Our China adventure published. A dream realized.

On August 27, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Beijing, China, expat, Great Wall, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Seattle, Shanghai, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Cross that off the bucket list-publish book. When we moved to Shanghai in 2013, I started a blog to stay in touch with family and record our adventures. It grew into a daily rhythm to capture the craziness that was our daily life in China. Soon, people from around the world started reaching out to me for advice: Where can I get dog food? Should I bring my own mattress or buy one there? Where should I live if I have kids? Is the pollution really bad? Why yes, it is. Now you know. The lungs don’t lie. Buy a mask and wear it.

When my transfer details were finally worked out and I accepted the offer, I immediately went online and looked for blogs or books to get a feel for what our new normal would feel like. I would be a female executive navigating through the Chinese business world while Thom adjusted to being a trailing spouse. I was disappointed to only find guide books primarily aimed at tourists. I was going to become a local expat and needed a source of truth to turn to that would help guide me through all the unexpected challenges from walking down the street without getting run over (truly a challenge daily!) to opening a bank account and being surprised they still used an abacus to conduct transactions. WTF.

We relied on our Chinese tutor, Fiona, to guide us through many obstacles and just explored through fearless curiosity daily in our quest to not live in the typical expat bubble and instead venture out into the real China. Daily we learned and as our confidence grew, Thom took off on a bike to explore and take beautiful photos and I jumped on the bullet train to commute to Beijing and Nanjing for work on a regular basis.

As a result, our blog posts and photos chronicled a journey that few folks get to take. Those that are lucky enough to live in China can use our lessons learned to adjust quickly and with less pain than we went through at times. Not that we didn’t love living there because we did. We would walk down the Bund, climb the Great Wall (4x) and pinch ourselves. “We live in China!” It never got old and we miss our life and the people there. The pollution, not so much.

Pulling these stories all together after we returned home to Seattle was Thom’s year-long journey. Who knew it was so hard to edit a book? I swear every time we thought we had all the spacing, spelling and template formatting just the way we wanted it, we found more opportunities to improve and had to change it. FINALLY, we hit the button and made my frustrated inner writer very, very happy when Seattle to Shanghai and Back Again: Our Year as Expats in China became a reality.

Maze anyone?

Will miss Hong Kong!

Fearless and Lucky I am according to my FT

Will anyone read it? Maybe. My mom will. The aunt of a guy I met at a friend’s party who just moved to Shanghai to work for Intel will. Who knows, maybe other people? Making money and world publishing dominance was never the impetus for writing this book. Sharing our adventures, recounting our tales so our granddaughter, Mia, will know that her GiGi and NaiNai were crazy world travelers while she was just being born as well as helping other expats adjust to life in China were the main objectives so we are happy. Back in Seattle, we are always looking for the next adventure. A vacation to Ireland is coming up soon and then possible work travel to India and Europe. Would we move abroad again? You never know. Life is short.

WP_20140602_001 — Our Ayi, Pink, and our Chinese tutor, Fiona

Excercise in the Park-2 — My new friend and I exercising in the park.

“Seattle to Shanghai and Back Again: Our Year as Expats in China” is available here-looks best in color versions vs. Kindle b/w due to photos:

Softcover book: http://www.blurb.com/b/7250489-seattle-to-shanghai-and-back-again

eBook: http://www.blurb.com/ebooks/588686

Amazon Kindle: Seattle to Shanghai and Back Again: Our Year as Expats in China

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC46Dht4h7e7Tebgx6Ri9tMA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seattletoshanghai/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattletoshanghaiandbackagain/

Other blogs on WordPress: https://alleyesonshanghai.com/2016/03/24/seattle-to-shanghai-and-back-again/

Seattle Speakeasies-Cheers!

On July 30, 2016July 30, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, booze, Cocktails, liquor, Seattle, Seattle Nightlife, Speakeasies, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

“Go to the far side of the room. Pick up the phone and identify yourself. We will come and get you at the metal door.” Thus, our speakeasy adventure in Seattle began on a hot Friday night.

Interesting that speakeasies are, by nature, supposed to be secret and exclusive but they are trending all over social media these days. Our first stop, Needle and Thread, was recommended by several people at work, so off we went for a taste test. Reading up on the speakeasy protocol, I learned that you can call in advance to secure a RSVP in this very small (probably 20 people max) prohibition-style experience. Just calling to get the RSVP was fun-you leave a message (no more than 7 days in advance) after hearing the strict rules–if you are lucky enough to get a call back, you better actually PICK UP THE CALL to talk to the host or you won’t get in. Done.

Promptly at 5 p.m. when the parent bar, Tavern Hall, opened, we were at the phone calling upstairs to gain entrance to the speakeasy, Needle and Thread. Dress code: “Keep it classy”. Not sure what their definition of “classy” is but Thom was rocking his porkpie hat and looking very hipster. When our friends arrived after fighting the horrible Friday Seattle gridlock, our drink master interviewed us on our cocktail/alcohol preferences as there is no menu and they warn you in advance not to expect an appletini to be made in their establishment. There ARE speakeasy standards after all and only custom cocktails served, thank you very much. Prepping for our trip to Ireland in the fall, I’m leaning into whiskey to be better equipped to take on the true Irish experience. Our host got it right, creating for me an iced cocktail created with Irish Bushmills whiskey, orange liqueur, cherry herring and lime juice. Tart and sweet and very refreshing on a hot day in a bar where ceiling fans provided the only air conditioning. We drank up, chatted politics and then headed down Pike St. to our next speakeasy experience.

After wandering the block looking for Foreign National, I spied an unique door tucked away between other restaurants-found it! Through the layers of beads and velvet curtains, we quickly hopped into a communal booth with strangers as the space is limited and in high demand. While we sat and enjoyed our cocktail creations, other bar patrons streamed in looking in vain for seats in this trendy bar. I went for the Foreign National house cocktail made up of pisco, Amaro Montenegro, honey, sour orange served with an egg white frost on top. Petite and delicious. Our friends had the complex cocktail named Osaka #1 consisting of Suntory Toki whiskey, vermouth blanc, lemon, yuxu, orgeat, ardbert spritz and anise smoke. WOW-I have not a clue what most of that stuff is but I got a taste of it and it was interesting to say the least.

I loved the speakeasy ambience with the small interesting spaces filled with people who value quality booze concoctions over quantity. I can’t wait to check out other speakeasies in Seattle (list below) and in NYC when we visit our favorite city in the fall. Cheers!

Cheers to 28 years of marriage this weekend!

Photos featured credited to the incredble photo stylings of Karmann K.

Foreign National, 300 E. Pike St., Story in Seattle Times: http://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/foreign-national-is-this-the-best-new-bar-in-seattle/; http://www.foreignnationalbar.com/; http://www.yelp.com/biz/foreign-national-seattle-2

Needle and Thread at Tavern Law, 1406 12^th Ave., RSVP 206-325-0133, http://www.mccrackentough.com/tavernlaw/; http://www.yelp.com/biz/needle-and-thread-seattle?osq=speakeasy

Bath Tub and Gin, 2205 2^nd Ave. http://bathtubginseattle.com/; http://www.yelp.com/biz/bathtub-gin-and-co-seattle?osq=speakeasy

Knee High Stocking, 1356 E. Olive Way, http://www.kneehighstocking.com/;http://www.yelp.com/biz/knee-high-stocking-co-seattle?osq=speakeasy

Many thanks to Karmann K. for sharing her photos of the evening’s adventure!

Camping with Sexy Beast

On July 24, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Parks, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Sexy Beast is back from the body shop after taking a vicious hit to the back quarter panel from a driver backing out without looking. Very traumatic but she is now as gorgeous as ever and raring to take an adventure, so off we went to camp this weekend on the coast by the Olympic National Forest.

WP_20160722_20_04_36_Rich — Sexy Beast goes camping

“This looks like the trail” my wilderness wannabe hubby boldly proclaimed as he proceeded to lead us into the dark forest as sunset approached on the very trail where cougars had been sighted earlier, a warning that folks smarter than us had heeded as we saw no one else on the trail. However as the trail abruptly ended and we pondered our next step, I suddenly had a new appreciation for those hikers I had previously labelled as “stupid” who get lost in the wilderness and need to be rescued. It can happen. Did we pack water, snacks, bear repellant, etc. when we set out for our hike? NOPE. After we decided we weren’t on the “real” trail and instead had ventured down a game trail that the deer had made, we bushwhacked out with me growing ever more hysterical that we would not make it out alive. Finally, sweat pouring off us as we jumped downed trees and scrambled out of the thick fern undergrowth, we emerged onto the road where not 20 feet away was the sign for the real trail, which I chose not to take back to our tent and instead we hiked back to our campsite by the roadway. Sure, we could get hit by a car but at least we wouldn’t have a cougar rip our throats out. Win. Who knew camping was this fun? Glad I bought that flask which I put to good use as soon as we got back to our tent.

WP_20160722_19_13_44_Rich (2) — Drinking Cab from a flask..not elegant but works

My NYC born and bred husband has always been fascinated by the great outdoors. We even lived on a mountain for a while in Idaho (his dream) and he got to camp to his heart content, hiking up into the mountains to fly fish on a regular basis. By himself, of course. I on the other hand, a Hoosier raised in the heartland of Indiana, have never embraced the camping culture. Sure, I appreciate the great outdoors from afar but sleeping in a flimsy tent with strangers close by and animals wandering around who could select me for a tasty meal has never been attractive as a vacation alternative. Roughing it for me is a 3 star hotel. But love conquers all and Thom likes to camp so I thought we would give it a whirl. Life is short and all. So, I got a used tent from the company buy/sell site and picked up 2 sleeping bags at Goodwill, not wanting to invest a lot in what could be a one and done experience. Getting an awesome camping site is quite difficult so when a guy was selling his reservation at work that he couldn’t use, I paid the $56 for 2 nights and considered it fate. Time to camp!

Come to find out, that dirt forest floor is damn hard. We had taken yoga mats to put under the sleeping bags (city folk) and no pillows as we had little space for supplies since we were driving Sexy Beast. There would be no stove to cook food or make coffee. Thank God we are not foodies as sandwiches were on our menu for the next two days. Yes, people in the Salt Creek Campground on the Olympic coast were walking by our campsite staring at our teeny tiny car and wondering who would camp in such a vehicle, most of them driving the more sensible option of a Subaru or truck. Not us!

The first night was rough needless to say ending in the morning with my pronouncement that we would either go pick up air mattresses and pillows in town or leave immediately. Off to Wal-Mart we went to the monster big box, which I hate to patronize but desperate times call for desperate shopping. Inflated and filling up the entire tiny tent, we slept so much better the second and final night-my max camping experience is limited to 2 nights. One can only eat so many s’mores and take woodland hikes of terror. Yes, it was mighty beautiful and we had a great time but I do appreciate my view apartment with indoor plumbing and our memory foam mattress even more now.

On the way home, we stopped at a lovely lavender field near Sequim and blared the Black Keys as we drove with the top down and enjoyed the sunshine. Heaven! One odd sight while we were still driving in the heavily forested area was the preponderance of Elk Crossing signs. Now, I’ve seen lots of deer leaping signs but not many elk ones and after we saw a few, we actually came upon one that was flashing warning lights. WTF! Do the elk hit a magical forest button when they are approaching the highway so motorists will stop for them as they cross? Is there a Kinect hooked up that scans their body type and sets off the alarm? Really, I want to know what/who activates those flashing lights for the elk??? I will have to investigate and find out the story behind those flashing lights. Someone has to know the woodland creature warning back story.

Now we are home and enjoying having James back from Madrid and the start of the Dem Convention. Go Hillary!

Toddler Time in Seattle

On July 4, 2016July 4, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Family vacation, Seattle, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

The joy of my life visited this weekend and we totally rocked it! Mia, my 2-year old granddaughter, was in awe of all that Seattle had to offer an active toddler. From traversing rope ladders to waterfront walks to water stomping, I savored every moment we had together exploring downtown Seattle from our base in lower Queen Anne.

Our backyard is the Seattle Center. Lucky us! Thom and I enjoy it every day when we walk the dogs but it was delightful for visiting Mia. Between the Space Needle, International Fountain, Children’s Museum, Artists at Play playground, EMP, Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, the Armory filled with yummy restaurants and a wading pool tucked away by Key Arena, the Seattle Center holds a treasure trove of experiences for kids of ALL ages.

WP_20160704_14_02_15_Pro (2) — Mia and her Momma enjoying the International Fountain at the Seattle Center

To start the holiday weekend, we strolled downtown and stopped by Westlake Park where they have done an outstanding job adding play equipment, a reading library, and games that everyone from a two-year old to a “seasoned” adult can enjoy. Mia the Magnificent would highly recommend the geodome climbing experience and the bean bag toss. Lunch time at Blue Water Taco Grill was delicious with fish tacos, burritos and lots of chips and guacamole to share. Next up, I had to return some books so the children’s area at the Seattle Library was just the ticket with a friendly librarian offering crayons and encouraging us to take home free books. Perfect for visiting toddlers! They must get lots of donations because they had books to spare. A large puzzle area kept Mia engrossed and provided needed rest time for the adults after our walk.

We saved the Children’s Museum at the Seattle Center for first thing Saturday morning. Thank goodness we had a big breakfast because we were running our asses off after Mia from one cool area to the next as she played fireman, bus driver, sailor and grocery shopper with gleeful abandon. Ah to be young! There were “humongous”, as Mia would describe it, blocks to put together, which Thom couldn’t resist, and a train table where Mia and I had an intense building experience to lay out the tracks for our cars.

Train Table

I want to be a firefighter

Sunday morning we braved the cruise ship crowds as they disembarked along the sidewalk on our waterfront walk past Sculpture Park and then waded through Pike Place Market. Using the stroller to plow our way through the tourists (yes, I am a jaded “townie” who wants them all to get the #&@! out of my way), we sampled fresh pears, jerky, jams, etc. as we walked and admired the fresh flower bouquets. Gorgeous but they weigh a ton and you have to haul them home on foot so, alas, no flowers for me. After a brief stop for Hannah and Mike to get a growler of Rachel’s Ginger Beer for Moscow mules later at home-parents sometimes need a stiff adult beverage-we grabbed a cookie as big as a platter at one of the bakeries across from the market to snack on and made our way to the Monorail. Always fun, the Monorail is a quick ride from downtown, dropping us off at the Seattle Center. Again, packed with tourists, but I was nice and not TOO pushy getting on and getting a good seat to show Mia the urban scenery on the ride home.

Later, after much-needed naps (and perhaps a nip or two of wine by the weary adults, okay me), we were back at the Seattle Center again to check out the new humongous playground by the EMP. With an area for big kids but also one designated for 2-5 year olds equipped with climbing ropes and a slide, Mia kept us busy making sure she wasn’t plunging to the turf and then racing over to try out the super cool swings and musical pipes to bang on.

After wearing us out on the playground, we decided to stroll down to South Lake Union and stomp away the afternoon on the water pad. What a joyful experience that was with water jets spraying us as we ran through them. Soaked and tired, we somehow climbed the Mercer hill home to spend a quiet evening watching Cars and having just a few pillow fights. Sadly, we kissed our Mia good-bye today. Thom cried just a little bit and is already asleep on the couch. I’m not too far behind him. Being a GiGi and NaiNai is hard work!

WP_20160703_20_28_53_Pro — GiGi and Mia watching Cars after their pillow fight. What a great weekend!

Signs as Seen in Seattle

On June 18, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Seattle, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I love Seattle. Living downtown we get to wander and see the silly signs that people and businesses post to encourage us to shop and laugh. I try to imagine living in suburbia again, walking by carefully manicured lawns on the clean sidewalks and shopping the ubiquitous strip malls amid big box retailers. No. Thank. You.

Block by block, the streets of Seattle always present a new view, interesting people watching and signs galore. Here are my favorites from today’s walk:

WP_20160618_14_34_21_Rich (2) — They had me at whiskey French toast but won’t turn down a $5 mimosa!

WP_20160618_14_48_43_Rich (2) — Interesting twist on drinking with a fitness angle.

WP_20160618_14_44_29_Rich (2) — I couldn’t agree more-my hat choices are picked with careful consideration to mood.

WP_20160618_14_33_33_Rich (2) — Not often you get voters passionately advocating for a murderer over the alternatives.

3 Chicks in Chicago

On June 7, 2016June 7, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, Chicago, Music, Nightlife, Seattle, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Girl’s Weekend! My sister Becky along with our best friend since grade school, Patti aka Trish, and I took on Chicago this weekend for a glorious girl’s only experience which featured food, fun, music and, of course, wine. Oh. Yeah. WP_20160604_19_17_07_Rich (2)

We have been best friends for 45 years believe it or not. I know, how can that be??? We all look so young! From swimming at our neighbor’s pool every day in the summers to sneaking smokes in the field between our houses, we have been through life’s challenges and celebrations-divorce, death, weddings, births, businesses, etc. with lots of tears and laughter along the way. I truly don’t know what I would do without these great women in my life.

After meeting up in our amazing suite at the Warwick Hotel on the Magnificent Mile complete with complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, we headed out for a walk by the waterfront, enjoying the blue sky and warm temps and then through historic Astor Park where the multi-million $ brownstones are to-die-for gorgeous. Next on the agenda was a late dinner at Volare. Even with reservations, the place was packed and it took awhile to get our table and food. A HUGE appletini for Patti and wine for me eased the hunger pains but then the food arrived and LOTS of it–mushroom risotto, caprese salad, minestrone, pasta–all to share and sample. YUM.

Becky and I are the “walkers” with matching FitBits so we got up early leaving Patti to her beloved sleep and took off for a walk by the river from bridge to bridge. Satisfied that we were well on our way to 10,000 steps, we pried Patti out of bed with the temptation of a Saturday brunch at a neighborhood café where we sat outside until the rain began but not before a courteous street dude walked right up to us, declared, “Charlie’s Angels” and walked away. You betcha!

It proceeded to mist on us as we ventured out of the downtown core to the Hyde Park Art Fair. I have no artistic skill whatsoever so am in complete awe of the interesting creations that the artists were showing. I saw an interesting cross necklace made out of antique silverware (only $35!) and pounced on it to purchase. Patti and Becky also wanted one so they are going to order online at: Silverware Artistry. Later we hit the Magnificent Mile and shopped till we dropped at Nordstrom’s (and the Rack), Anthro, Victoria’s Secret and Banana Republic. All my favorite stores and the stars were aligned for us all to find stuff we loved to take home. New Kate Spade shoes. Check. New Anthro white jacket. Done. Ring at 50% off. On my finger.

Nothing says “Girls Weekend” like a concert by awesome artists so, lucky us, got to go see Sean McConnell and Kris Allen at City Winery on Saturday night. I’ve seen Sean play in Seattle, opening for Griffin House at Columbia City Theater and, believe me, he is destined for greatness. His new album comes out July 2nd and he is touring as the headliner in the fall, coming to Columbia City in Seattle on August 19th and Neurolox in Boise on 9/3. Go see him before he blows up and is playing at huge arenas. Seriously, if you like rich lyrics and soulful tones, you will enjoy Sean’s music. Plus, I modeled my new hairstyle after his-seriously. I told him that story after his performance when Becky and I talked with him so she could buy his CD. He laughed.

Next up was Kris Allen and his band who got the crowd engaged, singing and clapping. Thom and I saw him just last week in Seattle at The Triple Door and he was equally entertaining. Singing by himself or with the group, Kris is a true talent that I have enjoyed since he was on American Idol. He is a hard worker with a brilliant voice. I hope he gains a wider audience and enjoys great success. WP_20160604_22_04_53_Pro (2)

After a lovely evening with wine, great food and wonderful music, we once again got a quick Uber (I’ve even made Becky an Uber lover!) and off to the hotel for some rest. The next morning Becky and I again wandered the neighborhood, walking to the lakeshore to get in our 10,000 steps. Then, it was off to the train to South Bend to see Mom. These 3 chicks had quite the time in Chicago and we vowed to make this a yearly event! Cheers! IMG_8119 (2)

Downtown Seattle Park Fun

On April 16, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn Parks, Seattle, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Last year in NYC, we frequented Bryant Park near the library and wandered through their reading room area where you can pick up a book or magazine and relax. The gaming area was teaming with energetic groups enjoying ping pong and boce ball. The café style setting allowed weary travelers a place to chill out. I remember telling Thom that Seattle should try this out and make better use of public space for everyone to enjoy. Now you can visit Westlake Park in downtown Seattle and experience the same family fun atmosphere! WP_20160416_16_31_29_Pro 1

We wandered through today on our way back home after picking up a book being held for me at the Seattle library-Mozart in the Jungle (now a fantastic series on Amazon). All I can say is: About bloody time, Seattle! Once a place only for junkies and protests and a place to be avoided at all costs, now Westtlake Park is equipped with fun stuff and might even become a destination for both locals and tourists after shopping downtown at Pike Place Market.

From ping pong and foosball tables, lawn chess and table chess, and a bean bag toss that Thom and I tried out, there was something for everyone in the crowd from kids to seniors. In addition to those activities, there were magazines to read and a jungle gym for the youth to climb all over and exert some energy. I love it!

HAPPY YEAR OF THE MONKEY!

On February 14, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Chinese New Year, Seattle, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Poor Damn Monkey-Chinatown was just not giving any love at all to the symbol of this New Year! When we were in China and it was Year of the Horse, there were ponies and stallions everywhere…big, small, red, gold, etc. decorating all the shops and homes. Horsey party to the extreme and very festive. So, we were missing the real Chinese New Year celebrations and decided to check out Seattle’s version this year. What a disappointment!

WP_20160213_11_50_11_Pro — Dragons and firecrackers welcome the Year of the Monkey!

Now, true the egg tarts always delight from the Chinese bakery there, but the first weekend we went, right before the official 2/8 holiday, there was nothing going on at all. Boring. We went back this weekend and finally, there were some dancing dragons and firecrackers going off to a small degree to welcome the New Year and the gods of wealth.

But really the crowd was there to feast on the $3 bargain food offer where you could stand in line to get select bites at the various food places. Not really our cup of tea and not a cultural event but it seemed popular with the gorging masses. Meh.

Still, I was really seeking out even a few crazy looking monkey decorative items in the shops. Can an expat get a little selection of monkey-themed decals or anything really to celebrate??? After shopping at the local grocery, Uwajimaya, for some salmon for our Valentine’s dinner, we grabbed our egg tarts and headed home, monkey-less.

Now, in Shanghai, I hear that having monkeys as your in-home pet is all the rage. Illegal, of course, but it’s probably not enforced and I’ve seen articles where folks are putting leashes on their monkeys and taking to the streets for a stroll. We saw a few monkey pets on the streets while they were there and they did turn heads. I’m sure in this Year of the Monkey, it’s very high status to actually own one. I am the Year of the Rat-wonder if the Chinese locals will leash up their rats and parade them around too? We didn’t really see rats over there too much-any small creature like that is considered food and served up as a lunch protein selection. Yum!

My Happy Places in Seattle

On January 24, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, bookstores, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

Wandering around Seattle over the last two weeks, it struck me that I definitely have my favorite places that I gravitate to now when I want to have a great experience. Having a bad day? No problem-just check out these places and life will be good. Let’s just call these “happy places”. Honestly, doesn’t everyone need some happy places to get you through the sometimes cold and always rainy Seattle winters? Not everyone can run off to Hawaii, St. Maarten or Florida for a sunny/warm interlude (you know who you are and I’m damn jealous!) so without further ado, I thought I would share these happy places with you, whether you live here and need some new adventures or if you are crazy enough to plan a visit to Seattle during the long winter months. Here is the top 10 countdown of “can’t go wrong happy places” in Seattle:

Happy Place #10-Seattle Sunsets as seen across Elliott Bay. Check it out from any number of parks, restaurants and Pike Place Market on the waterfront. I’m lucky to see this nightly show from my balcony. Blessed!

WP_20130622_017 — Seattle sunsets are striking any time of the year!

Happy Place #9-Seattle sporting events. We enjoy the Mariners, Seahawks, Storm, and Reign but nothing beats the excitement of a Sounders game. You must get the start-to-finish experience beginning in Pioneer Square with the March to the Match and then wait after the game is over to see the players applaud their passionate fans.

WP_20130728_001 — Any Seattle sporting event is fun but Sounders game reign supreme!

Happy Place #8-Elliott Bay Book Co. on Capital Hill. From the friendly staff to the huge assortment with lots of staff recommendations pointing you to great reads, nothing beats a book store on a rainy Seattle day. They even have a great café for a bite to eat and coffee. Pres. Clinton even visited here recently on his whistle stop through town, taking in the neighborhood ambience.

WP_20160118_14_36_20_Pro — Elliott Bay Book Co. on Capital Hill has wall of recommended reads by staff members

Happy Place #7-Sculpture Park on Elliott Bay. Not only is there iconic public art but they have awesome concerts here in the summer. Not many tourists venture this far north of the market so it’s relatively quiet even on gorgeous summer days.

WP_20160123_14_18_49_Pro 1 — Sculpture Park is serene and beautiful.

Happy Place #6-Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a gem with events and new exhibitions coming and going. We really enjoyed their Remix event, an after hours party with music, events, dancing, etc. that draws a huge crowd. We just became members so we can come and go frequently whenever we are in the mood.

WP_20160117_12_31_13_Pro 1 — Seattle Art Museum’s striking entry has now changed and the cars have been retired.

Happy Place #5-Chinatown, of course! We can’t wait to go celebrate Chinese New Year-Year of the Monkey on February 8th in our own Seattle Chinatown. There are several dim sum places that are excellent as well as the bakeries where I can get an egg tart. The Uwajimaya grocery has all our favorite snacks from China and always has cool stuff to buy.

Happy Place #4-Uptown Movie Theater. This totally charming old theater is a treasure and shows 3-4 movies, usually independent flicks, and is part of SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival). Best part-it is a block from our house and it serves lattes and wine.

WP_20141231_005 — The Uptown in Lower Queen Anne is a charmer!

Happy Place #3-The Seattle Center is more than the Space Needle. The lights twinkling in the trees at night while the fountain shoots its water bursts in time to the music make it a wondrous place. People think it is just for tourists but we walk our dogs there every day multiple times and enjoy it so much. WP_20150525_15_24_18_Pro

Seattle Center is our backyard with the fountain shooting high to the musical playlist.

Happy Place #2-Who isn’t happy shopping? In downtown Seattle, our favorite stores are John Fluevog for handcrafted shoes, Everyday Music (EM) for extensive vinyl assortment, Pike Place Market, of course, for leather slippers, lavender sachets and flowers/flowers/flowers, CostPlus World Market for coffee/tea/wine, and Nordstrom’s Rack for shoes and clothing with an onsite tailor. We can walk down and then take the fun Monorail home when we buy too much. Running since the 1962 World Fair, it’s only $2.25 one way for a quick trip from downtown to the Seattle Center. Super convenient for us!

WP_20150703_20_01_55_Pro — Yes, green boots for Thom. He is Irish after all.

Happy Place #1-MUSIC! I am constantly on the lookout for new and well-loved artists for us to check out in Seattle. Our favorite venues are The Paramount, The Moore, and the Triple Door though we often have to travel to Ballard to the Tractor Tavern to see folks we like. Last year we got to enjoy Eilen Jewell (coming again 2/25 to the Tractor Tavern-check her out!), Allen Stone, Glen Hansard, LeRoy Bell, Elvis Costello, David Bromberg, Florence & The Machine and wish we had seen Alabama Shakes live. I’m sure this year will be an even better year for concerts, though we had to plan a trip in March to LA to see Bruce Springsteen’s final concert on his tour since he snubbed Seattle. Come on, Bruce! Seattle IS the music place to be!

My current fav artist-Glen Hansard serenading us from the balcony at The Moore.

Here’s to 2016-expect nothing and appreciate everything!

On January 1, 2016January 1, 2016 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, China, expat, Seattle, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

2013 Times Square-2014 Shanghai-2015 Seattle-2016 Boise…it was never my intent to celebrate New Year’s Eve in different cities/countries but that’s just how my life rolled and I enjoyed every second of it. So what’s ahead in 2016? No idea but I’m excited to find out. Reflecting today on 2015, I am so thankful for all the experiences I’ve been so blessed to enjoy. Life is truly wonderful and amazing in so many ways.

Cheers! Here's to 2016! — Cheers! Here’s to 2016!

2015 for us was all about transition and travel. We moved back from China in late 2014 and settled into our new place in lower Queen Anne. Oh, how I love that water view and our urban neighborhood. Being able to walk everywhere you need to be is liberating and so healthy if you don’t count being a convenient block away from the greasy bliss that is Dick’s. Having decorated our apartment last year to make it cozy, we can now enjoy entertaining more in 2016. Bring on the cocktail cart and amazing sunsets! Having James move back in with us while he attends Seattle U. Law is an added bonus as well. I appreciate being closer to family but we do miss living in China so much-a unique adventure I will never forget.

Last year was also a travelling time with my old job taking me to exotic locations like Detroit in February, San Antonio during the torrential rain storms, Durham, Orlando in the brutal summer heat, Vancouver and NYC-my favorite that never disappoints. I may not travel with my new job for awhile but then it will become a global odyssey. Cannot wait. Oh the places we will go!

Amsterdam/Bruges/The Hague dazzled us on our autumn trip and was a highlight for sure and just as charming as I thought it would be. We definitely need to explore more of Europe SOON. Nothing beats a family vacation, though, and we got to all be together on the lovely Big Island as Baby Mia was learning to walk while on the beaches in Hawaii! That was priceless and appreciated so much. That Mia makes me smile.

Zip lining on Big Island with the kids was a joy!

Enjoying the dive diner experience with Patti & Larry in Vancouver

Flying through the trees and across the valleys in Hawaii on the zip line with the kids was breathtaking. Travelling with friends is also fun so when Patti and Larry drove across America on their road trip, we joined them to enjoy an Amtrak trip up to Vancouver where we took walking tours and found the best dive restaurant in town, serving milk shakes AND martinis right next to the triple XXX shop. Yummy and crazy at the same time!

I was lucky enough to enjoy lots of great musical moments in 2015 and got to experience the great artistic stylings of Glen Hansard, Florence & The Machine, Allen Stone x2, Eilen Jewell, Griffin House, Elvis Costello, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson, Dave Brumbeck plus interesting talks by David Sedaris, John Oliver, Jesse Eisenberg, David Axelrod, Ira Glass and Joe Klein. Such smart and talented people! Looking forward to seeing Lewis Black soon in Seattle. He always brings me to tears of laughter with his passionate rants. Need to seek out some women speakers this year. Here’s to diversity and hoping Hillary comes to town! Best concert of 2015-Glen Hansard with Allen Stone as a close second. I would go see them anytime, anywhere. GO SEE THEM!

Allen Stone and I hanging out at his private concert for my company. Cool dude!

We also got to go to many Seattle Storm basketball games at nearby Key Arena and see Jewell Lloyd win Rookie of the Year. It was a rebuilding year so they should win more in 2016. The Sounders were inconsistently frustrating but always a fun game to go to with awesome fan support. Throw in a few Mariners games and the Seattle Reign too and we have begun to truly immerse ourselves in the Seattle sports scene. Of course, Thom and Mike got to see their beloved Mets play in NYC in the World Series. Epic moment for those two-here’s hoping the Mets come back swinging again this year so I don’t have to listen to Thom cry and whine.

2015 WTF Moments

Trump-if by some horrible chance he wins, we would have to leave. Are you with me? Belize perhaps? That he is even in the race, let alone leading, is embarrassing for the U.S.

Guns & Violence-something must be done. Hopefully Obama will look at his Fu*&it List and take action. I’m looking forward to seeing Hannah make a difference with her work for Moms Demand Action, an organization funded by Bloomberg. People, we need to take a stand and say NO MORE.

My shoulder froze and my local gym closed so health and fitness were challenging for me this year. Frozen shoulder, mainly affecting women of a “certain age”, made moving painful and awkward but it’s getting better now with the aid of my masseuse’s cruel and painful sessions and it certainly could have been worse. Going to try out a new gym next week and start the new year off right. Hoping 2016 is a healthy one for all of us.

2016 Highlights to look forward to

Have fun in 2016 and be silly at least once a day!

*watching Mia turn 2-she grows more enchanting and smart every day. Definitely want to spend more time in Boise if we can carve out some time in between renters of our cute cottage there. It’s popular!

*publishing a book on our adventures in China-Thom will explore consulting opportunities around our expat experiences as well and we even have our own YouTube Channel now to bring the book to life: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC46Dht4h7e7Tebgx6Ri9tMA?view_as=public

*discovering Dublin and seeing Glen Hansard sing in his natural environment and a NYC trip to see old friends and old haunts once it warms up some and the Mets are playing again.

*back home again to Indiana to see Mom, Sis and corn waving in the fields. Once Hoosier, always a Hoosier!

*an art-filled year. We just became Seattle Art Museum members so our weekly dates will probably be including art as well as going to their incredible Remix events. If you live in Seattle, check out these after hour events with music. Fun.

*learning a new job-again but trying for better work/life balance. Finally!

Here’s to 2016 and savoring the wonder of each and every day. Expect nothing & appreciate everything.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: