On a sunny fall Seattle morning, it was time to visit different cultures without leaving downtown. Thom and I love to experience new places so, from Japan to Italy, we decided to get out and savor the warm weekend weather. Time to explore!
First stop-Seattle Japanese Gardens in the Madison Park neighborhood is a 3.5 mile oasis of tranquil ponds and flowering trees. Now, parking is scarce especially as the garden parking lot sits next to soccer fields filled on a Saturday morning with cheering/jeering parents coaching their little ones on ferociously. Be quiet, Mom and Dad, and let the tykes play.
After driving by and circling back with no spot in the lot, we just parked on Madison St. and walked down. For only $6 per head, you can achieve zen and see some very hungry koi. Bring your camera as everywhere you look is an Instagram moment. They have a teahouse where you can buy tickets for an authentic Japanese tea, which I’ll have to try sometime. Winding through waterfalls, streams and bridges over the ponds, I was so happy to see lots of turtles (I have a fascination with these ancient creatures) sunning themselves on the plentiful rocks in the pond. The koi were colorful and hungry, being fed by the small children visiting the gardens. A few of these koi may want to consider eating less carbs and swimming a few more laps around the pond-they were HUGE!
After wandering back by the soccer fields (we can’t wait until Mia starts playing!), we enjoyed putting the top down on Sexy Beast and driving back home to check out the Festa Italiana Seattle at the Seattle Center. Oh my holy Hell those meatballs were delish and I rarely eat meat. I didn’t even take a pic of them because I ate them so fast. Swimming in lots of spicy sauce, my “tub of meatballs” went down quickly-tub being an overstatement as there were only five so I refused to share with Thom. Waddling down to the exhibits where they had music, dancing, a wine garden and lots of vendors, we quickly sought out the Borracchini Bakery table and purchased cannoli’s, biscotti and other treats to take home to enjoy later. When in Italy and all. To be honest, they didn’t last long after we got home so I just might have to visit the Festa Italiana again tomorrow for another bakery run. So. Good.
In another building, there was a fierce bocci tournament going on. Such a game of finesse. A show with elaborate puppets for the kids was enchanting and well attended. The festival also showcased Italian dogs, Cirneco dell-Etna, small, wiry and high-strung Sicilian hound that hunts rabbits, as well as cute Vespas and classy Maserati cars. Oh those Italians know how to live!
I love living in Seattle and going from zen to festa in a matter of minutes. I’ll never take living here for granted. Now it’s time to lift a glass of vino to toast the start of another great Seattle weekend. Cheers!
Travels with Melinda 