It came to final day of me and my friend on this trip together before embarking this journey further solo. Both of us would be taking flights in the afternoon to respective destinations. We needed to return our car by noon so we started our day early at the first Starbucks store in which we decided to skip during our first day in Seattle. This time around the hotel we stayed was further away from our initial AirBnB so we took the bus down to the city. It was 8am as we arrived and there was not much crowd and definitely no queue. Retaking the shot right in front of the store before going in, the store only allowed for to go, couldn’t drink and chill there. It was relatively a small store while maintaining its old look with wooden floor; left side selling the merchandise with original logo and the barista counter on the right. Ordered myself a Frappuccino, I have been contemplating how many merchandise I wanted to to buy. Initially bought three then soon after getting another.
Greeted by these tree of sakura upon arrival the night before. (and the homeless).
One of my favourite towers now. Missing it for sure.
Retake this photo and this time, almost all by myself.
Go back in time when it all started. Now, it has the world.
One with the original or first Starbucks logo.
It would be a missed opportunity if I didn't take this photo, which was literally at Pike Place. That's me with a bag of four Starbucks merchandise.
Ah, did I mention, back in San Francisco, most of the buildings were built along slopes like this?
We took the bus getting to north of Lake Union to arrive at Gas Works Park. It was named as such as there was abandoned gasification plant nearby which was now all rusty and I supposed they decided to keep it as an attraction rather than completely decommissioned. Hardly spot any tourist here either, perhaps it was still very early and bumped into locals doing their jogs and walking their dogs. Spotted some swans too, reminding me of Hyde Park scene back in London. This place gave another vantage point of Seattle skyline. There were lots of ships at the lake and I wonder how did they get there until I made to know that the freshwater lake was actually connected to the sea via Washington Lake Ship Canal. As the clock struck close to 10, we commuted back to our hotel to prepare for checking out. The weather started to clear out as it was cloudy earlier in the day.
I guess I couldn't run away from my work, could I?
Almost fall into the lake when trying to take this shot.
The sky was clearing out as we headed back to hotel, as if it wanted me to have nice glimpse of this tower before leaving.
Bye bye, Four Points. Thanks for the free parking!
Ok, may be not yet. Emotional pose before really checking out.
Didn't get to use the gym but a seflie would do.
Bidding farewell to the city as we drove by, we got our car fueled before returning to the same car rental centre where we rented Tesla few days earlier. Similarly, we took the free shuttle bus to the airport. Supposedly me and my friend should hop on different buses as our flight would be taking off from different terminals but since we were still early, we decided to go the same terminal, only to realise that both terminals were actually connected. I guess the difference was the buses would stop at opposite ends of the airport. I booked Delta Airlines for my flight for my next destination. Initially confused with the flight options, I bought the cheapest fare which wouldn't allow flight change and baggage check-in, the latter part still applied for subsequent fares, only to realise it was to be purchased separately regardless. It cost 30 dollars for first baggage (23kg allowance) and I did so when I checked in my flight online. Baggage drop was smooth with no hassle and I thought that was fast until it was time for security check by TSA. We queued for almost half an hour before getting ourselves screened, where we needed to take off our shoes and jackets as well. The execution was efficient alright, there were just too many passengers. Apparently there was fast track sort of lane, in which I reckoned at additional cost. My friend and I would be boarding at different gates so we had quick lunch at central of the airport before saying our goodbye. Slowly walking towards my designated gate, I patiently waited for boarding announcement.
Seattle Tacoma International Airport. My first domestic flight in the States.
20 years of friendship and still counting. Goodbye for now. More adventure awaits in the future.
For a close to 3 hours flight, they served biscoff cookies and a cup of drink. I wasn’t sure whether I was pampered by my own domestic flight back in Malaysia whereby a 2 hour flight I would be served full meal. Not that I was hungry or anything at that time. That aside, the view outside of window (lucky to get window seat since I got the cheapest ticket) was magnificent as the plane started to make its way down south, or more like southwest. Beneath the sea of clouds were deserts and mountainous area with snows coating the peaks. As the plane slowly descended, familiar landmarks started to appear before it finally touched down at Henry Reid International Airport. I shouldn’t be surprised at the scene of slot machines at the airport since this is Las Vegas. Yes, my next stop was the sin city.
In flight meal of close to 3 hours flight onboard Delta Airlines.
Gorgeous view.
Well, this was a clear sign that I was in Vegas. And I was still at the airport.
and this welcome sign affirmed my destination.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Needed to take train to separate building to retrieve my luggage, I booked a Lyft to get to my AirBnB. I didn’t realise that I booked somewhere nearby downtown, a decision that I almost regretted but everything still turned out ok in the end. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by my host and she recommended nearby eatery when I said I wanted mexican dinner. The place that I stayed wasn’t that well lit and there was construction along the main road. Could spot some homeless folks lingering around. As I entered the eatery, I needed to google what to order as the menu was in Spanish. Most of the customers seemed to be speaking Spanish. There were multiple counters which happened to mean different kinds of meats so I decided just to go with the longest queue for quick fix to my hunger.
First meal in Vegas at Tacos El Gordo
Fremont Street was around 30 minutes walk from my AirBnB and the street was pretty quiet and dark. I would be lying that I wasn’t scared. I have done few solo trips in the past, back in Europe, China and even South East Asia but nothing felt like this at that point of time. Not sure if it was the vibe or the homeless that wander around. Not that they did approach me or anything but some of them did try to talk to me as I walked by in which I quickly ignored. My anxiousness slowly allayed as I was getting closer to the place where streets started to be busy with crowd. There was container city but the shops mostly have closed. Walked further up and I arrived at classic street of Vegas if I am allowed to call it. Fremont Street was illuminated with HD LED ceiling, together with flashing light of casino signages. There were stages set up at different parts of the street which came with performances. There were number of street performances too, and some hunks and cabana ladies walking around asking you to take photos with them, not free of course. I decided to head back early and increased my pace this time to get back to my AirBnB the soonest.
This mantis was spurting fire while I was approaching.
Hello, hello Vegas. Still couldn't believe I was at this city.
Lights, lights and more lights.
Do you see what I see?
Ok found this chapel. Though I wasn't sure who got married here.
Started my day 1 in Las Vegas slightly later for my brunch at Makers and Finders at Art District. Seemed to be a famous place as I needed to wait a while before getting my seat at the bar. Unsure I was oblivious previously or I didn’t know the customers seating at the bars were to be attended by the bartenders. Ordered myself a mocha and the lox. The day started cold as I was still wearing my jacket but the sky was clearly blue on that day. It was around 20 minutes walk before I was coming into face to face with the iconic Strat Tower, which was always featured in the CSI series. I skipped getting up to the tower and proceeded heading towards The Strip, with Sahara that came first in sight. Fountainbleau was still in construction when I was there and soon after, I was next to Resort World, which was owned by Genting Group. Not long after, Treasure Island, Venetian, The Mirage et cetera came to sight. It was still noon and the pedestrian street was not crowded with people yet, in which I supposed it would only pick up when the night fell, which proved to be true.
The Lox Benedict and my usual coffee, Mocha.
Arts District, walking towards The Strip, with Strat Tower in the background
Welcome sign next to the tower.
Las Vegas Boulevard is a long stretch of road and The Strip is just part of it. And yes, it was sunny day and I was back to my short sleeves. Missing the tropical climate at this point.
Of all the casino resorts or hotels, I made first stop at Venetian entering the Grand Canal Shoppes, obviously heavily inspired by Venice, Italy with canals and gondola going through the mall. The blue ceiling with patches of cloud gave the impression that the shops were outdoors. There was some shooting going on though I didn’t recognise them, not sure if they were celebrities or just some influencers. Passing by The Ceasars Palace, I crossed the street to stroll along Linq Promenade which was next to Flamingo. It was full of restaurants with High Roller at the end of street. Speaking of Caesars Palace, it is known to host big names having their concert residency at the Colosseum. It was Adele's during the time I was there. I have the thought to get myself a ticket until I saw the price, cheapest at one thousand... dollars. If it was still Celine Dion, I think I would buy it without second thought. Moving on, the famous fountain that I marked as must see in my list was nearby, the Bellagio Fountain. I got to know about this from James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke episode with Celine Dion where they did the Titanic flying scene at the fountain. The fountain was located exactly opposite of Paris Las Vegas.
Grand Canal Shoppes
When I was about to leave the place, a familar tune started to play and I stayed a little while..
The Venetian Las Vegas
Linq Promenade, options of eateries to fill your hunger
Caesars Palace, with the Colosseum in the middle.
Paris Las Vegas.
Hungry from walking for almost half day, decided to have lunch at Momofoku at Cosmopolitan which was right next to Bellagio. Ordered ramen and lemonade, the ramen tasted tad a bit too bland for me. Perhaps I was used to flavoury broth that I had back in Japan or even in Malaysia. But being in Vegas, it was a thing to try the celebrity chef’s restaurant so at least I have done it. Why I didn’t go Gordon Ramsay’s instead you might ask. I have no answer for that. I saw Hell's Kitchen though. Did a quick stop at M&M store which featured four storeys of chocolate funs and merchandises. I continued to walk further down the strip until Luxor as my last stop before I detoured to where I came from. The crowd started to build up as it was close to sunset. Was chilling at Starbucks Cosmopolitan to ease on the legs while waiting for the fountain show at Bellagio. The show only started at 3pm and it wasn't the time when I first arrived earlier. The show was brief, for like 5 minutes and there was a lady, I believe she was South American with Latino accent asked for my help to take photo of her, after knowing I was waiting for the fountain show too. I put The Forum Shops at Caesars as my last stop of the day before catching a show. What show? I left that to your imagination.
Ramen and lemonade at Momofoku. It was okay.
A picture of it could do.
M&M Store at Las Vegas.
New York-New York. Next place to visit for next trip. The real NYC.
Titanic Exhibition at Luxor.
Chilling with the seasonal Starbucks drink, Dragon Drink.
Bellagio Fountain show in the back. Dare say this site the grandest at the area.
Of all the hotels, I would say Caesars Palace has the grandest entrance, or my favourite.
Since I couldn't get to the show, a photo of the entrance will do.
Overview of The Strip, walked from one end to another.
Should you know this view point, you could have guessed what show did I watch to conclude my day 1 in Las Vegas.
We started our day 2 in Seattle by having our usual morning coffee at Starbucks Reserve Roastery which was just about 10 minutes walk from our place. Unusual to Starbucks Reserve that I have been to in Malaysia, this outlet showcased the coffee roasting process, with the pipe connecting to the counter. On top of that, there was a bar and bakery serving alcoholic drinks and Italian-inspired pastry. I got myself an Irish Cream Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew and Salmon sandwich. Currently there are six Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the world and the one closest to home is in Shanghai and Tokyo. Our AirBnB didn't allow luggage storage so we needed to check out before continuing on for our next agenda. My friend googled and found a place to store our stuff at hostel downtown via nannybag which cost 9 dollars per bag.
Entrance of Starbucks Reserve Roastery, as of current there are only six Starbucks roasteries in the world.
This outlet was spacious with the roastery within it.
Trying the drink menu that I possibly couldn't find in Malaysia
Princi Bakery to complement your Starbucks order should you want one.
Bidding goodbye to our AirBnB.
I would never forget the drama on our first day of checking in at this place.
After leaving our luggage at Green Turtoise Hostel, we walked for 20 minutes to our next point of interest, which was the Space Needle. It cost 37 dollars to enter the space-inspired iconic tower of Seattle. It has two levels of observatory decks whereby the first level offers outdoors with inclining glass wall for those photo ops and few camera stops (photos are linked to your ticket and can download them for free, included the greenscreen backdrop photo taken prior to the elevator) meanwhile rotating bar/restaurant is located upstairs. Bought myself few souvenirs from the shop before taking a bus to Kerry Park to have a good glimpse of Seattle skyline. I believe the park meant for the neighbourhood as it was surrounded by houses and it took quite a slope to get onto the viewpoint from where the bus dropped us. Known as the city with depressing weather, we were blessed with sunny blue sky on this very day.
Thought this landmark would be easily spotted anywhere in the city, only to see more of it during later days of my time in Seattle.
One with the tower, recognised this tower from Grey's Anatomy.
Going up.
Souvenir shop at the ground level, as we walked towards the elevator. Photo stop at top left.
I was falling. I mean, almost. The blue tape kinda gave it away. Look at that mountain behind me.
View of waterfront from the top. There were minor gaps between the big pieces of glass.
Floating in the air, sorta.
You can hop the bus with one time payment, as long as the time of boarding displayed on the ticket.
Skyline of Seattle city from Kerry Park. Truly loving this view.
We commuted back to the city for early dinner, or more like late lunch at Pike Fish Bar. Sorted our car at Hertz which was just nearby where we left our luggage earlier today, we bought a little grocery at Target (note: for free parking) and retrieved our bags, we started to drive towards our next destination, Port Angeles. There were few route options and we chose to board ferry from Colman Dock to Bainbridge Island. The voyage was around 30 minutes long and we exited the car to walk around the ferry. There was cafe or restaurant but it was closed. Vending machines are available to purchase food and drink. The sun has already set by the time we were onboard and I found myself mesmerised by the night view of city when the concrete jungle was illuminated against the full-moon lit night sky. Disembarked from port and there we went cruising on the road once again and reconnected to U.S. 101 Route. We were on the road for almost 2 hours before checking ourselves in at Super 8 and rested for the night.
Another round of fish and chip and clam chowder. This time with a glass of beer.
Needed that beer. I was almost half way through my excapade at that point.
In the queue for our ferry. It cost about 13 dollars per person to get onboard.
View of Seattle from our car while waiting at the terminal.
Night view of Seattle from the ferry. Pretty.
Excited to be on the ferry. And the cold.
Olympic National Park
Super 8, our motel at Port Angeles.
Saw this cat on the night as we parked our car but it ran away. Found it cozily lying on the couch before checking out.
Had our breakfast at the motel and checked out, we headed towards Olympic National Park Visitor Centre. Due to winter season, lots of section were closed to visitors due to snowy road conditions. Initially planned for three stops, we ended up with only two points of interest at Olympic National Park. The park was quite huge as from one point to another it could take up to two hours drive. It was half an hour drive before we started our tracking at Moment in Time Trail, which was by the Lake Crescent. The water was so clear which could see the perfect reflection of the mountain in the background. It was pretty serene and only bumped into a handful of visitors when we were there. There was a lodge nearby which appeared to be close, not sure whether it was temporary due to the low season or permanently not in operations. From the lake, we followed signage that led us to Marymere Falls, which was about 2 miles trail. Thought I have had of enough of snow back in Mount Rainier, despite of the slippery icy trail, the fluffy white matter continued to captivated me.
Driving a Chervolet this time, with a can of Rainier beer. I believe it was illegal to have opened alcoholic drinks in the car. Oops.
Lake Crescent. So calm and peaceful. Can see traces of snow at top of the hills, and a narrow glimpe of snowy mountain behind.
Closest attempt to mimic scene of Crash Landing On You.
Not sure what was I looking at but was such a poser here.
Hello, snow. We meet again.
Crossing this stream, Barness Creek.
One with the waterfall.
Last photo with the lake before leaving.
As we headed to Hall of Mosses which is about 90 minutes away, we passed by a little township called Forks. There was a hotel with LED signage that said "Edward Cullen didn't sleep here". Little did I know that Fork is the setting of Twilight movies, which explained there were some movie posters at the shop as we drove by. As the name speaks for itself, it was a loop trail through forest that covered in thick green mosses, with the snow too. We spent around half an hour before leaving for Seattle.
Check point, checked.
Dabbing in the middle of mosses and snow.
Of green and white.
What did I tell you? Loving the view of snow and hence, selfies!
We did a quick stop at Walmart Supercenter to return the tire chains that we bought earlier for Mt Rainier National Park. Thankfully we managed getting for a full refund since we didn't get to use it on our car back then, albeit we did unbox to have a look at the chains. It was 2 hours drive before we arrived at the ferry terminal, the same port we got off the night before. I believe we missed the last ferry by a close margin since we were the first one in line. Grabbed our last dinner at Boca before calling it a day at Four Points by Sheraton. Almost wanted to park our car outside the hotel since underground hotel parking came with a fee until we noticed there was homeless camping nearby, the hotel receptionist was kind enough to waive it for us since we checked in quite late, it was way past 10pm.
Viewpoint of Mount Olympus from Walmart. Good enough.
Inside the ferry. Was very hungry.
Former tallest tower at the region, Smith Tower.
Was high on the red wine. The portion of steak was so huge and I couldn't finish the veges.
View from our room in Seattle for our last night. Couldn't been better than this to close this chapter.
Counting down to next leg of this trip. Till then.
