <p>What have you been working on, now that Spring has arrived?</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-43579086180145193202013-05-08T07:41:00.001-07:002013-05-08T07:41:42.663-07:00Leaving Denver in the Dust for Home<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9783" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9783" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kjZsBsYWPdQ/UYphF1LPeqI/AAAAAAAAS0g/2uvZ0eqfXBo/IMG_9783%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After a long but fruitful <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/goodbye-nychello-denver.html">flight from Teterboro</a>, it was time to grab some fuel at Denver Centennial’s <a href="http://www.jetcenters.com/denver-jetcenter/">Denver Jet Center</a>, our favorite FBO.</p> <p align="justify">The ramp was packed. But I would totally come here today, too, since it was a gorgeous sixty-two degrees.</p> <p align="justify">Did they know that we were coming or what?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9784" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9784" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZVWaL4WMnYM/UYphLKFx0RI/AAAAAAAAS0o/jMy2QH1uYs0/IMG_9784%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Our passengers were happy to stretch their legs after four hours of flying, and they headed upstairs in the FBO to <a href="http://www.theperfectlanding.com/">The Perfect Landing Restaurant</a> for a quick bite while Gladys got some love from the fuel truck.</p> <p align="justify">I’ve eaten here a few times. It’s <strike>pricey</strike> delicious!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9785" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9785" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9reAKBz7ko4/UYphLXW61wI/AAAAAAAAS0w/05kp1PdQkGw/IMG_9785%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">From the top of the entrance door, I always get a nice view of the surrounding area. Gladys is so tall that I can see for miles and miles!</p> <p align="justify">No exaggerations, of course.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9786" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9786" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KSQmekYGeJg/UYphMEYOlbI/AAAAAAAAS04/NVA24DjwK8Y/IMG_9786%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="444"></p> <p align="justify">This <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_Super_King_Air">King Air 350</a> rolled up to the ramp.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9787" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9787" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PXHFyUpS8rQ/UYphMU1dcCI/AAAAAAAAS1A/MZbH_hL3kIY/IMG_9787%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And this pretty <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_Citation_Excel">Citation Excel</a> also arrived while we were waiting for the fueling to finish.</p> <p align="justify">This place is busy! But look at those skies! It’s <em>perfect</em> flying weather!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9788" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9788" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O0w3oZUG_Ck/UYphMxBfmII/AAAAAAAAS1I/vdsYTcTonhk/IMG_9788%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Soon, we were on our way home! This last flight of our New York City trip was only about an hour and a half. It’s the shortest that we’ve done in over a week!</p> <p align="justify">We headed towards Runway 17L for departure today. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9790" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9790" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oMfeE0poY1s/UYphNpLmwJI/AAAAAAAAS1Q/-SRdmJfcgQg/IMG_9790%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And we were soon in the sky! </p> <p align="justify">It looks like Denver could use a little Spring lovin’…what do you think?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9792" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9792" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QhLkcSeRmyc/UYpj4b7x7SI/AAAAAAAAS1g/HbZQEMIGlsU/IMG_9792%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Over the mountains were clouds and some virga (rain that doesn’t reach the ground). We dodged a few bumpy clouds on our climb away from Centennial this afternoon.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9793" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9793" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L6kwlUao3-4/UYpj4wWB7ZI/AAAAAAAAS1o/9-Pi9o5so58/IMG_9793%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Because she is a rocket, we were on top of the clouds in no time. Now it’s smooth-sailing to our home airport!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9795" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9795" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qAhg2wkPhbc/UYpj5Yy6t4I/AAAAAAAAS1w/oIaSh6Oe5Vs/IMG_9795%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Snow-capped mountains peeked out from below.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9800" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dN1y2PPbwUc/UYpj6BCYlZI/AAAAAAAAS14/nnoIItEWTGI/IMG_9800%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And then we entered the high desert of southern Colorado and northern Arizona.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9802" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9802" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BXTbnqZ9GCU/UYpj6g79wvI/AAAAAAAAS2A/QQubYW1XmiA/IMG_9802%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">For mid-March, lots of these places had already started to get rid of that nasty white stuff.</p> <p align="justify">Isn’t that meandering river pretty?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9805" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9805" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dwk0f_R_7X8/UYpj7eN8TaI/AAAAAAAAS2I/e9pKdIihV10/IMG_9805%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And then some pops of bright orange and red as we flew over some rock formations during our descent into home today.</p> <p align="justify">This always reminds me of southern Utah, where I spent a <em>lot</em> of time as a kid. We hiked and hiked and hiked, and then we hiked some more. In formations that looked just like these!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9807" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9807" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_IW4RFdGF2g/UYpj8IuhqCI/AAAAAAAAS2Q/GkArtS2Sq7k/IMG_9807%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As we got closer to home, we realized that it was going to be one of those hazy days where finding the airport is a little tricky.</p> <p align="justify">Aren’t these mesas and plateaus so pretty?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9808" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9808" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xZXALMxMM7g/UYpj-Sm1sMI/AAAAAAAAS2Y/GeeYiWVjwEw/IMG_9808%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is one of my favorite pictures from today…</p> <p align="justify">Apparently, Spring likes us more than it likes Denver. Just look at those beautiful green fields!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9809" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9809" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8_jVJSrTZ2o/UYpj-_TYvYI/AAAAAAAAS2g/I4L0jOVQCBo/IMG_9809%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Somewhere down there, in all that haze, is our home airport.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9810" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9810" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8OV0kySxlWs/UYpj_TjQx4I/AAAAAAAAS2o/yQJ1jccT19E/IMG_9810%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And when we got close enough, it finally came into view! </p> <p align="justify">Luckily, we’ve been here a few times. So we know where to look, even if we can’t quite see the runway yet.</p> <p align="justify">It feels good to be home, even if for just an hour!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9811" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9811" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sttTJHvuqCY/UYpj_wMcYRI/AAAAAAAAS2w/cFqGWpnleC0/IMG_9811%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We passed this pretty hangar with a pretty <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_Citation_X">Citation X</a> in front. Look at those winglets!</p> <p align="justify">Actually, this same airplane used to be based at <a href="http://www.swiftaviationgroup.com/">Swift Aviation</a> when I flew a Beechjet out of Sky Harbor Airport.</p> <p align="justify">It looks like they have grown wise in their old age because they moved to this airport, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9812" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9812" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tThQTXMw9dM/UYpkApErvjI/AAAAAAAAS24/BP6QVOeX5BQ/IMG_9812%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I think that our wonderful line guys are ready for us. What do you think?</p> <p align="justify">And it seems that we landed just after this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilatus_PC-12">Pilatus</a>, since they didn’t even have time to move him out of the way before we came in to park.</p> <p align="justify">That’s OK. Gladys can fit anywhere!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9813" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9813" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-27ZZ5NsS9uE/UYpkHf52v5I/AAAAAAAAS3A/j4wVI2nAkAQ/IMG_9813%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We loaded up the car and got the passengers on their way. They’ll be right back with new slothes in their luggage. </p> <p align="justify">Then we fueled Gladys and re-staged her from the starting spot on the ramp. In just an hour, we will be on our way again for three nights in Bremerton!</p> <p align="justify">Yippeeeeee!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9814" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9814" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NME3EelLUlU/UYpkH-kgwcI/AAAAAAAAS3I/p56JO4TOmX8/IMG_9814%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I am sensing a Pilatus theme today. We didn’t get that memo.</p> <p align="justify">But I wouldn’t trade Gladys for a Pilatus. Not ever. Huh uh.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9815" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9815" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Ugl75Nq3Q4/UYpkIXJnNKI/AAAAAAAAS3Q/u9dza4kJ8Mo/IMG_9815%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Just above the hangar at which we are based, you can see the antennas of the control tower. I always wave to them, though I doubt that they can see me through the necessary sun shades. </p> <p align="justify">We love being based here at this airport. Everyone is so good to us! The controllers are fantastic.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9818" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9818" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WYim36FWbCo/UYpkIyWjAyI/AAAAAAAAS3Y/AGD-mbRaoOQ/IMG_9818%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="444"></p> <p align="justify">This little biplane is quite often doing touch-and-go landings when I am at the airport. He was busy in the traffic pattern today.</p> <p align="justify">Can you imagine just flying every day like that? Just because you want to and can?</p> <p align="justify">Fun!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9820" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9820" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C4Do4bLym7k/UYpkJS8ablI/AAAAAAAAS3g/h4oa40ExqzQ/IMG_9820%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Now that Gladys is ready for our flight towards Seattle around 5:00 PM, I have enough time to run about a mile away to grab a healthy late lunch at Pei Wei. Perfect!</p> <p align="justify">It’s been a long day, since we left NYC around 6:00 AM this morning. I’m hungry!</p> <p align="justify">After a heavenly five days near New York City, I am incredibly excited to get two whole days off to explore Seattle, too!</p> <p align="justify">Stick around. It’s going to be good!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-22269891185466967662013-05-07T04:07:00.000-07:002013-05-07T04:07:00.418-07:00Goodbye, NYC…Hello, Denver!<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9728" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9728" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CM963RE-III/UYiDo4qmIaI/AAAAAAAASww/1Md1rJfN4bU/IMG_9728%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My five days on the east coast were just pure heaven. Too soon, it was time to head home.</p> <p align="justify">Do you need to catch up on all the New York City goodness? Find that <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/macys-department-store-and-sweet.html">here</a>.</p> <p align="justify">Thursday morning came, and we were on the hotel shuttle back to the FBO at Teterboro Airport.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9730" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9730" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xyZlN1CWgh4/UYiDpa2uYhI/AAAAAAAASw4/vkOlUjy3cXY/IMG_9730%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Gladys had a great time on the ramp while we stayed. I can’t believe that this trip is over already!</p> <p align="justify">Well, almost over. We are flying home, after a quick fuel stop at Denver Centennial Airport. Then we will wait at our home airport for about an hour before heading north to Bremerton for a long weekend!</p> <p align="justify">Luckily, I brought some Tide. And I know my hotel in Bremerton has laundry facilities!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9731" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9731" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vyJEL8oWqP8/UYiDpzQ7zkI/AAAAAAAASxA/f5I8IeSm2HQ/IMG_9731%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Just like it always is, the ramp at <a href="http://www.meridian.aero/">Meridian Aviation</a> was packed. This airport is a popular place for private airplanes carrying people who need to get into the City.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9733" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9733" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PGg3JPETjkA/UYiDqarMe2I/AAAAAAAASxI/5ToRjJGrj_k/IMG_9733%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We got some fuel.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9734" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9734" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iprd16JlmXI/UYiDqjRfwKI/AAAAAAAASxQ/uIV6AEw-t_U/IMG_9734%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And I got out the blankets, because that always makes a long flight more comfortable!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9735" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9735" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ETQSXD8IHB0/UYiDrFEUe5I/AAAAAAAASxY/eDy-gcAfhs8/IMG_9735%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And soon we were loading the airplane up for our flight towards home!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9736" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9736" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZfWnh93LtYY/UYiDs23nS_I/AAAAAAAASxg/QCb7YXoj2xc/IMG_9736%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We were fourth in line for takeoff today, but it went quickly. </p> <p align="justify">And thank goodness that the weather was nice! Teterboro is always the first one to be punished when bad weather happens! We’ve been stuck at the beginning of the runway for hours!</p> <p align="justify">As you can see from the mostly-blue skies, that wasn’t the case today.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9737" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9737" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RymFgexyS0U/UYiDtZj4TbI/AAAAAAAASxo/9UsvPR62jBA/IMG_9737%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are seven FBOs located at this busy airport, and they are always full! </p> <p align="justify">All the cool people come to Teterboro, obviously.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9741" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9741" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-miR63boWHJA/UYiDt7HuT1I/AAAAAAAASxw/PqjDuNdpaWA/IMG_9741%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was soon our turn for takeoff on Runway 1!</p> <p align="justify">We lined up on the displaced threshold and held until cleared for takeoff. We had to wait for the jet that had just landed to be off the runway before we could roll.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9742" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9742" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o4sPxjHpiX8/UYiDua7bBiI/AAAAAAAASx4/88Kv5bXz0zU/IMG_9742%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love this picture…one last glance back at New York City!</p> <p align="justify">Can you see the One World Trade Center?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9745" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9745" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-daW0Y_anzZs/UYiDui-SsBI/AAAAAAAASyA/LTod_GJ1R3Y/IMG_9745%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We climbed through a few cloudy layers before finally breaking out on top in some nice, visual-conditions weather.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9751" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9751" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZIxxfKTMldA/UYiDvJuqnaI/AAAAAAAASyI/wcjtF3uGy2E/IMG_9751%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And then we came across a rather large body of water.</p> <p align="justify">Hi, Lake Michigan!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9753" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9753" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iucGdYnauTo/UYiDvQoTUQI/AAAAAAAASyQ/PNEykSwl0Bk/IMG_9753%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I don’t have superior lake knowledge…I just knew that it was Lake Michigan because of this fun city on the western shores!</p> <p align="justify">Can you name that place?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9758" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9758" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o6v9joX8PnM/UYiDvz8EB6I/AAAAAAAASyY/TbJme30xcIg/IMG_9758%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’ll give you a clue…</p> <p align="justify">In this shot, you can see downtown, O’Hare Airport, and Midway Airport…where we usually land.</p> <p align="justify">You got it!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9759" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9759" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-joacZQdq1NQ/UYiDwabNlnI/AAAAAAAASyg/8q20TKPjnCg/IMG_9759%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Clouds are always so pretty from above.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9760" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9760" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hI-DPwtmmPg/UYiDwshy6tI/AAAAAAAASyo/2E9STQyzjB4/IMG_9760%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, apparently, my control yoke needs to be dusted. </p> <p align="justify">Note to self.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9761" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9761" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oFVlhyFPmKE/UYiDxIKcTII/AAAAAAAASyw/RxTG1XqNwqg/IMG_9761%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We plugged along for several hours at Flight Level 430. Next time that we see the ground, we will be landing on the south side of Denver at Centennial Airport.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9762" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9762" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J2hXNZyndUk/UYiDxohkbVI/AAAAAAAASy4/PHWf3UEDrNY/IMG_9762%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, as you can plainly see, Denver does <em>not</em> mess around with their arrivals!</p> <p align="justify">Sheesh!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9764" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9764" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZAe7sHJDfF8/UYiDx3xOEMI/AAAAAAAASzA/GgPGgActxRQ/IMG_9764%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Luckily, we were cleared pretty far down the line of the arrival. We didn’t have to fly the whole thing. It helps that we were landing in the middle of the day on a slow Thursday afternoon, right?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9766" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9766" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8UPU_m6gAVE/UYiDybyjw5I/AAAAAAAASzE/GsqqRNIqRAw/IMG_9766%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love this picture of the snow-covered fields as we got closer to Denver.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9768" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9768" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jDAQi1kjMZU/UYiDy9uMBqI/AAAAAAAASzQ/vRMoNo97kqo/IMG_9768%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But at least the blue skies were happening here, too.</p> <p align="justify">In fact, it was sixty degrees during our short fueling stay today! That felt like a heat wave after being in chilly New York City for the past five days!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9772" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wZRgjwbgLMU/UYiDzS6uWXI/AAAAAAAASzY/Lzb35T1e7cA/IMG_9772%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You’ve probably heard how frickin’ huge the new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_International_Airport">Denver International Airport</a> is. You can plainly see its size from the air as we flew right over it towards Centennial.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9773" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9773" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JZSo0nhvLXA/UYiDz0oYK2I/AAAAAAAASzg/Ptf2KJFxO1M/IMG_9773%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hi, Downtown Denver!</p> <p align="justify">And hello to your pretty snow-capped mountains, too!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9774" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9774" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dTUGtcSehc4/UYiD0Zd9spI/AAAAAAAASzo/5lcPebpTkqY/IMG_9774%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Thanks to the tropical temperatures, there wasn’t as much of that nasty white stuff in town. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9778" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9778" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-113yBE-fpms/UYiD0ldjfEI/AAAAAAAASzw/8aOgjjDLTG4/IMG_9778%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="550"></p> <p align="justify">After we touched down, this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_S-64_Skycrane">Sky Crane</a> helicopter landed right behind us. They don’t have to fly a normal traffic pattern but can simply land on the ramp instead of the runway.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9779" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9779" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1_Ih-X51xdc/UYiD1DWbJwI/AAAAAAAASz4/sKd1Dd9sKUg/IMG_9779%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love Centennial. We purposely stopped here for fuel so our passengers could eat a yummy lunch at <a href="http://www.theperfectlanding.com/">The Perfect Landing Restaurant</a> upstairs in the FBO.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9780" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9780" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AXpnnZmrONM/UYiD13lF8OI/AAAAAAAAS0A/fRbOYOBGk4Y/IMG_9780%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Amazingly, there are four FBOs on this little airport. But it’s a popular place for people trying to get into Denver. The international airport is thirty-five miles outside of town!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9781" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9781" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2sE4PPCjICo/UYiD2FF6ZkI/AAAAAAAAS0I/WaWlg9G111k/IMG_9781%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Here is that Sky Crane after he touched down! Isn’t it huge?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9782" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9782" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--LNqAQFNolc/UYiD2qfrOfI/AAAAAAAAS0Q/uwy993r9xQU/IMG_9782%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="444"></p> <p align="justify">Everyone in aviation has a sense of humor…the bright orange paint job led them to name it Annie.</p> <p align="justify">We are half-way home! Let’s get some fuel and be on our way!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-46672885676578337662013-05-06T08:26:00.001-07:002013-05-06T08:26:55.521-07:00Macy’s Department Store and A Sweet Manhattan Goodbye<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9674" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9674" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ngmvBIv7y8g/UYfKlVZTpfI/AAAAAAAASsY/WhW4HV7Fw94/IMG_9674%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So I think that it’s safe to say that we’ve spent a little time in New York City. I have loved reliving the experience here for you. I think that’s why I blog!</p> <p align="justify">In case you missed it, here are all of the other NYC posts from this past week. I kind of got carried away.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/times-square-i-heart-you.html">Times Square, I Heart You</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/magnolia-bakery-cupcakes-and-central.html">Magnolia Cupcakes and Central Park</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-american-museum-of-natural-history.html">The American Museum of Natural History</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/grand-central-terminal-and-new-york.html">Grand Central Terminal and The New York City Library</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/bryant-park-and-nighttime-times-square.html">Bryant Park and a Nighttime Times Square</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/west-manhattan-and-intrepid-air-and.html">West Manhattan and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/greenwich-village-on-my-walk-to-mollys.html">Greenwich Village on my Walk to Molly’s Cupcakes</a><br><br>And, as you can plainly see, there was definitely a cupcake theme for my two days in the City.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9677" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BT9CxeVYC10/UYfKmGvbPJI/AAAAAAAASsg/ozLxn6JpfBI/IMG_9677%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I passed this awesome bicycle in front of a little café. If that doesn’t make you want to go inside for some grub, I don’t know <em>what</em> will!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9678" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9678" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ftKL6nLthvQ/UYfKq6O7mQI/AAAAAAAASso/wtXyxKOME5Y/IMG_9678%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This old drug store sign was just wonderful. A throwback to the olden days. And I bet that church is even older.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9680" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9680" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RDa_qP9mXL4/UYfKymokyJI/AAAAAAAASsw/Ma2rSCjPWuQ/IMG_9680%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This sign just cracked me up. Have <em>you</em> tried his grandmother’s meatballs?! It seems like everyone else has. </p> <p align="justify">We need to get on that already.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9681" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9681" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Upa8FLOXtA/UYfLKPSWBbI/AAAAAAAASs4/VAZkYkIfPsA/IMG_9681%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Since I had walked west Manhattan on my walk south, I decided to go a little further east for my walk north towards all of the action.</p> <p align="justify">That is the same church, just looking back. My feet are pretty tired, though, so I don’t think that I timed myself for those few blocks.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9683" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9683" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cffpgnnIMoM/UYfLSgM0XEI/AAAAAAAAStA/1P9_WwiOMN8/IMG_9683%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Sweet! We’re heading up The Avenue of the Americas today!</p> <p align="justify">I even passed a TJ Maxx and helped myself in. I found a nice, comfy chair in the home department and sat for a solid twenty minutes to rest my legs.</p> <p align="justify">It’s been a lot of walking the past few days! I would say around ten miles each day, and oh-so fun!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9684" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9684" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4LrGf9kLTEc/UYfLUv5yFbI/AAAAAAAAStI/27qIqbR4v2w/IMG_9684%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="1091"></p> <p align="justify">6th Avenue is a very busy street with lots of action. </p> <p align="justify">Shopping action, that is. It was pure heaven!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9685" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9685" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w3OHRPVy61c/UYfLZ9ez1KI/AAAAAAAAStM/f65DDdQpF34/IMG_9685%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’m not much of a McDonald’s fan (read: I hate it), but it happened to get in the way of this lovely picture of more old NYC apartment buildings with their respective water tanks on top.</p> <p align="justify">I just love this look! Do you think that they still use the tanks?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9686" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9686" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s67ihvCJzt4/UYfLahAsbJI/AAAAAAAAStU/gR1xb0kCb3w/IMG_9686%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was introduced to the <a href="http://www.manhattanmallny.com/index.aspx">Manhattan Mall</a> today, though I didn’t go inside.</p> <p align="justify">The sky tower connecting the buildings was pretty neat, though. There are lots of these in Seattle…one of my other favorite cities to wander!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9688" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9688" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zptrL4ehAGA/UYfLb5DOVoI/AAAAAAAAStc/yYc1YSAc_m4/IMG_9688%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’m not sure how JCPenny is failing with such prime real estate! Have you been inside one lately? It’s pretty cool with the mini shops.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9690" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9690" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NNZSNYWLH5U/UYfLcnetioI/AAAAAAAASto/GbbW4Tobt5A/IMG_9690%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And you can see the world’s largest department store peeking out in this picture. Can you dig it?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9693" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9693" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q_GhziHvB5g/UYfLdl6zbDI/AAAAAAAAStw/thMx9rQXMsw/IMG_9693%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Ta da! </p> <p align="justify">For some strange reason, I’ve never been here before. I’ve never been so close to this <a href="http://www.visitmacysnewyork.com/">Macy’s</a>, even though I saw it from the observation of the Empire State Building last September when I visited this wonderful city.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9696" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9696" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iBZqD-6ftrI/UYfLeju9KCI/AAAAAAAASt4/xwkwPAVW14g/IMG_9696%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I decided to go inside, just to say that I had been there. But it was so packed with people inside that I quickly found an exit and was on my way.</p> <p align="justify">Buying a $500 purse wasn’t really on my to-do list today, so why waste time inside?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9698" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9698" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GsPKfzeiKLU/UYfLfnOr-2I/AAAAAAAASuA/SBXCriH7yjI/IMG_9698%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The famous decorated window was all decked out for Spring, even though it was a chilly forty-seven degrees today. </p> <p align="justify">I would love to see these at Christmas! I’ll probably have to do that trip without Hubby, since I don’t think that he would care to see the Macy’s Christmas Window Displays. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9699" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9699" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dqpFWScEi3o/UYfLgk1z-xI/AAAAAAAASuI/gaTFg6XDhQ4/IMG_9699%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This shot was very rushed, as there were a million people on the sidewalk. I didn’t want to be in the way for long. </p> <p align="justify">But I love the original sign for the store. </p> <p align="justify">Old meets new, remember? I love it!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9700" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9700" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-93kwTrXmxg0/UYfLhofwwaI/AAAAAAAASuM/UifbtS079EI/IMG_9700%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Speaking of love, hi, Old Friend! </p> <p align="justify">Can you believe that intense radio antenna on top of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_State_Building">Empire State Building</a>? That thing can transmit for quite a distance!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9703" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9703" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lI5UGoMHE5g/UYfLmwWcWxI/AAAAAAAASuU/XljOTXGLspg/IMG_9703%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_Savings_Bank">The Haier Building</a> was originally a bank, built in 1922. After bank deregulation in the early eighties, the 16th largest bank in the nation went out of business. Haier bought and renamed the building in 2000.</p> <p align="justify">But it’s old. And cool.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9704" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9704" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z_U7YZNGm2Y/UYfLn2HggtI/AAAAAAAASuc/N2HINNm8TRQ/IMG_9704%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="1089"></p> <p align="justify">It was a Thursday evening, and the City was packed and full of life. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9706" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9706" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6c1aTn2n4Zo/UYfLoeFkavI/AAAAAAAASug/7grC3WK7b9k/IMG_9706%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Especially in this neck of the woods.</p> <p align="justify">Hi, Times Square!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9707" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9707" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ltQb-WhYtYg/UYfLo3hpgXI/AAAAAAAASuo/L5VoI4RE8Mc/IMG_9707%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had ulterior motives for returning to Times Square tonight…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9709" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9709" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RfZDnpezfMg/UYfLpqp8uoI/AAAAAAAASuw/j9hfOxowd8g/IMG_9709%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But this was my main reason. Dinner at the <a href="http://rickshawdumplings.com/">Rickshaw Dumpling Stand</a>!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9710" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9710" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1G4xGZUVpxs/UYfLp8CQskI/AAAAAAAASu8/a5TskhmL3nU/IMG_9710%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hey, it was healthy, cheap, and delicious. Why not come back!</p> <p align="justify">I love steamed edamame. I sat at a small table just to the side of the stand to eat my dinner tonight. Right in the heart of Times Square.</p> <p align="justify">It’s a perfect place for people-watching, by the way.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9711" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9711" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eW2Ah6GeI-I/UYfLqbxsO-I/AAAAAAAASvE/CdPRasfiL9M/IMG_9711%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Since I had pork dumplings yesterday, I decided to try the chicken tonight.</p> <p align="justify">I loved the pork way more, but this was such a yummy dinner! I wish that I had one right now!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9713" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9713" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7WWoqkHbQS4/UYfLqrMtSpI/AAAAAAAASvM/k5Yxy6CPVXM/IMG_9713%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After dinner, I decided to meander towards the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Authority_Bus_Terminal">Port Authority Bus Terminal</a> to eventually make my way back over to my hotel in New Jersey.</p> <p align="justify">Look at these cool circle lights! They have “Times Sq.” written on them from who-knows-when! I bet that they are really old.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9715" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9715" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oi3evpqmceo/UYfLrAlna6I/AAAAAAAASvU/Bl-jyxzE5XE/IMG_9715%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="981"></p> <p align="justify">I love the neat old buildings, but I really love the old signs, too.</p> <p align="justify">Look at all of the gothic detail of this building. Isn’t that gorgeous?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9716" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9716" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lLMDOnLHsTY/UYfLrnENEpI/AAAAAAAASvY/awiQ3FH0XAE/IMG_9716%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The building with the jumbotron of Smart Cars is the bus terminal in Times Square. I’ve had a pretty fruitful few days in the city, but I’m beat!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9717" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9717" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tG84gbiDV8U/UYfLr4Bt2II/AAAAAAAASvk/7R3Uo25BGsw/IMG_9717%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Sunset is always such a nice time to take pictures. These buildings are all lit up, thanks to the setting sun behind me.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9718" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9718" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-e_h125y_M28/UYfLsuIuzaI/AAAAAAAASvs/NOYLmgGAhUs/IMG_9718%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="1106"></p> <p align="justify">And, if you’re a <a href="http://www.carlosbakery.com/">Cake Boss</a> fan, then you’re in luck! They just opened a <a href="http://www.timessquare.com/Latest_News/Times_Square_News/%22Cake_Boss'_Opens_Cafe_in_Times_Square/">café/bakery</a> on the corner of the Port Authority building!</p> <p align="justify">I can’t stand the show because of all the yelling at each other. It’s too dysfunctional for my taste, but the cakes are always pretty!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9719" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9719" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4C4XthlZ9rw/UYfLtD1ue1I/AAAAAAAASv0/TMXO5BzlQgM/IMG_9719%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Here is one of the many entrances to the bus station.</p> <p align="justify">I should have looked at my watch to figure out why it was so busy. It was about six o’clock on a Thursday evening…rush hour!</p> <p align="justify">I walked up to my bus gate, only to see a line about half a mile long. Wowsers! </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9720" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9720" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FZgzENoTzd4/UYfLtuKeaNI/AAAAAAAASv8/v4bq4w9QBqo/IMG_9720%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So I decided to wait an hour or so to let the rush hour crowd die down.</p> <p align="justify">I bought a hot chocolate and sipped it on a chair in Bryant Park. By this pretty fountain.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9721" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9721" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kmJFZpzqF5c/UYfLuCqcQeI/AAAAAAAASwE/2_CAvWZQ_5A/IMG_9721%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Yes, the same Bryant Park from the previous day, where I explored a little of The New York Public Library.</p> <p align="justify">You can see the back of the library here.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9722" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9722" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VbQJFzboLp0/UYfLuj6_hhI/AAAAAAAASwM/4Phu5MyPdto/IMG_9722%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Aren’t those buildings so pretty in the sunset?</p> <p align="justify">But I knew that it would get even cooler after the sun disappeared, so I was thankful for my diet splurge…a hot chocolate to keep me warm.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9724" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9724" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CpPTTDn5SwQ/UYfLvJ3SNPI/AAAAAAAASwU/wKDS0QD_mEs/IMG_9724%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Around eight o’clock, I thought that I would give the Port Authority another chance. Had the crowds died down enough to catch a bus?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9726" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9726" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_MI8VE5lTOE/UYfLvlACgQI/AAAAAAAASwc/QNZQqNUHQXg/IMG_9726%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was still pretty busy, but not nearly as bad as a few hours before.</p> <p align="justify">My old, achy legs were ready for some rest. But man, this was a heavenly few days in the City! I can’t get enough of this place!</p> <p align="justify">Any favorite things from our trip to NYC?</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-18426073323175878182013-05-03T08:12:00.001-07:002013-05-03T08:26:43.114-07:00Greenwich Village on my Walk to Molly’s Cupcakes<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9624" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9624" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a0W2mHYyY8c/UYPTmlItkrI/AAAAAAAASnU/G9XzikXovrk/IMG_9624%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="842"></p> <p align="justify">From the post title, you’re probably starting to wonder if I have a cupcake problem…</p> <p align="justify">And I do. It feels good to get it out there.</p> <p align="justify">I had already made an hour-long trip into the city on the bus, and even wandered around the <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/west-manhattan-and-intrepid-air-and.html">Intrepid Air and Space Museum</a> for a while. </p> <p align="justify">Eventually, my stomach reminded me that lunch was our next priority.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9627" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9627" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F-StsXQgrhU/UYPTnIM0aII/AAAAAAAASnc/lYdljGnGJUk/IMG_9627%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="969"></p> <p align="justify">I was still on the west side of Manhattan, around 11th Avenue. So I decided to just walk south until something edible caught my eye. </p> <p align="justify">In hindsight, I wish that I would have had a better plan. I got so hungry that I settled for not the healthiest option!</p> <p align="justify">Oh well. This church is pretty, so that helps.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9628" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9628" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0UZ1cFFYZek/UYPTn8CtGOI/AAAAAAAASnk/uaVECo0Xysc/IMG_9628%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They have actually chopped down some of the older living buildings, apparently to make room for new ones. Look how old this building in the left corner looks. Don’t you love it?</p> <p align="justify">I was about to comment on how neat that old painted advertisement was towards the top…but it’s graffiti.</p> <p align="justify">My bad.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9629" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9629" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FTpap_S7u6s/UYPToLZmd7I/AAAAAAAASns/HoxEZXRFNRE/IMG_9629%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’m still not quite sure what a “Pork Shop” entails, but I wholeheartedly agree with it. </p> <p align="justify">Whatever it is. Probably a butcher? Stamp of approval, guys.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9630" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9630" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z92bugnmQDg/UYPTotZZMAI/AAAAAAAASn0/pKUlc-fe4MY/IMG_9630%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="945"></p> <p align="justify">Oh, Empire. I love you.</p> <p align="justify">It was actually fun to walk on this side of town, since I had never visited this area before. I saw so many new and exciting things!</p> <p align="justify">But seeing the Empire State Building reminded me of how happy I was to be in New York City today.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9631" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9631" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tr3q9aYYkJQ/UYPTpPNsj7I/AAAAAAAASn8/nkQeDny9wcI/IMG_9631%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But remember…we’re on the hunt for a place to eat lunch!</p> <p align="justify">I love love love Mexican food. In fact, in an emotional moment during a dinner of homemade steak tacos last night, I even told Hubby that tacos are my favorite food in the world.</p> <p align="justify">So I totally considered this <a href="http://lucyscantinaroyale.com/">Lucy’s Tacos</a> for lunch today.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9632" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9632" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VQJ80K1sfOQ/UYPTpxRG-ZI/AAAAAAAASoE/p_e9oPP-2PM/IMG_9632%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="715" height="1192"></p> <p align="justify">And the menu looked pretty enticing, too. I was all over this place until I realized that it was a sit-down. </p> <p align="justify">I just didn’t want to waste time at a sit-down today! I have too much to see!</p> <p align="justify">But I probably would have gotten the tacos, just so you know. The Skirt Steak and the Carnitas.</p> <p align="justify">Drool.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9633" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9633" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7S2uu2zrDNs/UYPTqfwGJQI/AAAAAAAASoM/eAuDm5LScAk/IMG_9633%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So I foolishly left Lucy’s behind to find something quick and healthy. </p> <p align="justify">While walking, I passed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Station_(New_York_City)">Penn Station</a>. I’ve never been here before!</p> <p align="justify">And now I really regret not going in to take a peek around. </p> <p align="justify">Dang you, hunger! You make all of my bad decisions!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9635" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9635" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Imk9BD3M9bY/UYPTqgc4KPI/AAAAAAAASoU/vpv3_OXfcYo/IMG_9635%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’ve never seen this before, either!</p> <p align="justify">It’s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison_Square_Garden">Madison Square Garden</a>, where concerts and sports and everything in between are played here in NYC.</p> <p align="justify">It’s pretty small…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9634" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9634" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2owlYOFzezw/UYPTrB9PP5I/AAAAAAAASoc/_5Cgm370Ric/IMG_9634%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was blown away at the massive size of the Post Office across the street. They should hold concerts and basketball games <em>here</em> instead!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9638" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9638" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mgE8owcx09A/UYPTrk5UooI/AAAAAAAASok/ihFZZ0AhUAY/IMG_9638%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Ooooo, this looks promising. And if I’m being indecisive today, I can have BBQ <em>and</em> burgers!</p> <p align="justify">Bummer that this was a sit-down place as well. I decided to keep looking.</p> <p align="justify">Much to the disappointment of my belly. I <em>love</em> BBQ!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9644" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9644" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4YbJ87a20HI/UYPTsqfiJfI/AAAAAAAASos/lRHCRNZZ1Sc/IMG_9644%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I finally found a fast place for lunch. I didn’t even read the name of the pizza shop until afterwards. </p> <p align="justify">But I thought that pizza could be <strike>healthy</strike> fun, considering that I was in New York City and all.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9639" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9639" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C2RQHNUVNYo/UYPTtA7RqCI/AAAAAAAASo0/CdapWGAp6lY/IMG_9639%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This sign confuses me, though. These pizzas are for display only? What do we eat?!</p> <p align="justify">I would eat them. I’m just sayin’…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9640" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9640" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kglyJ8J-BkI/UYPTtk4tf_I/AAAAAAAASo8/amHxRGuP2jE/IMG_9640%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">These tiny garlic knots looked heavenly (and they were!).</p> <p align="justify">Especially because he threw them in tin foil and then into the oven to heat up.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9642" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9642" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cv_kL-x0s8U/UYPTuIIWWyI/AAAAAAAASpE/x9H4Vh6VnNA/IMG_9642%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I wish that I would have just ordered a few more of these for my lunch. They were that good!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9643" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9643" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ThXoHoZJHn8/UYPTujQcz6I/AAAAAAAASpM/w3TkPWWtP9k/IMG_9643%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And I could have skipped the calzone. It was not very good, and I only had a few bites.</p> <p align="justify">What a waste, after wandering so long being hungry!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9645" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9645" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SsOZHX1awSE/UYPTvKeEZoI/AAAAAAAASpU/aF5Zc-hdqw0/IMG_9645%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After some yummy bread, I was on my way back south. I had double-checked the distance and knew that my tired feet could make this next trek.</p> <p align="justify">Cupcakes were at stake now. I only had 1.6 miles left to go, after already walking about a mile towards this place when looking for lunch.</p> <p align="justify">By the way, cupcakes are <em>totally</em> justifiable if you walk more than three miles to get to one.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9646" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9646" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iwXmimjv3ak/UYPTvl1cUoI/AAAAAAAASpc/G0UcUtH0xWk/IMG_9646%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I wandered south and passed through so many quaint and cool neighborhoods. I think that at some point I crossed over into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_Village">Greenwich Village</a>, but I don’t know when it started.</p> <p align="justify">I didn’t feel any different, is what I’m saying.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9647" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9647" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v0TpLT8n7xs/UYPTwKMMD1I/AAAAAAAASpk/e8Q7snGhYso/IMG_9647%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Little spots like this warm my heart because of the reminder of years gone by. It really puts things into perspective when you think about how long ago this tree was planted for it to just now be pushing up these ancient bricks surrounding it.</p> <p align="justify">Maybe the Twenties? Thirties? I love imagining how old it is!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9649" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9649" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eLboznYrT9Q/UYPTwnTcZYI/AAAAAAAASps/YjxGIhvrxG4/IMG_9649%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Google has quite a presence here in Manhattan. I had no idea, but the building was massive.</p> <p align="justify">I guess that they are doing OK?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9651" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9651" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0f1nDpdVmUw/UYPTxS_j3gI/AAAAAAAASp0/o4VH-CEvT3w/IMG_9651%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And this picture was fun because of all the fire escapes. That is one of the things often portrayed in movies based in this city, so it was nice to see so many in one shot.</p> <p align="justify">And look at the cool gothic detail with the faces!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9652" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9652" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ix5DiUtcLi8/UYPTx7zmNtI/AAAAAAAASp8/hVs9bJkqE2k/IMG_9652%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">No doubt that this men’s spa costs a fortune for them to afford such a neat building.</p> <p align="justify">But, as you can see, if used to belong to the New York County for something. I can’t make out the rest!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9654" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9654" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--9ejvOkwe80/UYPTyA7vHuI/AAAAAAAASqE/taemg_4SVZc/IMG_9654%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="1094"></p> <p align="justify">I walked down 8th Avenue until I turned onto Bleecher Street, which is where <a href="http://www.mollyscupcakes.com/">Molly’s Cupcakes</a> is located. Even with the help of a phone, it was still hard to find!</p> <p align="justify">But I passed this beautiful old entry to an apartment. Isn’t this fun? Could you imagine getting mail through that slot?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9657" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9657" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pMdf-GTppYs/UYPTytH9LgI/AAAAAAAASqM/m_PRjSEhDEU/IMG_9657%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">These workers were prepping the building surface for a new advertisement. It looks like Grand Theft Auto to me, but I can’t imagine that they would need or want to advertise for a video game like that!</p> <p align="justify">Especially in this part of town!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9658" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9658" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k0waiGNB6_Y/UYPTzEUH4uI/AAAAAAAASqU/N45tO9YnuyA/IMG_9658%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This was a pleasant surprise…a view of the nearly-completed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_World_Trade_Center">One World Trade Center</a> in lower Manhattan.</p> <p align="justify">They put the antenna on just this past week!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9659" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9659" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SSEU9RvAF9c/UYPTzWLYuJI/AAAAAAAASqc/bILrhzqgJ7s/IMG_9659%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I sat in this park to rest my feet. I’ve probably already done about five miles today, and it’s only lunch time! It feels good to sit down for a while and watch some kids play.</p> <p align="justify">I’m so tickled that the weather has cooperated for my two days in the city!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9660" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9660" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C1rChhXNbUQ/UYPT0GWbmXI/AAAAAAAASqk/urFmJwSa_E8/IMG_9660%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="1093"></p> <p align="justify">This place, <a href="http://www.garagerest.com/">The Garage</a>, looked pretty cool. Anything transformed from an old car shop would make me happy, though.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9661" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9661" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K_N8Q2dQSAQ/UYPT0s5hQII/AAAAAAAASqs/OS-V5JK3710/IMG_9661%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="1091"></p> <p align="justify">And I have actually eaten at the sister company of this <a href="http://www.jekyllpub.com/">Jekyll and Hyde</a> with my sister when I came to visit her in NYC about thirteen years ago. We ate at the Times Square location, and I am just now remembering it now after seeing this pub!</p> <p align="justify">How fun!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9664" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9664" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Da6BN_ryBgo/UYPT1NsXbyI/AAAAAAAASq0/Dyps9gLb69U/IMG_9664%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">At last, the bright yellow building came into view. My phone had thought that it was a block away still, so I was getting worried! </p> <p align="justify">But how can you miss a bright yellow building like this?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9665" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9665" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E1BhAx4Vd6g/UYPT1iDLOeI/AAAAAAAASq8/7lQbtFTS0EE/IMG_9665%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The shop was cute and had plenty of sweet offerings. This place is famous and has always been on my must-try list! </p> <p align="justify">Today is my day!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9666" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9666" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r34QlFOOM5Y/UYPT2PynxEI/AAAAAAAASrE/AGrfHTuEDSs/IMG_9666%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Except how to choose when everything sounds so interesting!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9667" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9667" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_0WRhTek82c/UYPT2QrUmlI/AAAAAAAASrM/0Sg89TXX814/IMG_9667%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This place filled up right behind me. Lots of people figured out that it’s a nice way to warm up…with a cupcake in-hand.</p> <p align="justify">Aren’t these bar stools cool? I’ve never seen anything like that!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9669" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9669" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--3kjbu1DIWc/UYPT26e89oI/AAAAAAAASrU/HTCwtpiNZdE/IMG_9669%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">So I think that I ended up trying to Cake Batter Cupcake.</p> <p align="justify">Maybe it was the frosting color that drew me in?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9670" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9670" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z_bIfBr3D70/UYPT3c3pq3I/AAAAAAAASrc/V1_MCB-UhQk/IMG_9670%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Either way, I was surprised when I found a filling inside. I think that it was vanilla pudding, but I’m still not sure. It was good, but it made the cupcake even sweeter.</p> <p align="justify">I’m just sayin’…yet again, and with the most humility possible: my cupcakes are better.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9673" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9673" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OiEBerkq0HY/UYPT33tTbLI/AAAAAAAASrk/yoRaUZZjy8Y/IMG_9673%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The decorations were so creative and cute. They used ceiling medallions with homemade shelves to display antique lunch boxes. </p> <p align="justify">The plastic bubble probably protects the precious lunch boxes from theft because, hey, it <em>is</em> New York City.</p> <p align="justify">It’s been a nice walk so far today! Just a few more posts and our tour of NYC will be complete!</p> <p align="justify">Happy Weekend!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-23632885538314722552013-05-02T09:01:00.001-07:002013-05-02T09:01:28.434-07:00West Manhattan and the Intrepid Air and Space Museum<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9578" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9578" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dn7qbOo2UV4/UYKNl5dlmyI/AAAAAAAASjI/O5tNrZhAhr4/IMG_9578%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It has been so much fun for me to relive this trip through these posts. Are you enjoying the New York City tour, from the view behind my camera?</p> <p align="justify">We just finished Day One in the City. If you need to catch up, here are all of the posts.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/times-square-i-heart-you.html">Times Square, I Heart You</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/magnolia-bakery-cupcakes-and-central.html">Magnolia Cupcakes and Central Park</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-american-museum-of-natural-history.html">The American Museum of Natural History</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/grand-central-terminal-and-new-york.html">Grand Central Terminal and The New York City Library</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/05/bryant-park-and-nighttime-times-square.html">Bryant Park and Nighttime Times Square</a></p> <p align="justify">Today’s post begins Day Two. As you can see, I’m at the bus stop to catch the 163 into New York City. Once the bus arrives, it takes about fifty minutes to get to the city.</p> <p align="justify">This bus stop sign just let’s me know that I’m not being <em>nearly</em> flamboyant enough when boarding a bus. I guess I’ll just have to work on that, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9580" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9580" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ht9qsj5_sU0/UYKNmeEQOFI/AAAAAAAASjQ/ygRHPaAJX58/IMG_9580%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Last night, this is where the bus dropped me off. I timed it perfectly with luck and caught the hotel shuttle loading a bunch of people who had also just arrived from NYC. </p> <p align="justify">It was really chilly at night, so I was glad for the short wait to get back to my warm hotel room.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9581" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9581" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wLi41cU1AeU/UYKNmxocv1I/AAAAAAAASjY/P4RpJXXccFI/IMG_9581%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Speak of the devil! But he’s going the other way, so I will just have to wait for mine to come. And, while I’m waiting, I can practice my flamboyant arm-waving-while-boarding!</p> <p align="justify">I’m getting better, that’s for dang sure.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9585" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9585" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2-mzFKZi7Fw/UYKNnf-Rl8I/AAAAAAAASjg/bhVgQE-Wx6k/IMG_9585%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Once on the bus, it was butterflies all over again. I was so tickled to have a whole two days in one of my favorite cities! Even though I didn’t pay for the <a href="http://www.newyorkpass.com/En/?aid=13&gclid=CN2Q-7fZ97YCFUxxQgod_lYAVQ">New York City Pass</a> this time around (I did last September), I still managed to really enjoy my time in Manhattan.</p> <p align="justify">I was saving money for Disneyland the next week, remember?</p> <p align="justify">Eek, more butterflies!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9586" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9586" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GBq0L1wV1mk/UYKNoJ5v65I/AAAAAAAASjo/YY4S6PX6RoQ/IMG_9586%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had a great first view of the city through the bus window. Unfortunately, it didn’t really translate into a great view in this picture!</p> <p align="justify">Use your imagination, OK?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9587" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9587" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NuiydzgWGSM/UYKNof60xQI/AAAAAAAASjw/KhOePmAUMRM/IMG_9587%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="1087"></p> <p align="justify">And we are here again! I got to talk about <a href="http://mormon.org/">the gospel</a> on the bus ride in, though I think that she was more interested in trying to convince me that I was wrong than listening to what I had to offer to our conversation.</p> <p align="justify">Here I am facing east on 8th Avenue and 41st Street. Welcome to New York!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9589" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9589" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1o3eoGdfM8E/UYKNpDIc8fI/AAAAAAAASj4/t9rz1NlpYsQ/IMG_9589%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love love love the older buildings with the water tanks on top. And I particularly love this one because of the old painted advertising on it. Sea Air Tours? How cool is that?!</p> <p align="justify">NYC is such a wonderful mix of old and new. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9590" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9590" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6h-MKOFrwbw/UYKNpiyHlsI/AAAAAAAASkA/Amw4KI-Lq4Q/IMG_9590%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, of course, right across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal is the headquarters for <em>The New York Times</em>.</p> <p align="justify">Just like every newspaper in these moderns days, these guys are really struggling to make it in a digital world.</p> <p align="justify">At least we know that they could always move to a cheaper location…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9592" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9592" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iaj8MWf8RlE/UYKNp3Pr6nI/AAAAAAAASkI/FgTANG64iiA/IMG_9592%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I decided to walk west today towards the Hudson River. Though I didn’t have time to spend exploring inside the museum, I wanted to see the new <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Enterprise"><em>Enterprise</em> Space Shuttle</a> on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrepid_Sea,_Air_%26_Space_Museum"><em>Intrepid</em> Aircraft Carrier Air Museum</a>.</p> <p align="justify">Well, it sounds like fun to <em>me</em>! Why not drag you all along with me?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9593" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9593" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BjYkl30CYqA/UYKNqhoi4JI/AAAAAAAASkQ/wio30_uXsEg/IMG_9593%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had just been on that overpass coming out of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Tunnel">Lincoln Tunnel</a> on the bus. </p> <p align="justify">The lighting is slightly better out here. So is the smell!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9594" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9594" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T9i22q6I6u0/UYKNrDxfeLI/AAAAAAAASkY/PcuoOhYiEVY/IMG_9594%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Once again, a peek of the old through the new. Modern glass buildings are seen in the distance, while the old housing buildings are right in front of me. </p> <p align="justify">I still think that it would be fun to live in a high-rise for a while. But you know that about me by now…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9595" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9595" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O-4uGNqwckQ/UYKNrlwcAeI/AAAAAAAASkg/M2F900R5gyk/IMG_9595%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I personally wouldn’t choose these particular colors to decorate, but someone made some good effort on this lovely little graffiti-adorned door.</p> <p align="justify">I think that the yellow “X” means to, “Come on in!”</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9599" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9599" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yomH4lEe4Ww/UYKNsOuWGxI/AAAAAAAASko/45yCrwsJteE/IMG_9599%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Another thing of the millions that I love about New York City is the American flags everywhere to remember 9-11.</p> <p align="justify">We will never forget.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9600" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q-WV3KdvT-8/UYKNsl8fNqI/AAAAAAAASkw/h3Xi-IV_GHU/IMG_9600%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Oh my goodness. We are here! Can you see it?</p> <p align="justify">No? You can’t see the giant space shuttle on the deck of the giant <em>Intrepid</em> Aircraft Carrier?</p> <p align="justify">That’s OK. You probably just need to get your eyes checked. I did!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9602" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9602" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xzYjprIPJxE/UYKNtBl6sVI/AAAAAAAASk4/WfxdWAapI2M/IMG_9602%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="1096"></p> <p align="justify">Crossing the last street until we get a closer view of the <em>Intrepid</em>.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9603" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H25Z1dT6LbE/UYKNtjCz55I/AAAAAAAASlA/J2rMHFYXzow/IMG_9603%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Once at the pier, I waved to this New York Water Taxi. I rode this down to <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/10/heavenly-new-york-city-part-five.html">Battery Park last September</a> when visiting NYC for work. </p> <p align="justify">Isn’t this job rough?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9604" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9604" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_he2yqNThC4/UYKNuajCqkI/AAAAAAAASlI/R2ZAnuYLfCM/IMG_9604%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">We have arrived at the <em>Intrepid</em>!</p> <p align="justify">Someday, when I have a ton of time in this wonderful city, I will spend an entire day exploring the <em>Intrepid</em>. I just want to give it the attention that it deserves and not feel rushed to get on to other things.</p> <p align="justify">Someday, <em>Intrepid</em>. Just you wait! </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9606" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9606" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rFTOx1BMX0c/UYKNu3MIEZI/AAAAAAAASlQ/gSjkQVz7Zu8/IMG_9606%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The museum originally opened in 1982 after being saved from scrapping by a local philanthropist. I’m glad that he saved it, personally. Just a few years ago, from 2006-2008, the <em>Intrepid</em> was tug-boated to New Jersey, then Staten Island for major renovations. </p> <p align="justify">This also made room on the top deck for the Concorde, which had been on a shipping barge previously.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9607" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9607" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DnLpkG2kVSA/UYKNvBCHleI/AAAAAAAASlY/hmd-LUaJ3Zo/IMG_9607%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The USS Intrepid itself was quite a ship in the day! It was commissioned in 1943 and served in the Pacific during World War II. It was renovated a few times and was even brought back into service to aid during the Vietnam War twenty years later.</p> <p align="justify">Apparently, it was also a maintenance hog, earning the nickname “The Dry 1” because it spent so much time in dry dock for repairs.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9608" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9608" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dXZjcYLNEhE/UYKNvuDGOuI/AAAAAAAASlg/dTeFC3XoSBI/IMG_9608%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The Intrepid was also used as a recovery vessel for the <em>Mercury</em> and <em>Gemini</em> space programs. How cool is it that a shuttle now sits on these decks? That only happened a year ago when the <em>Enterprise</em> flew to JFK and was then tug-boated to the <em>Intrepid</em>.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9609" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9609" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--PutFPlBbfk/UYKNwFzdCJI/AAAAAAAASlo/bG9HLrh6Oy4/IMG_9609%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Speaking of the <em>Enterprise</em>, she is massive!</p> <p align="justify">I had no idea how huge space shuttles were until <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2010/01/if-you-dont-like-airplanes-then-shame.html">I saw one in person at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum</a> in Washington DC.</p> <p align="justify">You can see a few guys standing next to it, if that helps you gauge the size. Massive!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9611" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9611" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-okrIF3FyHx8/UYKNwmvCTwI/AAAAAAAASlw/IsFS0jsO3lk/IMG_9611%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Holy smokes, this is awesome. Just <em>awesome</em>!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9612" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9612" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VdTb-Gpnkqo/UYKNxLpREGI/AAAAAAAASl4/5CA_K5btc-I/IMG_9612%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They have a nice tribute to <em>Intrepid’s</em> role in the space program by having a space capsule in floats attached to the carrier.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9614" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9614" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zfI_cWTrBNw/UYKNxpJuBDI/AAAAAAAASmA/ea5V88LN55c/IMG_9614%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And this is the view of New Jersey that the Enterprise enjoys all day, every day.</p> <p align="justify">Who could ask for better weather in March?!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9615" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9615" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TMCx1rfiOHY/UYKNyGR4lSI/AAAAAAAASmI/uvzlz7iDq8g/IMG_9615%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Another view looking back at Manhattan from the pier across from the <em>Intrepid</em>.</p> <p align="justify">You know what’s crazy? This ship is pretty small compared to our modern-day aircraft carriers!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9616" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9616" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SjbWyXRfqi8/UYKNyn3BR1I/AAAAAAAASmQ/5S0cQU8SxVg/IMG_9616%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Can you see the Chrysler Building peeking through? </p> <p align="justify">It’s almost like it’s following me, or something…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9617" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9617" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ch_l1MH9V28/UYKNzLOwurI/AAAAAAAASmY/c_OHztHyJVA/IMG_9617%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Those are some pretty big anchors. And also some markings to help them know how heavily-loaded the ship is.</p> <p align="justify">And apparently, moss loves the <em>Intrepid</em>, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9618" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9618" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xR84vqGI1Xw/UYKNzjI20DI/AAAAAAAASmg/lEwcCFgh1X0/IMG_9618%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With so many neat airplanes on-deck, I wish that I had time to spend here today! Maybe on my next trip to the city, I will dedicate an entire day just to this museum. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/07/midway-museum-love-part-four.html">I did that at the Midway in San Diego</a> last summer. Remember?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9619" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9619" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ted0NOo6NPE/UYKN0APpyrI/AAAAAAAASmo/lPIn2kJ2Ogc/IMG_9619%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They do <em>not</em> mess around when building these things. Look how big this ship is!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9621" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9621" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R5E705s01jY/UYKN0ri3gRI/AAAAAAAASmw/RbsaZHYn4VQ/IMG_9621%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Oh man. Now I really want to pay the $18 to see it! Those are the tailfins to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird">SR-71 Blackbird</a>, designed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Johnson_(engineer)">Kelley Johnson</a> of the Skunk Works fame.</p> <p align="justify">It’s one of my favorite airplanes, that’s all…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9622" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9622" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4spCFZD_jHI/UYKN1DgNkkI/AAAAAAAASm4/loM3LebXvKs/IMG_9622%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I took this sky bridge to cross back over the street towards New York City. They created all of this entrance stuff brand-new just a few years ago during museum renovation. It’s so nice!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9623" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9623" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UTGfss5xCo0/UYKN1n8gLfI/AAAAAAAASnA/Rx29ye0kRic/IMG_9623%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And they apparently don’t want anyone or anything getting down to the street below.</p> <p align="justify">Let’s head back towards the City to find something to eat, shall we? It’s lunch time!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-59078970818471273832013-05-01T08:11:00.001-07:002013-05-01T08:13:56.312-07:00Bryant Park and a Nighttime Times Square<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9550" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9550" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4TmtPAh770A/UYEwYIIKISI/AAAAAAAASf4/f-4BtuJ3I-g/IMG_9550%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="712" height="1104"></p> <p align="justify">It’s been so much fun wandering aimlessly around one of my favorite cities ever. <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/grand-central-terminal-and-new-york.html">After leaving The New York Public Library</a>, Bryant Park was my next destination.</p> <p align="justify">It’s right next door, so it just made sense.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9552" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9552" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IkyLsPcycds/UYEwYv7uiYI/AAAAAAAASgA/GRxgw9usrTE/IMG_9552%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, because I apparently can’t get enough of it, here it a parting shot of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Building">Chrysler Building</a> as we make our way west.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9553" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9553" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SaL5hGfPzNc/UYEwZJL51PI/AAAAAAAASgI/MrI-qg7fpLk/IMG_9553%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Bryant Park is such a neat place, with tons of offerings for patrons and guests. I’ve seen old men playing checkers and chess, and today I saw young men playing on one of the many free ping pong tables. </p> <p align="justify">Who does that?! Who makes a ping pong table available in the middle of a park? It’s pure brilliance, I tell you.</p> <p align="justify">And, had their language been a little cleaner, I probably would have stayed longer to watch these guys play.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9554" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9554" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IQxTh26JslM/UYEwZhCqDNI/AAAAAAAASgQ/pa6MshTkdB8/IMG_9554%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryant_Park">Bryant Park</a> is a comparatively large spot of green space in the middle of the city. I mean, it’s no <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Park">Central Park</a>, but it is nice and big!</p> <p align="justify">I love this old black-and-gold building, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Radiator_Building">The American Radiator Building</a>. It was built for a radiator company in 1924 and sold in 1998 for $150 million. It is now a hotel with one-hundred thirty rooms and a theater in the basement. Pretty neat, huh?</p> <p align="justify">Can you see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_State_Building">Empire State Building</a> peeking through, too? It’s still one of my favorite landmarks in the city, but I’m sure that everyone says that!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9556" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9556" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AK7TFFVlfPo/UYEwaPXnaDI/AAAAAAAASgY/bSyuNIj3u0M/IMG_9556%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">That big building is the back of the library, which I just left. In fact, in the 1980s, they needed more storage space for the library’s collections. So they dug up Bryant Park and built a huge underground fortress underneath. Then they rebuilt the park on top.</p> <p align="justify">In the summer, they host lots of concerts and cultural events in this green space.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9558" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9558" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m4EcED2XIos/UYEwb4a3LjI/AAAAAAAASgg/9_ij7x2uBJU/IMG_9558%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">It’s a great part of town to come relax while enjoying a hot chocolate or lunch from work.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9559" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9559" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p0dfpMIBPvQ/UYEwcfjwl4I/AAAAAAAASgo/O5M49_TWFoM/IMG_9559%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Lots of the taller buildings in New York City also act as antennas on top to transmit radio signals abroad. </p> <p align="justify">These skyscrapers are some of the tallest in the world, so it makes sense to use them for double-duty!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9560" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9560" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ubhGL9CieMA/UYEwdAhBuRI/AAAAAAAASgw/xK5-El-H8eI/IMG_9560%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Here we are facing south on 6th Avenue before making our way back towards Times Square for the evening.</p> <p align="justify">Do you see that sign that says, “No Standing?” Apparently, in this crazy city, that actually means no parking.</p> <p align="justify">You would totally get that from the sign, right?</p> <p align="justify">I feel badly for the poor tourists who discover that information the hard way.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9561" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9561" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y4CzAsEYzY0/UYEwdhVuijI/AAAAAAAASg4/qlk0h9BvRxA/IMG_9561%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Guess where we are now!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9562" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9562" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5eDQgeyUk9A/UYEweNUpjrI/AAAAAAAAShA/U07uvYfyzYE/IMG_9562%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This sign is kind of funny…last month, the store was out of Hubby’s usual Old Spice Body Wash, so I tried this exact Irish Spring stuff for him.</p> <p align="justify">In case you’re wondering, it smells delicious! Maybe this sign a month previous to purchase is what subconsciously inspired me?</p> <p align="justify">No. My nostrils inspired me, since I smell them all to make my selection. It’s one of my favorite things to do in life…smell men’s body washes.</p> <p align="justify">Is that creepy? The people in the store seemed to think so…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9563" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9563" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7g38NVQmVNE/UYEwetTrQRI/AAAAAAAAShI/0TLNenD7ST8/IMG_9563%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The sun was disappearing, but the crowds were not. Even in this chillier weather, people were out in full-force in Manhattan this evening.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9565" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9565" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--iJ_5ftLaOI/UYEwex-gI9I/AAAAAAAAShQ/kkOHjEztQtk/IMG_9565%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="1085"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Who knew that McDonald’s could look so cool all lit up at night?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9566" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9566" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_DrzpMzyKYw/UYEwfX4ILsI/AAAAAAAAShY/iaHbVfs9A_E/IMG_9566%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="702" height="1083"></p> <p align="justify">And this is a cool shot of a famous landmark…</p> <p align="justify">Can you see it?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9567" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9567" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E3B6s991MEU/UYEwf_TUSFI/AAAAAAAAShg/-15T-b0hvAA/IMG_9567%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="594"></p> <p align="justify">It’s the ball that drops for New Years Eve! I used to think that it would be fun to experience that event once in my life in person. But I’m singing a different tune now. The crowds are just too crazy!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9568" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9568" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-13ZqvA5jzQk/UYEwgXYDheI/AAAAAAAASho/gvEbgN6F0ks/IMG_9568%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I would like to point out my favorite clothing store on the right. Hi, <a href="http://www.loft.com/">LOFT</a>! I love you!</p> <p align="justify">In fact, since I had forgotten to pack a skirt for church a few days later, I did a little shopping at LOFT while in Manhattan. It was so fun to get a skirt and necklace here, since I will always remember that they are from Times Square!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9569" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9569" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2fYU_SquRdw/UYEwg0PHsAI/AAAAAAAAShw/xCqmlSHVu4k/IMG_9569%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="1091"></p> <p align="justify">The evening sky is so pretty with all of these lights. </p> <p align="justify">And all of these <em>cars</em>! Look at them all! I would hate to drive in this city.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9570" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9570" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IJhLZN6Ufj0/UYEwhfhtSXI/AAAAAAAASh4/-dvLdOOpfsI/IMG_9570%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="702" height="1083"></p> <p align="justify">These workers were really burning the midnight oil. Or the nine o’clock oil. It depends on which clock you’re using…</p> <p align="justify">Isn’t it a pretty building all lit up, though? It reminds me of something from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/">Iron Man</a>.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9571" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9571" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6JI814nAz68/UYEwh2X3JxI/AAAAAAAASiA/JgBLgWTXFoA/IMG_9571%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="1087"></p> <p align="justify">I soon left <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_Square">Times Square</a> behind to begin my walk towards the Port Authority Bus Terminal. My feet are telling me that we’ve had enough for one day.</p> <p align="justify">And we get to come back again tomorrow, so why not head back to New Jersey for a little rest tonight?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9574" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9574" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rhk1061ASCk/UYEwidekzqI/AAAAAAAASiI/3t4v5tEY008/IMG_9574%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="1086"></p> <p align="justify">Whenever we came to NYC for my old job, my boss would get a <a href="http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/">Junior’s Cheesecake</a> to bring home to his family. Now I know where they are!</p> <p align="justify">And it’s the <em>most</em> famous restaurant, apparently.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9575" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9575" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tJIMWikPlw0/UYEwi-qElVI/AAAAAAAASiQ/UfBeQ8TE7ys/IMG_9575%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love watching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fieri">Guy Fieri</a> from the Food Network, and he has a new restaurant near Times Square. If it wasn’t so derned expensive, I think that it would be really fun to try a place like this!</p> <p align="justify">Or one of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Flay">Bobby Flay’s</a> restaurants, since I like him even more…</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9576" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9576" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LfJQFCCUvmo/UYEwjeFebmI/AAAAAAAASiY/yxXiLWrGRzo/IMG_9576%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It’s about ten o’clock at night, and it’s time to catch a bus back to my hotel on the other side of the Hudson River. </p> <p align="justify">The Port Authority Bus Terminal is a zoo at any time, but it’s even trickier when the information booths are closed down. Luckily, I’ve done this a few times now and can guestimate which terminal is mine.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9577" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9577" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qSmj03HmmlI/UYEwjia2E1I/AAAAAAAASig/P5C-I_F02q0/IMG_9577%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hasbrouck Heights is where I’m bound, so it’s looks like I’m in the right spot!</p> <p align="justify">See you tomorrow for Day Two of all this fun action. </p> <p align="justify">I love you, New York City!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-52550849007051341242013-04-30T08:11:00.001-07:002013-04-30T08:14:50.180-07:00Grand Central Terminal and The New York City Library<p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9497" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9497" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H7nSoc9RZDE/UX_eykU9OyI/AAAAAAAASbg/F9RFRt5kKT4/IMG_9497%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After seeing <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-american-museum-of-natural-history.html">The American Museum of Natural History</a> just long enough to warm up, it was time to head outside again and enjoy some more of this beautiful city.</p> <p align="justify">Have I mentioned how much I love visiting NYC?</p> <p align="justify">I love the scaffolding all throughout the city. There are always buildings being built or improved. This just feels like New York City to me.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9498" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9498" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X0AXRI4Fg4E/UX_ezYIXzbI/AAAAAAAASbo/tsm6SGBHjLE/IMG_9498%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’m at the very southwest corner of Central Park, looking towards the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JW_Marriott_Essex_House">Marriott Essex House</a> with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump_Tower_(New_York_City)">Trump Tower</a> right behind me.</p> <p align="justify">Old and new in one picture. Can you imagine living in that tall building going up? What a view!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9500" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9500" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HdivwwaGzTU/UX_e0IoQshI/AAAAAAAASbw/cZk-aOAaCnY/IMG_9500%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Sometimes I wonder if I accidentally arrived at Universal Studios when I see this giant metal globe. But, happily, I am still in the heart of Manhattan! It must have just been a neat way to decorate all over the country back in the roaring twenties.</p> <p align="justify">This <a href="http://www.360cities.net/image/columbus-circle-globe-sculpture-at-59-st-and-columbus-avenue-central-park#24.40,-63.20,110.0">globe is located right next to Columbus Circle</a>. Pretty, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9506" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9506" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Nhpq8zetPs/UX_e022jTTI/AAAAAAAASb4/ftsQNcY0wgk/IMG_9506%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Speaking of Columbus Circle, there were lots of skateboarders and roller bladers enjoying the cement benches today. I sat to rest my feet and watch them for a few minutes.</p> <p align="justify">Did you know that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Circle">Columbus Circle</a> is the point from which all official distance measurements are taken in the city? I didn’t know that!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9507" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9507" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VGPU3gYtYgc/UX_e1vGpL4I/AAAAAAAAScA/4eEJ9joHzF0/IMG_9507%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This statue, dedicated to Christopher Columbus, was erected in 1892 during the 400th anniversary of his arrival to the Americas.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="Columbus Circle 1907" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Columbus Circle 1907" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6EGIAcAILhM/UX_e2LVZ8yI/AAAAAAAAScI/OrsXfqhYVII/Columbus%252520Circle%2525201907%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="225"></p> <p align="justify">The place looks just a <em>little</em> different now. I love this picture from Wikipedia!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9508" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9508" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mA5EmKLjYIc/UX_e3HHYVtI/AAAAAAAAScQ/cnlUg3-H5T4/IMG_9508%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">As I continued my walk, I began to look for a place to eat an early dinner. </p> <p align="justify">I passed one of my favorite stores and waved. I’m just happy to see it represented so well here in NYC!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9510" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9510" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-15dDgcU8Ekk/UX_e3aWmLFI/AAAAAAAAScY/MV58EIVDyCU/IMG_9510%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I went into <a href="http://store5.geomerx.com/hah55th8th/">Hale and Hearty</a> to check out their menu. I wish that I would have gotten one of these sandwiches.</p> <p align="justify">I love sandwich places like this. For some reason, I decided to not eat here.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9511" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9511" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qqg_h_BfQ4w/UX_e3z8t73I/AAAAAAAAScg/9fZE57XggTI/IMG_9511%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I promise that these cupcakes weren’t the reason that I finally selected a bagel sandwich shop as my dining location today!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9512" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9512" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KKwY5CK3ISQ/UX_e4S3fWuI/AAAAAAAASco/aNgGi_nJINc/IMG_9512%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Though they <em>do</em> look pretty tempting, don’t they?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9513" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9513" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uu-7zvpu6WQ/UX_e42CcuwI/AAAAAAAAScw/3FsAekPoxO4/IMG_9513%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">These piles of glop aren’t more cupcakes…they are flavored cream cheeses for bagels! </p> <p align="justify">I think that it’s very safe to say that I would never want tofu spread on my bagel. Are we all in agreement on this one?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9514" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9514" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FYVZuZ1UX7E/UX_e5i5PVPI/AAAAAAAASc4/XdVcssNU-EA/IMG_9514%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I decided to get a fresh-made sandwich and went with the Ham and Cheese. Because I’m exciting like that.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9515" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9515" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VH7IEII67kM/UX_e6exdJOI/AAAAAAAASdA/DIOdrRnJ6UE/IMG_9515%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And this was my meal. </p> <p align="justify">I <em>know</em>! I don’t know how that cupcake got there, either!</p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, it wasn’t very good. I only had a few bites before deciding that it just wasn’t worth the calories. </p> <p align="justify">Appearances were deceiving, in this case. Because it looked like it should taste amazing!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9517" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9517" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_q6HJYrwlNQ/UX_e6ma-4oI/AAAAAAAASdI/9mtyfYkLCIs/IMG_9517%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After eating half the sandwich, I headed back outside to continue exploring the city.</p> <p align="justify">I really felt like I was in the thick of things when I passed this window full of NYC pizza!</p> <p align="justify">Which one would you pick?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9519" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9519" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jn6w76mA2Dg/UX_e7ZbYttI/AAAAAAAASdQ/L8WpZlqZBH4/IMG_9519%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I can’t imagine why anyone would want to do it, with such wonderful public transportation available and all, but there are several ways to park your car for the day/month/year. This was one of the more structured ways, which an actual building. Most of the parking sites are just metal elevators that move cars up and down to stack them on top of each other.</p> <p align="justify">It would just be a logistical nightmare to figure out who needs their car when! Can you imagine paying $50 a day to park? That adds up to a whole lot of money after a month of leaving your car behind!</p> <p align="justify">One word: subway.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9521" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9521" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZKbfXOlh4E8/UX_e8HG0SJI/AAAAAAAASdY/P1YgissP_8g/IMG_9521%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I loved this little cluster of shops with such bright colors. It felt like an older building that had been left alone to shine. </p> <p align="justify">It would be fun to live on the upper floors of these short guys.</p> <p align="justify">But I must admit…I would prefer the view (and the distance from the noisy streets) on a much higher floor!</p> <p align="justify">Beggars can’t be choosers, right?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9523" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9523" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Sx98nyE5GR4/UX_e8uLjiFI/AAAAAAAASdg/dyhCqBZc1pc/IMG_9523%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I made my way down to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_Avenue_(Manhattan)">Avenue of the Americas</a> and found a lovely bench on which to rest.</p> <p align="justify">Unfortunately, the bench was made of granite and was not the warmest option available. But it felt good to give my feet a little break while watching people quickly wander past!</p> <p align="justify">It amazes me how much people pay attention to their electronic devices instead of to other people. No one even looked up to see those around them. It makes me sad.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9524" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9524" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-taFl75o-QpQ/UX_e9X67P4I/AAAAAAAASdo/cA9fdOoW8MY/IMG_9524%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Isn’t this building just beautiful?! Look at all of that detail!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9526" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9526" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OyE-ASHKAVQ/UX_e9wQw3II/AAAAAAAASdw/t2D_XlzmGAY/IMG_9526%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Way in the distance, you can see my next targeted destination.</p> <p align="justify">Can you see the green roof? Where am I going?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9529" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9529" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YMwWAUaKsD8/UX_e-pOGmtI/AAAAAAAASd4/jlDdw-QuWKw/IMG_9529%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="1093"></p> <p align="justify">Hi, Grand Central! You haven’t changed a bit.</p> <p align="justify">This is the world’s sixth-most visited tourist destination and receives over 21 million visitors each year.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9530" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9530" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vahf0jquMr0/UX_e_JDINaI/AAAAAAAASeA/iUvAwfFsYhc/IMG_9530%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And look who’s turning 100 years old this year!</p> <p align="justify">That birthday is only for this latest version of the station, which is called Grand Central Terminal. There have been trains and stations here since 1871, but they have constantly changed, evolved, been torn down and rebuilt, and finally finished in 1913. </p> <p align="justify">Amtrak used to be based here, too, but is now located in Penn Station a little further south.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9532" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9532" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gm7IgKfSD74/UX_e_5skF0I/AAAAAAAASeI/jULzlMwUQs0/IMG_9532%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="1092"></p> <p align="justify">Ah, the Chrysler Building. </p> <p align="justify">There was quite the race in the late 1920s to have the tallest building in the world. For almost an entire year, this was the tallest. Then along came a little place we like to call the Empire State Building.</p> <p align="justify">The Chrysler Building, which was intended to be the headquarters for the Chrysler Corporation, was built incredibly fast at four floors per week! And not a single construction worker died during its creation, which is quite a miracle on its own.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9533" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9533" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ExhehM9lFQY/UX_fAjTaq9I/AAAAAAAASeQ/cVlmAvCX81I/IMG_9533%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Another chair to sit on while I watch people! </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9534" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9534" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nUEc_xFQbR8/UX_fBN1efAI/AAAAAAAASeY/t3QoTyhaTI8/IMG_9534%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Lots of locals and visitors alike walk the streets of Fifth Avenue. This H&M store is new.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9538" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9538" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7BNq90F0CMM/UX_fB3l-YyI/AAAAAAAASeg/BMA83k4Uuts/IMG_9538%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My chair was in the courtyard for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Public_Library">New York City Public Library</a>, which is such a beautiful building inside and out. I had never been inside, so I took my chances today and made it through the entrance.</p> <p align="justify">The New York City Public Library is the second-largest in the country (behind the Library of Congress) and third-largest in the world. It was a treat to see it all in person today!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9537" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9537" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uRr_VFeoYz8/UX_fCRNsFDI/AAAAAAAASeo/voDjhieVPIc/IMG_9537%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="1096"></p> <p align="justify">And, like every other building in New York City, this place was decked out to the nines. Look at that ornamental ceiling from which hang those awesome, original lights!</p> <p align="justify">I want these lanterns for my patio. Wouldn’t that be cool?</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9539" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9539" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/---ddRELeOgY/UX_fC_fWWgI/AAAAAAAASew/gyxrzqDGo-Q/IMG_9539%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is one of my favorite pictures from the day because of those little fairy lights adding pizazz to the shot.</p> <p align="justify">It <em>almost</em> looks magical! Almost.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9540" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9540" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s2evyXZkTrc/UX_fDVPRAVI/AAAAAAAASe4/gcT5qBr9368/IMG_9540%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I went upstairs to see what I could find in this massive building.</p> <p align="justify">The cornerstone was laid in 1902 with an expected three-year building period. However, it took a year just to move the books from two other libraries (the Astor and Lenox)! Over seventy-five miles of shelves were installed!</p> <p align="justify">The building finally opened its doors for public use in 1911 after a modern-day equivalent of $1.4 billion from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Carnegie">Andrew Carnegie</a> was given to build the library.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9543" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9543" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xf8ssIjEsss/UX_fD3tmppI/AAAAAAAASfA/-nWWtyhBn8Q/IMG_9543%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And it’s just breathtaking. I can see why it took so long to build with such incredible detail in every turn!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9544" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9544" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uXz_ddiT_WU/UX_fEdS1goI/AAAAAAAASfI/N4irwTpvZ1c/IMG_9544%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I mean, just look at the ceiling! Can you imagine painting those little tiny gold details, and then doing it about a million times more?</p> <p align="justify">It is so pretty, though. </p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9545" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9545" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b2_X6HISiBQ/UX_fE4gB6QI/AAAAAAAASfQ/p3iKQFIkRyM/IMG_9545%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are lots of gorgeous stone carvings throughout as well. </p> <p align="justify">If you have trouble focusing on one thing, then this is just the building for you!</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9546" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9546" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C2iguJbL9Vo/UX_fFv6zOZI/AAAAAAAASfY/wlDVgdR_9pw/IMG_9546%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="713" height="1100"></p> <p align="justify">I’m sure that the library rotates through visiting art displays, but I happened to catch it during a tribute to artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Cassatt">Mary Cassatt</a>. It was neat to the see the initial sketches from some of her famous paintings.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9547" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9547" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dlkM8sYfevM/UX_fGFehgXI/AAAAAAAASfg/xYFAo5AyO2k/IMG_9547%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">In one of the library reading rooms, all of the walls were covered in ancient artwork in original frames. So I wandered around the room to admire them all, trying (sometimes unsuccessfully) to miss the squeaky floor boards.</p> <p align="justify">And then I found a picture of one of my favorite men from American history.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington">George</a> really <em>is</em> all that.</p> <p align="justify"><img title="IMG_9549" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9549" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QcnkaahaIdg/UX_fGkWZ2tI/AAAAAAAASfo/RJBmXBydiVg/IMG_9549%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Two marble lions guard the entrance to the library, and they are named “Patience” and “Fortitude.” This one looks pretty patient, so I bet that’s who it is.</p> <p align="justify">It was fun to see inside such a beautiful building today! That was certainly something new for me. Did you see anything new for you?</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-273069452754996602013-04-29T07:56:00.001-07:002013-04-29T08:04:21.832-07:00The American Museum of Natural History<p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9438" border="0" alt="IMG_9438" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HssGIgqXY6o/UX6JqCbe58I/AAAAAAAASWo/F8w4-Y9inhI/IMG_9438%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Oh, it’s been a grand tour of NYC so far. Can you believe that I get to have all this fun while at work?!</p> <p align="justify">In case you missed them, here are the first two posts from this visit.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/times-square-i-heart-you.html">Times Square, I Heart You</a><br><a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/magnolia-bakery-cupcakes-and-central.html">Magnolia Bakery and Central Park</a></p> <p align="justify">Can you see Moroni trumpeting into the clouds?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9440" border="0" alt="IMG_9440" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4LsmCG_CpfQ/UX6Jq2a7FPI/AAAAAAAASWw/FN3OLmUdc6I/IMG_9440%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Across the street from him is the <a href="http://lc.lincolncenter.org/">Lincoln Center</a>. This part of town always seems to distinguished to me. Maybe it’s because lots of symphonies and ballets perform at the Lincoln Center?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9444" border="0" alt="IMG_9444" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-50EdPqo7uqQ/UX6JrshPqXI/AAAAAAAASW4/PTvWFUVTXLA/IMG_9444%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I didn’t purchase anything, but I thought that this little ice cream waffle stand looked cute. Even with it less than fifty degrees, people were lining up for these chilly treats!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9445" border="0" alt="IMG_9445" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3uAXkRDUrZk/UX6JsVxQhnI/AAAAAAAASXA/GeYC0P4i3uU/IMG_9445%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Another pretty picture of the <a href="http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/manhattan/">LDS Manhattan Temple</a>.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9446" border="0" alt="IMG_9446" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pW_TeUQWMwA/UX6Jtkv8CDI/AAAAAAAASXI/ZYV0rdiyIrY/IMG_9446%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="776"></p> <p align="justify">I saw this bag in the window of the Tumi store. Isn’t it cute? I love the colors and the design! It would be fun to have such cute luggage. </p> <p align="justify">But I’m rather happy with my suitcase, which my Dad gave me for high school graduation (um….last year). It’s <em>still</em> holding up like a champ!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9448" border="0" alt="IMG_9448" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-szqEawZtt5g/UX6Juc89mRI/AAAAAAAASXQ/4Q6XDIpXQBs/IMG_9448%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was really fun to wander for a few minutes, with no firm plan in mind. Sometimes, this tactic leads me on the best adventures!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9449" border="0" alt="IMG_9449" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YQo5nqk9jD4/UX6JvPdoB6I/AAAAAAAASXY/ZZbeDBp7WRE/IMG_9449%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is the subway station that I used last September to visit the temple. I love its old shape and iron work. </p> <p align="justify">Did you know that the NYC subway system has been going strong since 1905? And that a blizzard in 1888 is what really made them think of underground transportation? And that it is the seventh-busiest metro system in the world? And has over 460 stations (the most in the world) with 209 miles of track?</p> <p align="justify">Yeah, I didn’t know any of that, either. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway">Thanks, Wikipedia</a>.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9450" border="0" alt="IMG_9450" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EWjMTgkp2zQ/UX6JwI-tshI/AAAAAAAASXg/7x9PxCJBeuw/IMG_9450%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had read before visiting the city about some must-see stops for food throughout NYC. I thought that I was so lucky to have stumbled upon this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray's_Papaya">Gray’s Papaya</a>, which is famous for great hot dogs!</p> <p align="justify">I found out later that there are several locations. But at the time, I considered it fate telling me to eat one.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9452" border="0" alt="IMG_9452" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0yUtas9RoJI/UX6JwtOndXI/AAAAAAAASXo/wJqYwSHW0mw/IMG_9452%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The interior was a little…well, overwhelming. I didn’t know where to look or how to order! </p> <p align="justify">Dang tourist.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9453" border="0" alt="IMG_9453" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qtTuO-uJkwI/UX6JxUCrz_I/AAAAAAAASXw/DN-kI58AIYE/IMG_9453%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Luckily, the workers were patient with me. And I walked out with a hot little dog in my hand.</p> <p align="justify">And it <em>was</em> delicious, in case you’re wondering.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9454" border="0" alt="IMG_9454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b9xPzwdHeyw/UX6JyKc7SLI/AAAAAAAASX4/YaD_qSmvcH0/IMG_9454%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I loved how integrated these old spires were into this city block. They remind me of something at Disneyland, which I get to visit next week with my Mama and little brother. So maybe I was just getting a little too excited ahead of time?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9455" border="0" alt="IMG_9455" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HqcsUWq4IBU/UX6Jy9K0AAI/AAAAAAAASYA/nlqmv2A22-g/IMG_9455%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This part of town, on the west side of upper Central Park, is one of my favorites to visit. I love the old charm and character of the buildings, built from the mid-1800s and up. </p> <p align="justify">Isn’t that spired building in the distance pretty?</p> <p align="justify">And doesn’t it look like the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Zone_Tower_of_Terror">Tower of Terror</a>?!</p> <p align="justify">Oh man, there I go again.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9456" border="0" alt="IMG_9456" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iksM6IynaRI/UX6Jzw2hruI/AAAAAAAASYI/qO1sCISl37o/IMG_9456%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">During the late 1800s, this ornamental design was carried on lots of buildings. It wasn’t until the art deco age of the late 1920s and 1930s that this look started to be phased out in newer buildings.</p> <p align="justify">I can’t really see them putting little angels on buildings today, can you?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9457" border="0" alt="IMG_9457" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ed-5bp9ljZI/UX6J08Ym_0I/AAAAAAAASYQ/w2bbdr4DuDs/IMG_9457%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This was another fine eating establishment that topped everyone’s list of must-eat places while visiting New York City.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://www.shakeshack.com/">The Shake Shack</a>.</p> <p align="justify">I passed a few of these burger joints while wandering NYC over two days, and they were always filled to the brim with people and had lines starting around the block!</p> <p align="justify">Maybe there <em>is</em> something to this? I think that I’ll sacrifice the waiting time next visit to give this place a try.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9460" border="0" alt="IMG_9460" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S6YAAfFYHlo/UX6J1iqyyEI/AAAAAAAASYY/ergQWqx9dOU/IMG_9460%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I walked east a few blocks to arrive at <a href="http://www.amnh.org/">The American Museum of Natural History</a>. The sign says that it was made in 1869, so another old one! I love it!</p> <p align="justify">I think that a building this size was just incredible back then. Heck, it’s incredible <em>now</em>!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9462" border="0" alt="IMG_9462" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4yyfdkf4_D0/UX6J2bB1gPI/AAAAAAAASYg/aqFtzdWvjzs/IMG_9462%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="707" height="1091"></p> <p align="justify">From my south entrance to this (free!) museum, I first saw a giant, ancient canoe. </p> <p align="justify">Doesn’t this make you think of the chants in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney's_Enchanted_Tiki_Room">Enchanted Tiki Room</a> at Disneyland?</p> <p align="justify">No? That’s just me? Hmmmm.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9463" border="0" alt="IMG_9463" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l43M-EqXgsY/UX6J3aouHuI/AAAAAAAASYo/yWWbZoXDiZU/IMG_9463%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">These little farm toys were so cute, even though they were also supposed to be educational in showing the different progression of machinery use for farming over the centuries.</p> <p align="justify">Growing up, we had a little farm set to play with. The pigs were about the size of a pinky fingernail, and the chickens were even smaller! We certainly got our money’s worth from that set, since we played with it all winter long for many years.</p> <p align="justify">Even better? It is in my possession now! I sometimes ask Hubby if he wants to play Farm Set with me. He always just smiles. </p> <p align="justify">I don’t think that he gets it.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9466" border="0" alt="IMG_9466" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6SJscngHahw/UX6J4cUOwNI/AAAAAAAASYw/kZloj51BdwU/IMG_9466%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This giant tree was several millennium old when they cut it down. I’m sure that they would be hanged until dead if they cut such an old tree down these days, but it was just incredible to see the cross sections up close!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9467" border="0" alt="IMG_9467" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1E5vGjhPrXk/UX6J5IvKnyI/AAAAAAAASY4/3SkzAMOTxhQ/IMG_9467%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="678" height="476"></p> <p align="justify">I loved the colors in this display of what-grows-where in America. </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9469" border="0" alt="IMG_9469" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZuFX-Nzhtck/UX6J5uqCg5I/AAAAAAAASZA/yhcyG3KMqlI/IMG_9469%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Now <em>that’s</em> a jellyfish! </p> <p align="justify">I wandered towards the ocean life pavilion, which I hadn’t visited for about five years.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9470" border="0" alt="IMG_9470" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CSh70KDN39U/UX6J6TAunbI/AAAAAAAASZI/QOGPeolR5Nc/IMG_9470%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I love the hanging displays of what swims deep below. </p> <p align="justify">I’m still trying to figure out why there seems to be a dodo bird in this mix, though.</p> <p align="justify">Anyone?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9472" border="0" alt="IMG_9472" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LANfm7bhFww/UX6J7KHIvXI/AAAAAAAASZQ/wjMwtrkSRqA/IMG_9472%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is the big guy that I wanted to see the most today. I am always just in awe of something so <em>giant</em> being in existence! This <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_whale">blue whale</a> is mind-boggling to me!</p> <p align="justify">Can you imagine how much <em>stuff</em> this guy has to eat in a day to feel full?!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9474" border="0" alt="IMG_9474" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8mWBEP3-q7Q/UX6J8AKhH7I/AAAAAAAASZY/H1RYZbMIF8w/IMG_9474%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="454"></p> <p align="justify">Man, I am really on a Disney kick.</p> <p align="justify">Doesn’t this squid guy look like the one that attacked Captain Nemo in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20,000_Leagues_Under_the_Sea_(1954_film)">20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</a>?</p> <p align="justify">I thought so, too! It must be the eyes…</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9477" border="0" alt="IMG_9477" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qVctEOgHylo/UX6J82avAZI/AAAAAAAASZg/aAQRFmKiVVE/IMG_9477%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I guess that I should just tell you all now…I don’t like sharks. Not one single bit.</p> <p align="justify">They are probably Number Three on my list of things that should have been left off the Ark.</p> <p align="justify">Scorpions, of course, are on the top of that list, followed closely by their cousins, the spiders. Sharks are right behind, though I have to admit…where I live, it’s a little easier to avoid sharks than the other two.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9478" border="0" alt="IMG_9478" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cqmLK7QZFyg/UX6J9i3w-bI/AAAAAAAASZo/lXKaiGdlBgc/IMG_9478%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They have a giant screen showing educational movies about underwater creatures, and it’s located right underneath this big ol’ blue guy here. </p> <p align="justify">It almost looks like the whale is watching the show with them, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9479" border="0" alt="IMG_9479" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8aXY7ISmIIc/UX6J-FRu1ZI/AAAAAAAASZw/ttIlBA0KVJg/IMG_9479%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are some pretty big things under the sea, as shown by this display of a human scuba diver next to lots of fishes and such.</p> <p align="justify">I’m OK with dolphins…and <em>maybe</em> the type of fish played by Dory in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finding_Nemo">Finding Nemo</a>, but that’s about it. Lots of these other little guys are a little creepy.</p> <p align="justify">Also, let it be known that I would <em>never</em> swim with these types of critters.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9480" border="0" alt="IMG_9480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uGVq688auq8/UX6J-84wvhI/AAAAAAAASZ4/aNgHBArXZ80/IMG_9480%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I moved away from the scary undersea monsters to visit some displays of ancient America. </p> <p align="justify">This museum is wonderful, by the way. You could spend an entire week in here and still not have enough time to see the whole building! I love it!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9483" border="0" alt="IMG_9483" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-04XSTpxykI4/UX6J_t82yzI/AAAAAAAASaA/GulFit1oY6A/IMG_9483%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There is an entire hall dedicated to the mammals of North America, which means lots of big, hairy things with antlers and horns.</p> <p align="justify">I don’t know how to count them, but I think that these two guys would make a nice score with antlers like that!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9485" border="0" alt="IMG_9485" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6MJ52TnIqzk/UX6KAHZJNUI/AAAAAAAASaI/kslg6LddrB4/IMG_9485%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Big Horn Sheep. Now you can call your day complete.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9487" border="0" alt="IMG_9487" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1j-kVT76V3o/UX6KAu2G_bI/AAAAAAAASaQ/RQwt6q7gSok/IMG_9487%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Look at the claws on these grizzly bears! They can actually run pretty fast, too. I would hate to ever be caught in that situation.</p> <p align="justify">I’ve heard that it’s best to run downhill, if possible. Because their front legs are longer than their back ones, they have a hard time being fast when going downhill.</p> <p align="justify"><em>Disclaimer: this blog is in no way meant to help you survive a bear chase. User discretion is advised. Don’t blame me if it doesn’t go well for you.</em></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9488" border="0" alt="IMG_9488" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bs84e0GYy_8/UX6KBFzFNJI/AAAAAAAASaY/NTuUodLP4-0/IMG_9488%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">After a little exploring inside, it was time to leave the crowds behind to head out to Manhattan once again. This was the museum exit towards the east. I only did a tiny portion of one floor today! Sheesh!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9489" border="0" alt="IMG_9489" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UUTX-qrc9kY/UX6KCX1QUqI/AAAAAAAASag/IetaGbdP7Cc/IMG_9489%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="708" height="1093"></p> <p align="justify">This is the entrance to the museum that faces Central Park. Don’t you love buildings like this?!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9490" border="0" alt="IMG_9490" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JuMlGCxf9Ow/UX6KCy1bzYI/AAAAAAAASao/_sT36KVv8t0/IMG_9490%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, of course, naked-men-with-horses is a totally appropriate statue to represent a fine center for learning.</p> <p align="justify">This horse was grossed out by the whole idea, actually.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9491" border="0" alt="IMG_9491" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yQYOtqOi6_Q/UX6KDnkuPJI/AAAAAAAASaw/sgRNoyq7I0M/IMG_9491%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">There are a few subway stops to get here, too, if you don’t want to walk. But I was happy to explore on foot today. You see more that way, you know?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9492" border="0" alt="IMG_9492" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lRddil392YM/UX6KE2JlZCI/AAAAAAAASa4/Wp3nDC9akVs/IMG_9492%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="1086"></p> <p align="justify">President Abe Lincoln was just a block away, standing on the steps to the Historical Society Museum.</p> <p align="justify">I really love life-size statues. It gives such a real sense of their true height! He was pretty tall!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9493" border="0" alt="IMG_9493" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LndoTJT5GQQ/UX6KFSURkmI/AAAAAAAASbA/cbt43L8L6nQ/IMG_9493%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This would be a fun street on which to live. A few blocks from the museum and just across the street from Central Park?</p> <p align="justify">Yes, please!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9494" border="0" alt="IMG_9494" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o1H4Idoe8os/UX6KGA2YDNI/AAAAAAAASbI/f_-EkUcR6Fg/IMG_9494%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Of course, I would prefer a top floor, to enhance my view.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9495" border="0" alt="IMG_9495" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kWUjVgxoZtA/UX6KGpDTfhI/AAAAAAAASbQ/JD-J6gqUx7A/IMG_9495%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And, also of course, I would want sea dragons and Poseidon protecting my home at all times.</p> <p align="justify">So there you have it! A quick stop into the Museum of Natural History, as well as some gorgeous NYC buildings and hot dogs.</p> <p align="justify">More to come this week! I hope that you’re enjoying these visits as much as me! It’s fun to relive them through blogging.</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-1582700721089425392013-04-26T04:37:00.000-07:002013-04-26T04:37:00.274-07:00Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes and Central Park<p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9386" border="0" alt="IMG_9386" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mGgHaFfJSN0/UXnqGKQJA2I/AAAAAAAASSY/nm__Hrfo6mE/IMG_9386%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="705" height="1097"></p> <p align="justify">After a <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/times-square-i-heart-you.html">lovely meal of empanadas and pork dumplings</a> from stationary food trucks in Times Square, I knew where my next destination would take me.</p> <p align="justify">I walked by this neat pass-through to another street, however, and loved how it looked!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9388" border="0" alt="IMG_9388" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E_hCIIbDOAo/UXnqGlAncMI/AAAAAAAASSg/Cdkw5IYe0U8/IMG_9388%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But my treat for today was a cupcake at the famous <a href="http://www.magnoliabakery.com/">Magnolia Bakery</a>. </p> <p align="justify">Last time that I was in NYC, I didn’t own a smartphone. May I just say that it is a rather nice thing to have in this city? I walked straight to this place! And didn’t hardly get lost, yo!</p> <p align="justify">In fact, that trip last fall was what helped me to decide to finally join the smartphone wagon. I wasted so much time trying to find things that I wanted to see!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9390" border="0" alt="IMG_9390" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ozkWrPv4LR4/UXnqHBNLHHI/AAAAAAAASSo/AaQ7CYvGYyA/IMG_9390%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Anyway, where was I?</p> <p align="justify">Oh yeah. Cupcakes. At the famous Magnolia Bakery in Manhattan.</p> <p align="justify">As you can see, I wasn’t the only one with a craving for portable cake this fine afternoon.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9391" border="0" alt="IMG_9391" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PBwIgqjpC90/UXnqHj4Kd9I/AAAAAAAASSw/XZdx71V48Lo/IMG_9391%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And I tried to order a slice from each of these decadent cakes before I remembered my true reason for being here.</p> <p align="justify">A <em>small</em> portion of cake wouldn’t totally bust my healthy goals.</p> <p align="justify">A slice of cake from <em>eleven</em> cakes may have thrown me a little off.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9392" border="0" alt="IMG_9392" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J7KqlzmM1rc/UXnqIDmkiUI/AAAAAAAASS4/LK2ZkQFJM6Y/IMG_9392%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Now we’re talking. And they had almost as many worker bees behind the glass as patrons in the store! This place was busy!</p> <p align="justify">Oooo, doesn’t the vanilla-with-chocolate-frosted cupcake look divine?</p> <p align="justify">I’m hungry…</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9393" border="0" alt="IMG_9393" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WaWk9HMBGQc/UXnqIVTUqkI/AAAAAAAASTA/1k4Go0gpiZE/IMG_9393%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I got my personal favorite…the Red Velvet. When in doubt, go Red Velvet. </p> <p align="justify">I have that tattoo.</p> <p align="justify">It was just…OK. The frosting tasted more like marshmallow crème. It was kind of a weird taste and texture. </p> <p align="justify">I’ll just say this: <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Cupcake%20Stand">my cupcakes</a> are better.</p> <p align="justify">Sorry, Magnolia.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9396" border="0" alt="IMG_9396" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QMO8SI-pqCw/UXnqJIlRnpI/AAAAAAAASTI/bQIFGTgnC6E/IMG_9396%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After my tummy had a sweet treat, I knew that I had lots of walking to do to burn it all off! So I headed north once again towards one of my favorite spots in the city!</p> <p align="justify">First, I passed this headless woman and felt sorry for her.</p> <p align="justify">And look at the size of that Hilton! Can you imagine how expensive it is to take up so much horizontal real estate in Manhattan?!</p> <p align="justify">Build up, guys! Build <em>up</em>!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9397" border="0" alt="IMG_9397" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--SulIwP-Hfc/UXnqJmCvPVI/AAAAAAAASTQ/cql6gGx9Cuk/IMG_9397%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The <a href="http://www.warwickhotelny.com/">Warwick Hotel</a>! Actually, it is surprisingly affordable. For just $250 a night, you can stay here in Manhattan in a cool, old, original, probably-haunted hotel.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9399" border="0" alt="IMG_9399" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mC1CzpYpIZM/UXnqKGF51RI/AAAAAAAASTY/ZePNaKu2U80/IMG_9399%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Looks like NYC has a little Philly envy since they’re trying to steal the same sculptures.</p> <p align="justify">Poor Philly. Always number two.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9400" border="0" alt="IMG_9400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r9gEtFoqEOA/UXnqKnVqyhI/AAAAAAAASTg/jTMIgS8YalY/IMG_9400%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But enough walking! Let’s get to the main event for today!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9401" border="0" alt="IMG_9401" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NkfcdKzp-Es/UXnqLYPmJKI/AAAAAAAASTo/kRzmGxOCvXE/IMG_9401%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Any guesses? Or did the giant title of this post already give it away?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9402" border="0" alt="IMG_9402" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UdHmUZxS1t0/UXnqL_5xBdI/AAAAAAAASTw/bfCpuolzp9M/IMG_9402%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You’ll certainly know after seeing this horse-drawn carriage.</p> <p align="justify">Once again, I’m freaking out NYC horses. </p> <p align="justify">It’s a skill, what can I say?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9405" border="0" alt="IMG_9405" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-72S0xQN_HtE/UXnqMrpEKTI/AAAAAAAAST4/yduZ23i53u0/IMG_9405%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With calories from marshmallow frosting to burn, I climbed this <strike>mountain</strike> anthill to get a better view. That little hut up there kind of reminds me of <em>The Hobbit</em>, for some reason!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9406" border="0" alt="IMG_9406" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wq-WQqIqGVE/UXnqNJhmDLI/AAAAAAAASUA/vHRrgc61VDg/IMG_9406%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is probably my favorite picture from the entire day.</p> <p align="justify">Can you see why?</p> <p align="justify">It captured the <em>real</em> NYC by having a homeless person in the shot! </p> <p align="justify">You can’t plan these things, people!</p> <p align="justify">Well, you probably could. But that would be mean. This just <em>happened</em>. </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9408" border="0" alt="IMG_9408" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4_xbBiMe67Q/UXnqNmUazpI/AAAAAAAASUI/UgFIBgeW6Ag/IMG_9408%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">From my tall vantage point, I took a gander around the beautiful Central Park. For some reason, I’ve never really gone inside this place before. I’ve always just walked by and waved like a creepy person.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9409" border="0" alt="IMG_9409" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ocuQBDqEyq8/UXnqOalu0ZI/AAAAAAAASUQ/D-5AXj3HmDE/IMG_9409%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I sat on this wooden bench to warm up…until I realized that this bench wouldn’t help my cold bum in any way. But it was a nice view!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9410" border="0" alt="IMG_9410" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t6OlUg96kHY/UXnqO291EVI/AAAAAAAASUY/1iVPaCRE3lc/IMG_9410%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="566"></p> <p align="justify">I chit-chatted with this little guy for a few hours before he hastily ran away.</p> <p align="justify">That fur coat looks like a good idea. I’ll have to remember that next time!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9413" border="0" alt="IMG_9413" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Em-WM8hjCnQ/UXnqPwgquKI/AAAAAAAASUg/vtG1Eoivwas/IMG_9413%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="698" height="1077"></p> <p align="justify">I came down from my mountain and even had a few stairs carved out of the rock to guide me along. </p> <p align="justify">I think they gave up a little too quickly, don’t you? </p> <p align="justify">Come on, guys. Only two stairs? You could do better than that.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9415" border="0" alt="IMG_9415" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-baV7rHbzLMU/UXnqQqMYlUI/AAAAAAAASUo/BwU0SJMDju0/IMG_9415%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This was an unexpected treasure today! I always hear of (and watch movies showing it really does exist) of ice skating in Central Park, but I got to witness it for myself today!</p> <p align="justify">It was just a lot of kids taking lessons. Not very many romantic couples poorly skating, like I would have thought.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9417" border="0" alt="IMG_9417" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BAnxyKeLHGo/UXnqRGFqkNI/AAAAAAAASUw/bQQpHLr5Qd8/IMG_9417%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But these teenagers perched on a rock to watch the skaters was funny to me. Aren’t these random, huge boulders so cool?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9418" border="0" alt="IMG_9418" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0USyU6QK4G0/UXnqRyYvfUI/AAAAAAAASU4/OODmr7OJbak/IMG_9418%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">You could get a nice workout with the inclines and declines found all throughout this place. </p> <p align="justify">I love the old bridges and lamp posts.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9419" border="0" alt="IMG_9419" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JrP2O8_Ueeg/UXnqSdnJyDI/AAAAAAAASVA/46z2wUrWuqI/IMG_9419%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="476"></p> <p align="justify">Three lamp posts in a row! Sheesh!</p> <p align="justify">I guess that I should move on?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9420" border="0" alt="IMG_9420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_4JxqRaSfKg/UXnqTPix18I/AAAAAAAASVI/L7oLRpOqGdo/IMG_9420%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was mid-March when I was enjoying my lovely day in Manhattan, so there wasn’t much snow (but there had been the week before and was again just a few days after we left. Phew!). Every once in a while, some green grass came peeking through the brown stuff on the ground.</p> <p align="justify">I can’t even imagine how pretty this would be with all of the leaves in!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9421" border="0" alt="IMG_9421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9BOWSL5rKBk/UXnqTsy9TjI/AAAAAAAASVQ/d0G6y6irCB4/IMG_9421%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is called The Dairy, and that’s all I know about it. Except that it looks like something straight out of Fantasyland in Disneyland. </p> <p align="justify">Don’t you think so, Mama? Is that the wicked queen peeking out the window up top?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9422" border="0" alt="IMG_9422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wbWQ5x6Q7E4/UXnqUZAW8XI/AAAAAAAASVY/ttNRHc-SgXY/IMG_9422%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hello, little horse-drawn carriage! He looks a little down to me. </p> <p align="justify">Someone, give that horse a carrot!</p> <p align="justify">They like apples, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9424" border="0" alt="IMG_9424" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rjDlpOQOMIc/UXnqVDZP9aI/AAAAAAAASVg/lPlnI42xfyA/IMG_9424%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It just boggles the mind to think of all the drug deals that have taken place in this tunnel. Can you even imagine?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9427" border="0" alt="IMG_9427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FNdv-1Do9mM/UXnqVnOxVGI/AAAAAAAASVo/t2c6JfZqO9s/IMG_9427%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I sat like a creeper (I borrowed your word, Randi!), and watched this old-school carousel in action. It played modern music using old carny instruments. It was fun to listen to for a few minutes.</p> <p align="justify">I was also on another bench. When walking for miles each day, proper resting is necessary.</p> <p align="justify">I wasn’t tired yet, but, hey, free creepy music.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9429" border="0" alt="IMG_9429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fZl85v0QqYw/UXnqWYJNhnI/AAAAAAAASVw/Bv0wcnsQ-dY/IMG_9429%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This guy just warmed my heart.</p> <p align="justify">He was so proud of his poodles. And anyone who even looked their way was graced by his sweet conversation about them. He stopped to talk to dozens of people as I watched, and that was just in the fifty feet in front of me.</p> <p align="justify">It’s probably the highlight of his day. Bless his heart. I thought that it was cute.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9431" border="0" alt="IMG_9431" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ac2b5I6g5-w/UXnqWy-JvxI/AAAAAAAASV4/yYMnOku5V1A/IMG_9431%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had no idea that there were so many baseball diamonds located in Central Park. Wouldn’t it be fun to watch a Little League game from here with those gorgeous buildings rising behind?</p> <p align="justify">Right behind the Essex House is a new high-rise building for residential living. What a view of the Park! I bet it’s a little steep in pricing, too.</p> <p align="justify">Oh well. A girl can dream, right?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9433" border="0" alt="IMG_9433" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wnu8v6bg464/UXnqXk0kwoI/AAAAAAAASWA/5FRdSgFEHwU/IMG_9433%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">My final view of looking back over Central Park before I headed west. </p> <p align="justify">This whole area is magical. </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9434" border="0" alt="IMG_9434" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DdHenq81iKs/UXnqYVrkv1I/AAAAAAAASWI/Cb_YRv1dceA/IMG_9434%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="702" height="1082"></p> <p align="justify">Just across the street from Central Park to the west was this gorgeous church. I literally caught my breath when I looked up to see it.</p> <p align="justify">Or maybe I was just out of breath from all that cake?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9436" border="0" alt="IMG_9436" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V5J2tWjAh8s/UXnqZL_VFQI/AAAAAAAASWQ/87s2DWdjDEA/IMG_9436%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Either way, it was fun to admire this old church. I love ancient buildings like this.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9437" border="0" alt="IMG_9437" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2GNHso7bu9k/UXnqZuDgG-I/AAAAAAAASWY/zSxLOH71AZ4/IMG_9437%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">How ancient? Well, just look at the timeframe to complete it!</p> <p align="justify">Who on earth has the patience to build a church for thirty-four years? It is so admirable of them!</p> <p align="justify">So there you have it! Something for my sweet tooth, and then a lovely walk through the Park.</p> <p align="justify">Literally.</p> <p align="justify">More NYC coming all next week. I tend to take way too many pictures of places that I love. And I’m only sharing a third of them, if you can imagine that!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-74501450090011809632013-04-25T04:15:00.000-07:002013-04-25T04:15:00.258-07:00Times Square, I Heart You<p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9340" border="0" alt="IMG_9340" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-52ri_yl-5Xg/UXiwyNp3SAI/AAAAAAAASOY/oGuZYcYsZ_w/IMG_9340%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-few-days-chilling-literally-in-new.html">a few crummy weather days</a> in my hotel, it was finally warm (enough) and sunny. I could hardly wait to get into the city to wander around aimlessly!</p> <p align="justify">My day began by taking the hotel shuttle to the New Jersey Transit bus stop. After paying $4.25, this giant tour bus took me all the way to the Port Authority Bus Station in Times Square!</p> <p align="justify">Butterflies in my stomach, folks. I love this city.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9349" border="0" alt="IMG_9349" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xayY4eJvnNQ/UXiwzIS5uWI/AAAAAAAASOg/XCT8abInrw4/IMG_9349%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Once I was off the bus, I walked through the Port Authority to get to Times Square. </p> <p align="justify">As you can see, even the locals thought that it was cold. So wearing a sweater and a jacket didn’t make me feel silly at all! </p> <p align="justify">The temperature for my two days of exploring was right around forty-eight degrees on both days. Not too shabby, huh?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9350" border="0" alt="IMG_9350" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jeu6wXxxi5A/UXiwznnuKtI/AAAAAAAASOo/S5R408BEQ0o/IMG_9350%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">On the base floor, I always stop to admire this flag honoring 9-11. I love how the flags are made to appear as the World Trade Center.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9351" border="0" alt="IMG_9351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V2aqiWl57tA/UXiw0Mq6AdI/AAAAAAAASOw/Ublv4xgycHc/IMG_9351%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We’re getting closer to paradise! Let’s follow the signs to head outside to 42nd Street. We are right in the heart of Manhattan!</p> <p align="justify">That is one <em>expensive</em> bus station!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9352" border="0" alt="IMG_9352" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gPIju5KGk-4/UXiw0-NDXlI/AAAAAAAASO4/6J3KM1e5w7Q/IMG_9352%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I took a deep breath. Ah, at last. </p> <p align="justify">Man, I love this place.</p> <p align="justify">Can you see the Chrysler Building way down there?</p> <p align="justify">And the hotdog(s) stand, of course?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9354" border="0" alt="IMG_9354" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jK9MGo13cAQ/UXiw1eJcb9I/AAAAAAAASPA/vwrSsMFSjUc/IMG_9354%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The famous New York City cab. I’ve never been in one, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t take pictures of them as they attempt to maneuver through impossible Manhattan traffic.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9355" border="0" alt="IMG_9355" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nm4-Wpt2GSU/UXiw2Cj9k1I/AAAAAAAASPI/7B0IGxNk4V0/IMG_9355%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I passed this Crumbs Bake shop by, thanks to some healthy goals. But <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/10/heavenly-new-york-city-part-four.html">I have eaten cupcakes from here before</a>. Do you remember my trip from last September?</p> <p align="justify">Really, how can you possibly go wrong with a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9356" border="0" alt="IMG_9356" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZHqrVLwolrg/UXiw2q_CueI/AAAAAAAASPQ/CsRvOc9W-C8/IMG_9356%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’m pretty sure that this <a href="http://www.timhortons.com/us/en/">Tim Hortons</a> is new, too. I would have definitely noticed if <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2011/05/home-again-home-again-jiggity-jig.html">my favorite Canadian doughnut shop</a> had been here previously!</p> <p align="justify">Can you believe that I passed this by today, too?</p> <p align="justify">Sheesh, am I developing willpower or what?!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9358" border="0" alt="IMG_9358" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u4h0ZpIVJi0/UXiw3U8L_wI/AAAAAAAASPY/GUlrs9KzmPQ/IMG_9358%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hi, Subway station! Amazingly, I walked during my entire visit these two days. I never even went down below to ride the subway, like I usually do. What a shame!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9359" border="0" alt="IMG_9359" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6X4kDJ_rw5c/UXiw4IMAENI/AAAAAAAASPg/hhVAwMJU5_c/IMG_9359%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="1107"></p> <p align="justify">I walked a few blocks along 42nd Street, desperate to find somewhere to eat. I didn’t want to waste precious time at a sit-down place, but I didn’t want to trust one of the million food stands, either. But I was ready for some lunch!</p> <p align="justify">There is the Amsterdam Theater, <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2012/10/heavenly-new-york-city-part-five.html">where I saw Mary Poppins</a> last September. Playing there now is <em>The Newsies</em>. </p> <p align="justify">I had no desire to drop $200 on a ticket. I guess I lucked out last fall paying only $67 for a great seat five rows back from the stage!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9360" border="0" alt="IMG_9360" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XqnBADo0yZc/UXiw47bXcGI/AAAAAAAASPo/WaXUOdoETPk/IMG_9360%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"><em>So</em> New York City! Cop horses!</p> <p align="justify">How do they deal with all of that noise?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9362" border="0" alt="IMG_9362" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SkRssSS7EPo/UXiw5rV-RJI/AAAAAAAASPw/bWx-ZuB6xeo/IMG_9362%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I got closer and closer to Times Square, hoping to see something edible that also sounded reasonably-priced. </p> <p align="justify">That’s not asking too much at all in one of the most expensive cities in the country, right?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9363" border="0" alt="IMG_9363" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F8EMVMAhTSg/UXiw6TBFulI/AAAAAAAASP4/IcdyVdE_v_s/IMG_9363%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I never tire of seeing this few blocks in New York City. Isn’t this place amazing?</p> <p align="justify">It was way more crowded than I expected, too. I doubt that this place ever feels empty, but it seemed very busy to me for still being so cold!</p> <p align="justify">Maybe they don’t have a tourist season, but it’s all year long?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9365" border="0" alt="IMG_9365" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QPNXKnis-rQ/UXiw7Lh0qAI/AAAAAAAASQA/aUFdTaP6oJU/IMG_9365%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Swoon. Look at this! I love you, Manhattan!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9366" border="0" alt="IMG_9366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f8vWtGUNCd0/UXiw8LhyriI/AAAAAAAASQI/DQ9lEXyqLMU/IMG_9366%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="709" height="1103"></p> <p align="justify">If you need to advertise, this is the place to be noticed by millions. Unfortunately, it also <em>costs</em> millions to advertise here! Catch-22!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9367" border="0" alt="IMG_9367" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iywvNkvAZDg/UXiw8x5oWjI/AAAAAAAASQQ/oEGfG0iRVsM/IMG_9367%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was really hungry by now, so I was tickled to see this stationary food truck as an option for lunch. </p> <p align="justify">Baked empanadas? That sounds very healthy to me!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9368" border="0" alt="IMG_9368" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C9dMrEpgm9s/UXiw9XtHjQI/AAAAAAAASQY/vIsT634lVZc/IMG_9368%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The hard part was deciding which empanada to try. I asked the worker’s professional opinion, and he highly recommended the Argentine. </p> <p align="justify">Sounds good to me!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9369" border="0" alt="IMG_9369" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yo8t_lZnBPU/UXiw-L0IGZI/AAAAAAAASQg/5jlcAW_dySE/IMG_9369%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was warm and flaky and flavorful. </p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9371" border="0" alt="IMG_9371" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k2RI5EX2IOI/UXiw-t_YHKI/AAAAAAAASQo/z16ma34lBlE/IMG_9371%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And beefy. I rather enjoyed this. But, remember…I was pretty hungry.</p> <p align="justify">Everything tastes better when you’re hungry!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9372" border="0" alt="IMG_9372" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rk43sZAFAhc/UXiw_S1yIlI/AAAAAAAASQw/8ggo79w_p2k/IMG_9372%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I only had one little empanada, and it didn’t fill me up. </p> <p align="justify">Luckily, this <a href="http://rickshawdumplings.com/">Rickshaw Dumplings Shack</a> was right next door!</p> <p align="justify">And, even more so than the empanadas that I had convinced myself were healthy, these guys were steamed and ready to be devoured!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9373" border="0" alt="IMG_9373" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tCRUrDa_vog/UXiw_xYO9OI/AAAAAAAASQ4/DrFbpov6-Vs/IMG_9373%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I loved the little packaging. But I didn’t make it far carrying these…there are tables right next to the shack. Let’s eat some dumplings!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9374" border="0" alt="IMG_9374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BuuAdKgjocw/UXixACxhMvI/AAAAAAAASRA/J5tYCGarAUE/IMG_9374%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Pork dumplings for lunch. Yes, please!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9375" border="0" alt="IMG_9375" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CDi9U-ENS0I/UXixAmWoJaI/AAAAAAAASRI/F59pPvK1bhY/IMG_9375%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It even came with a soy sauce-based dipping cup of goodness. This was just the right amount of flavor and salt added to the steamed and delicious dumplings.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9376" border="0" alt="IMG_9376" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9HKSx_1WWD4/UXixBELu_6I/AAAAAAAASRQ/ChoI0b4nGN4/IMG_9376%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">They kind of looked creepy, thanks to the steamer bin in which they cooked. The bottoms kind of look like octopus to me, or something fishy!</p> <p align="justify">But, if I closed my eyes and took a bite…mmmmmmm.</p> <p align="justify">This was one of the best things I ate during my entire two days in Manhattan!</p> <p align="justify">(Yes, I went back the next day. Why do you ask?)</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9377" border="0" alt="IMG_9377" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eWXnPQr6YFg/UXixCIXdTxI/AAAAAAAASRY/d1torfkwJi4/IMG_9377%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="704" height="897"></p> <p align="justify">Mr. Cop and Mr. Horse rode by while I ate. I waved, but he must have not seen me. </p> <p align="justify">Well, it seems like the horse saw me. See how nervous he is? I have that effect on horses.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9379" border="0" alt="IMG_9379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vlCpmvbncTg/UXixCwKiRrI/AAAAAAAASRg/MYM40UQk5NY/IMG_9379%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After my lunch, it was time to wander around Times Square just a little more. I’m just in awe of this place and am so tickled to be here!</p> <p align="justify">Sorry about the underwear advertisement. Awkward!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9380" border="0" alt="IMG_9380" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2RZqceWWuWs/UXixDiLczXI/AAAAAAAASRo/8J60FK7-dSA/IMG_9380%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="701" height="1091"></p> <p align="justify">You can glimpse a little of the New York Double Decker Tour Bus in this picture. I decided not to sign up for the New York Pass or do anything expensive like that during this visit.</p> <p align="justify">My reason? Well, I’m going to Disneyland next week. I would much rather spend my money there!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9381" border="0" alt="IMG_9381" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yOKYddu447s/UXixEtDqolI/AAAAAAAASRw/f-eOHGBZoUI/IMG_9381%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="692" height="1068"></p> <p align="justify">Fortunately for you, this is not a picture of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naked_Cowboy">Naked Cowboy</a>, though I did see him. </p> <p align="justify">And don’t be fooled by the hippie clown in the lower right-hand side of the shot! He’s not naked, either.</p> <p align="justify">Appropriately, this is a statue of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_M._Cohan">“The Man Who Owns Broadway," Mr. George Cohan</a>.</p> <p align="justify">I wonder what he would think of NYC almost one-hundred years after he made this part of town so wonderful?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9382" border="0" alt="IMG_9382" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b7G5dUoT6FM/UXixFJGKXlI/AAAAAAAASR4/zenpx73eBVk/IMG_9382%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Doesn’t this just make you want to visit NYC? If you haven’t been, may I highly recommend it to you?</p> <p align="justify">Just make sure that you get a <a href="http://www.crumbs.com/">Crumbs Cupcake</a> as soon as you arrive…</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9383" border="0" alt="IMG_9383" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CrUuvtuYhCA/UXixGDAd5jI/AAAAAAAASSA/cSuTRb427wA/IMG_9383%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="706" height="1097"></p> <p align="justify">As I walked north towards Central Park, I passed the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d636316-Reviews-M_M_s_World_New_York-New_York_City_New_York.html">M&Ms Store</a>.</p> <p align="justify">I always think of my friend, Susan, when I see this place. She was here on vacation once and sent me a picture of this storefront from her phone. She thought that I would appreciate four stories of chocolate.</p> <p align="justify">Boy, does she know me or what?! Hi, Susan!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9385" border="0" alt="IMG_9385" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qqn69DvMaC8/UXixHHioTWI/AAAAAAAASSI/TAlrYWhtwyA/IMG_9385%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="696" height="1004"></p> <p align="justify">Not to be outdone by Mars, <a href="http://www.hersheys.com/visit-us/times-square.aspx">Hershey’s also has a giant store</a> just a block away. I am no respecter of chocolate stores in Manhattan…I love them all equally.</p> <p align="justify">I hope that you’re ready for a whole lot more NYC, because we’ve only just begun! Tomorrow, we’ll head towards Central Park for an afternoon stroll with the locals.</p> <p align="justify">And a million other tourists, apparently.</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-55253178855072225012013-04-24T04:22:00.000-07:002013-04-24T04:22:00.455-07:00A Few Days Chilling (Literally) in New Jersey<p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9312" border="0" alt="IMG_9312" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o1h77NiRJiY/UXbvao0Bm_I/AAAAAAAASK4/Fl62u5R7wPA/IMG_9312%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After a <a href="http://captainmicah.blogspot.com/2013/04/its-been-too-long-teterboro.html">long and bumpy flight from home to Teterboro</a>, it was time to borrow a crew car to grab a bite to eat. Since the hotel was on the way, we stopped there, too, to drop off our bags.</p> <p align="justify">As you can see, the crew car isn’t exactly a Beemer. But who can complain when a free car is available?!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9302" border="0" alt="IMG_9302" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wyJr9Ft8fCM/UXbvbCZ0saI/AAAAAAAASLA/t0zLTOQ6-1M/IMG_9302%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I wish I would have thought to get a picture of the flag. It was sticking straight out from the wind. Yuck!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9303" border="0" alt="IMG_9303" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UYcBnOrK8CY/UXbvbhnNpOI/AAAAAAAASLI/AifOMuiaIgs/IMG_9303%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I’ve stayed at this nice <a href="http://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/hasbrouck-heights/hasnj/hoteldetail">Holiday Inn</a> before with this job, when we were here last September, but I’ve stayed here countless times with my old job, too. </p> <p align="justify">This is the lobby area. After getting my room, as high up as I could, I headed to the elevator to drop my bags in the room.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9304" border="0" alt="IMG_9304" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EW7a104QDM4/UXbvcSNmDtI/AAAAAAAASLQ/jeUMIwUaOtU/IMG_9304%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It’s a recently-renovated Holiday Inn and is certainly a nice place to call home for the next five nights. A comfy bed, a great work desk, and even a reading nook.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9305" border="0" alt="IMG_9305" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mz9AElI_fhM/UXbvc8RF32I/AAAAAAAASLY/FRzAZnKeQJs/IMG_9305%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="710" height="893"></p> <p align="justify">They’ve done a great job making guests feel at home. I love when a room has everything that I need and then some!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9306" border="0" alt="IMG_9306" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YlortkYGv84/UXbvdQs1ctI/AAAAAAAASLg/Z_zjzABuKkA/IMG_9306%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The view was fun. If I looked way to the left, I could even see a little of the Manhattan skyline.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9307" border="0" alt="IMG_9307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DlZsDA7tEz8/UXbvd0ft-TI/AAAAAAAASLo/IfHdBdwj-Kc/IMG_9307%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But I couldn’t figure out this “pool.” It was next to a high school, but it wasn’t being chlorinated. In fact, the local ducks and geese had claimed it as their own! It didn’t really look human-friendly any more, if it ever was.</p> <p align="justify">I wonder if the birds use the slide to get into the pool. I totally would.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9309" border="0" alt="IMG_9309" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8fEzNNEd4ng/UXbveRuaLUI/AAAAAAAASLw/a4vVJ7kkmNE/IMG_9309%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">While waiting for the elevator to take me back downstairs, I grabbed a shot out of the east side window. You can see the city in the distance, and Teterboro Airport hangars in the not-so-far distance.</p> <p align="justify">I can’t wait to get over there to visit NYC! I love that place!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9311" border="0" alt="IMG_9311" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SuIePnV-vW4/UXbve_mJj2I/AAAAAAAASL4/CmA1vKjxGjM/IMG_9311%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After getting rid of my luggage, it was time to meet El Capitan downstairs to run for a quick dinner. I hadn’t eaten since early that morning before our flight, so I was ready for some healthy grub!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9313" border="0" alt="IMG_9313" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F6tPR--oMnc/UXbvfHpdgMI/AAAAAAAASMA/XVezwxjR64U/IMG_9313%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was dropped off here, much to my delight. I love <a href="http://www.panerabread.com/">Panera Bread</a>. It is a lot like <a href="http://www.paradisebakery.com/">Paradise Bakery</a>, but for some reason, we don’t have any in Phoenix. So It’s always a nice treat to eat here when visiting the east coast.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9314" border="0" alt="IMG_9314" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7EmFSk_vt14/UXbvfmu0ZPI/AAAAAAAASMI/QmRVyt1PwWc/IMG_9314%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">No one was behind me at first, so I took my time reading the menu. I loved that the calories were listed next to each item. It helped me to make a good decision for dinner tonight!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9315" border="0" alt="IMG_9315" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZhMvpqFnOSs/UXbvgMBrZhI/AAAAAAAASMQ/lqU-eU1xh9Q/IMG_9315%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I got a sandwich and even splurged on potato chips, since I was way under my calories for the day.</p> <p align="justify">Not eating all day really helped that, I’m sure.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9317" border="0" alt="IMG_9317" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1S0rLeskDHM/UXbvggHz-VI/AAAAAAAASMY/sYCQXGiVZAs/IMG_9317%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After dinner, I headed back to the hotel to settle in for almost a week in this room. </p> <p align="justify">Don’t be alarmed, but I brought a stash of food options! My trainer, Lindsey, has helped to me be prepared so that I always make good decisions with food. If I’m starving, I might not be very wise! </p> <p align="justify">So I brought some food and snacks to enjoy while staying in Teterboro. What of it?</p> <p align="justify">I had another reason for bringing some food, too. I couldn’t walk to a church near the hotel, but I also tried not to break the Sabbath any more than I had to! So I ate this food instead of going out to eat.</p> <p align="justify">May I just recommend the Velveeta Shells and Cheese microwavable cups? Yummy! And only 180 calories?!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9319" border="0" alt="IMG_9319" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gHYu7fZHmp8/UXbvhUCWU2I/AAAAAAAASMg/B_0adQg9K5A/IMG_9319%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">On Sunday, this was one of my meals. I had never tried these microwave meals from Healthy Choice, but I love their freezer options.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9318" border="0" alt="IMG_9318" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xmgBMJ_XyX8/UXbvh2YkSAI/AAAAAAAASMo/LUoYRyjMYpk/IMG_9318%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was delicious, and I felt very lucky having a microwave in my room. I had requested one, so maybe I shouldn’t have been so relieved when my room actually had one.</p> <p align="justify">This was nice and filling.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9321" border="0" alt="IMG_9321" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tic2ncuJAE4/UXbviQtfBNI/AAAAAAAASMw/-sRXXy20IuI/IMG_9321%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was thinking that I would get to spend Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the city. But after checking the weather forecast, I knew that all three days wasn’t going to happen. </p> <p align="justify">Monday was forecasted to be rainy, windy, snowy, and only in the mid-30s for temperatures.</p> <p align="justify">If you do the Micah Math, that’s <em>way</em> too cold to spend outside all day wandering a city!</p> <p align="justify">Isn’t the city pretty, though? I wish that I had more time over there, but I don’t want to freeze to death to make that happen. I’ll wait until Tuesday!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9323" border="0" alt="IMG_9323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b7Cyvmzrwyg/UXbvi1fDWSI/AAAAAAAASM4/eLRexoywoS8/IMG_9323%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Monday morning meant a healthy breakfast from the microwave, once again. One of my food selections before coming had been things to eat for breakfast, since I knew that the hotel charged for breakfast and had no continental options.</p> <p align="justify">I hate paying for breakfast!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9324" border="0" alt="IMG_9324" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VcKon4YahME/UXbvjC-D01I/AAAAAAAASNA/FAnBF0w59BY/IMG_9324%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Steel Cut Oatmeal is one of my favorite meals right now! So I was excited about this dish! It was good, but I’ve never been a fan of fruit in my oatmeal. It was very warming and filling, however, and I needed that for my walk to the gym!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9325" border="0" alt="IMG_9325" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l04TyBDB1xE/UXbvj8B4AQI/AAAAAAAASNI/9UPth0MP1SY/IMG_9325%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">That’s right…a gym. I lucked out by having a 24 Hour Fitness just half a mile from my hotel! I knew that their equipment would be much nicer than the hotel’s, so I headed outside to brave the windy cold.</p> <p align="justify">I’m glad that I did. It felt great to spend some time on the elliptical, even far from home!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9326" border="0" alt="IMG_9326" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2pWDWLRpCm8/UXbvkRq3TdI/AAAAAAAASNQ/B4UjiW0Ik8o/IMG_9326%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Since I was on-foot, I was at the mercy of local eateries for my meals. McDonald’s, though not a first (or even thirtieth) pick of mine, was right next to the hotel. And, luckily for me yet again, they had an entire healthy menu from which to choose.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9327" border="0" alt="IMG_9327" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WLn8mkD0BtM/UXbvk_JUjAI/AAAAAAAASNY/5T72KAg4UN4/IMG_9327%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">For lunch, I had the grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad. The sandwich was delicious…</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9332" border="0" alt="IMG_9332" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oEtuEo8FqZU/UXbvlVqm3zI/AAAAAAAASNg/dhKv3fciVlU/IMG_9332%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">…especially after I scraped off the excess mayonnaise! I’m kind of a mayo snob like that. And it wasn’t worth the calories to keep it on!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9329" border="0" alt="IMG_9329" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eo8BlEp7loo/UXbvlyMvNLI/AAAAAAAASNo/lueYBtINL38/IMG_9329%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">The side salad was good, too, even though I didn’t put any dressing on it. It just tasted nice to have some fresh veggies!</p> <p align="justify">It feels really great to make healthy decisions. It’s fun to see some results from it, too.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9330" border="0" alt="IMG_9330" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9N2Ewg-ulMM/UXbvmfXuuZI/AAAAAAAASNw/pAqzFK-ZBwo/IMG_9330%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">This particular McDonald’s was nice and had been renovated to reflect a young, hip atmosphere.</p> <p align="justify">Which only meant that I no longer fit in here! I’m neither young or hip!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9335" border="0" alt="IMG_9335" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Ny5UtwR4zY/UXbvmkql_TI/AAAAAAAASN4/4QX-gc6XISM/IMG_9335%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Later that night for dinner, I headed back to McDonald’s again for a healthy bite. After computing my calories for the day, I figured that I could get the Southwest Chicken Salad. It had roasted corn, chilies, tortilla strips, and black beans with grilled chicken on top of romaine lettuce.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9334" border="0" alt="IMG_9334" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F_lwx5ZTjNU/UXbvnKgx5QI/AAAAAAAASOA/jQ46-Z0wnqE/IMG_9334%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">After adding some Paul Newman and a squeeze of lime…I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9336" border="0" alt="IMG_9336" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Re04NYpGcxA/UXbvn2Wa5LI/AAAAAAAASOI/nP5-7pVKg9E/IMG_9336%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Apparently.</p> <p align="justify">But tomorrow will be what I’m <em>really</em> waiting for! A whole day in New York City! I can’t wait!</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8931503690133999761.post-36517695899630990232013-04-23T04:48:00.000-07:002013-04-23T04:48:00.554-07:00It’s Been Too Long, Teterboro<p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9260" border="0" alt="IMG_9260" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hWas0gmDN88/UXX4SasgSwI/AAAAAAAASHs/pvkzjjYYgl4/IMG_9260%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I had a feeling that this new job would take me to New York City quite often. But, truth be told, this trip was only my second time there in a year. </p> <p align="justify">That’s OK. It just makes me appreciate it even more when I do get to go.</p> <p align="justify">Especially now that we usually stay long enough to make the trip worth it. In this particular case, we landed in Teterboro just west of New York City on a Saturday afternoon and didn’t leave for home again until the following Thursday.</p> <p align="justify">Sounds good to me!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9262" border="0" alt="IMG_9262" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-63egHM1ll6E/UXX4S6i18DI/AAAAAAAASH0/3l8eeDkJTso/IMG_9262%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With such a long flight, we really have to load the airplane up with fuel. Luckily, enough went in through the single-point fueling port that we didn’t need to unlock the over-the-wing fueling caps to allow for another fifteen gallons or so.</p> <p align="justify">The flight will take just over four hours to get there. I love tailwinds.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9263" border="0" alt="IMG_9263" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5qLQqlE60a4/UXX4TpjTbbI/AAAAAAAASH8/Vv-87Tilxz4/IMG_9263%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">I was the first one to the airplane, like usual. So I started getting her primed and ready for her big <strike>date</strike> flight towards one of my favorite places on earth.</p> <p align="justify">Great joy comes when thinking that I will even have time to explore the city for a few days! Eek!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9266" border="0" alt="IMG_9266" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yBj7gpPa1k0/UXX4UVpNK_I/AAAAAAAASIA/ROeLPNSHo-U/IMG_9266%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With some passengers and their baggage loaded up, it was time to be on our way. We passed one of the two FBOs here on the field.</p> <p align="justify">I love being part of a private hangar, where we don’t have to use an FBO at our home field. It’s awesome!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9267" border="0" alt="IMG_9267" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XFklrme0fe4/UXX4U9xeBpI/AAAAAAAASII/0CDsDpF-qoE/IMG_9267%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">At the beginning to Runway 21, we waited for this old Learjet to land before it was our turn for takeoff.</p> <p align="justify">Those things on his wings? Those are fuel tip tanks because his old engines burn so much!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9269" border="0" alt="IMG_9269" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a16sV_HNU28/UXX4VufWH_I/AAAAAAAASIQ/qbz5B0V6p7U/IMG_9269%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Goodbye, Home! See you next week! But only for an hour before we are gone for another three days.</p> <p align="justify">Busy few months? I should say so.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9273" border="0" alt="IMG_9273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P6JgMDi31us/UXX4WgdcEUI/AAAAAAAASIY/wXY3pE_gFmo/IMG_9273%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It was a little hazy today, but that can happen here occasionally. I pretend that it isn’t caused by pollution.</p> <p align="justify">But it very well could be. Who’s to say?</p> <p align="justify">That’s a little winglet peeking out from Gladys. She don’t need no wingtip fuel tanks!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9276" border="0" alt="IMG_9276" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qQ1B7Kb5_oQ/UXX4XNosmSI/AAAAAAAASIg/it7m9MK6Uwk/IMG_9276%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We crossed the Great Plains on our way to Teterboro this morning. Since it was March, it made sense that there was still a lot of that yucky white stuff down there on the ground. </p> <p align="justify">I’m not a fan, really.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9277" border="0" alt="IMG_9277" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GqMcMp4dmwE/UXX4X93dDAI/AAAAAAAASIo/4mhok1BcACI/IMG_9277%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With the tailwind helping to push us along, we made great time from home to the east coast today. We even had an excess of 400 pounds of fuel, above our usual 900 extra pounds! </p> <p align="justify">But that is just insurance, since New York Center usually has to drop us down lower quite a ways out, which burns more fuel. It all worked out well today. We had the extra to burn.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9278" border="0" alt="IMG_9278" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-slTTpV-Dm7U/UXX4YcJa8cI/AAAAAAAASIw/_Pbn9kPJdLQ/IMG_9278%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Even though our indicated airspeed at Flight Level 450 was only 197 knots, we were going 503 knots groundspeed. Awesome! We were still able to get about 445 knots true up there, which is pretty derned impressive.</p> <p align="justify">But I <em>am</em> biased. You should know that by now.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9279" border="0" alt="IMG_9279" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D94fDfOD72Y/UXX4Y2nMQNI/AAAAAAAASI4/xA3OEmiT--Q/IMG_9279%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It’s really a small miracle that anyone can read my chicken scratch when copying a clearance. They usually talk so fast! But I have to admit that flying into Teterboro is a heck of a lot easier than into JFK. </p> <p align="justify">Yuck! I wouldn’t mind if we never had to do that again!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9280" border="0" alt="IMG_9280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oxra2LoKPhI/UXX4ZWLIhpI/AAAAAAAASJA/5GZsnBlrVYo/IMG_9280%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Speaking of Teterboro, we flew the Wilkes Barre Four Arrival into the area this afternoon. Luckily, it wasn’t crazy busy, so we were cleared directly to the Wilkes-Barre VOR to begin the arrival.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9281" border="0" alt="IMG_9281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dXl2JpQap3A/UXX4aMqEuwI/AAAAAAAASJI/aQNDOW-HqG4/IMG_9281%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">And why isn’t it very busy down there? Because it’s nasty windy, that’s why.</p> <p align="justify">It was gusting about forty knots when we landed, and it certainly wasn’t straight down the runway. </p> <p align="justify">It was a rare instance where it felt really good to be back on the ground…after so many bumps on the descent from the Low Level Wind Shear, as well as a tough approach and landing by El Capitan.</p> <p align="justify">Wind is my least favorite form of weather, I think. But that white stuff isn’t very fun, either.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9285" border="0" alt="IMG_9285" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hv0q0WcSlXg/UXX4apqFQxI/AAAAAAAASJQ/_1i7EacWj5Y/IMG_9285%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">It looks all calm and sunny out there, but from about 12,000 feet to our touchdown in Teterboro, we were getting knocked around quite a bit. I even tightened my seatbelt a time or two.</p> <p align="justify">It’s no fun for people in back when the bumps are so strong. But they handled it like champs!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9287" border="0" alt="IMG_9287" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jtWw4arpZiA/UXX4bbSx1qI/AAAAAAAASJY/e6eY-9B_rGY/IMG_9287%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">This is the MetLife Stadium and IZOD Center in New Jersey, where some of the professional teams play. A few days after landing at the airport, I rode right past these stadiums in a bus on my way into the city.</p> <p align="justify">They look a <em>lot</em> smaller from the air…</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9288" border="0" alt="IMG_9288" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YxYk8HjUbic/UXX4cBuQx5I/AAAAAAAASJg/VRPt7wHjR4k/IMG_9288%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">On final approach for Runway 1, I had a great view of the city from the right window. Can you see the One World Trade Center being built? How about the Empire State Building, which just got passed by the One World Trade Center as the tallest building in the city?</p> <p align="justify">There’s a lot to explore over there, and I’m so excited to have a few days to spend!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9289" border="0" alt="IMG_9289" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8lqfqlVpXrU/UXX4cvvl8xI/AAAAAAAASJo/Euhalrm1saU/IMG_9289%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">What a relief to be on the ground with such awful winds.</p> <p align="justify">OK, I’ll stop complaining about it now.</p> <p align="justify">But it <em>was</em> windy, just so you know.</p> <p align="justify">Speaking of things that I hate, look at those piles of snow from the winter plowing? Isn’t that crazy?</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9290" border="0" alt="IMG_9290" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-18mfR_DjA8A/UXX4dBoA5pI/AAAAAAAASJw/Kmz_HDqsDfA/IMG_9290%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">We got to admire lots of pretty airplanes on our long taxi to the <a href="http://www.meridian.aero/">Meridian Aviation FBO</a>. We love going there!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9292" border="0" alt="IMG_9292" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QSDqwUeO2uI/UXX4dt7yRyI/AAAAAAAASJ4/CeLjqSz8GQI/IMG_9292%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Gulfstreams, Falcons, and Westwinds. And there are five FBOs on the field, so this is just a few of the incredible display of airplanes parked at Teterboro.</p> <p align="justify">You see, Teterboro is the corporate reliever airport for the New York City area. It’s really hard for the non-airliners to get into La Guardia and JFK, so we come here instead. It’s just a short half-hour drive through the Lincoln Tunnel and into the city from here.</p> <p align="justify">And believe me…it’s a <em>lot</em> easier on the pilots!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9294" border="0" alt="IMG_9294" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v6ZZnj4RsCo/UXX4eRHE0kI/AAAAAAAASKA/62wgMQaqp6A/IMG_9294%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">With our passengers loaded up in their car, we were soon enjoying the view of some other metal on the ramp where we parked.</p> <p align="justify">This old Gulfstream has the old, loud, low-bypass engines, but they have fitted a silencer of sorts to help it meet the strict noise requirements of lots of the popular airports these days.</p> <p align="justify">Can you see the white cones attached to the ends of the engines? Shhhhhhhhh.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9296" border="0" alt="IMG_9296" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z2qqXLwntKk/UXX4fKn1BpI/AAAAAAAASKI/9Vjro1wjd9w/IMG_9296%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Hello, Meridian!</p> <p align="justify">And hello, Little Beechjet. I’m so glad that I don’t fly you any more.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9297" border="0" alt="IMG_9297" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kjwBX7zDWI0/UXX4ftq5tWI/AAAAAAAASKQ/KpHody70Ovw/IMG_9297%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Gladys is way better. ‘Nuff said.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9298" border="0" alt="IMG_9298" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v5PUTJVwmNI/UXX4gLMFzHI/AAAAAAAASKY/OCVGMCCrnd4/IMG_9298%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">Standing on the ramp in Teterboro, you can see the city skyline just over the Hudson River.</p> <p align="justify">I’m coming to see you, New York City! I’m coming!</p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_9299" border="0" alt="IMG_9299" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6tEgEmK7Aos/UXX4gzQaNvI/AAAAAAAASKg/xYtKbq0iR3I/IMG_9299%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="711" height="474"></p> <p align="justify">But first, I’m going to sleep. Because a five-hour workday is just killer, you know?</p> <p align="justify">Can you hardly wait for the rest of this trip to unfold?! It’s going to be good…</p> Micahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13335970038141490664noreply@blogger.com1