So I finally went on vacation.  I took a week away from the heat and allergens to hang out with my old roommate and look for a new pair of boots.  Seattle has always been on my “to visit” list but even after Kitten moved there 2 years ago I hadn’t managed to fit in a trip.

Thanks to the magic of Travelocity I scored uber cheap air fare and a direct flight. My plane touched down on Wednesday evening and I pondered going out dancing.  I decided that food and sleep was more important (I was up late the previous night making a costume).

Thursday we went out for breakfast at Cafe Besalu. It had been awhile since I have called pastries breakfast.

Then it was off to roam around the Ballard Street area in search of boots. No such luck for either of us. While Karen took a nap I decided to take a walk around Green Lake Park.

After nap time we went to the PCC for groceries and made dinner. Something that we both missed doing.

Friday, Kitten headed off to work and I decided to go on an adventure downtown.   I managed to take the bus to 3rd and Pike and not get lost.

After sightseeing all morning, I spent the rest of the afternoon hunting for boots. Kitten and I met up at the Fluevog store to drool over the $500 boots (BTW. Fluevog has a layaway program).  We came home to dinner cooked by Kitten’s roommate and then we went out dancing (it was a failed attempt as the majority of the regulars were in Portland).

Saturday was Museum Day.  Thanks to the Smithsonian, Kitten and I went to the Experience Music Project for free!  Good times were had at the museum.  Kitten and I formed a Joan Jett cover band called “Where’s my Jett Pack?” in the “On Stage” interactive area.  We roamed around and I was inspired to get back on a music education project for the dance community (not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have a band geek background).

Kitten and I finished off the evening at a Cowboys and Indians themed birthday party (this was the costume I was making before I left town). I went with a non-slutty Indian outfit in case I needed something that was work appropriate later..  Kitten went as the slutty cow girl (we had fun shopping for the outfit).  The party was small (the blues dancers were in Portland).  I had a good time (more on that later).

Sunday, after very little sleep, we prepared for the housewarming party.  There was baking (whiskey brownies), cleaning, and another trip to Kitten’s old house to move more stuff.   On the way to grab coffee, Kitten drove by the strangest tree I have ever scene.  it is called a monkey puzzle, imagine a succulent crossed with a conifer.

Monday was my last day in town.  I went for a walk around Kitten’s neighborhood to get coffee and return a few things to the library.  I took the bus to Fremont to find the Troll and to take one last stab at finding boots.

Kitten left work early and met me for another round of shopping.  I left empty handed but she managed to find lipgloss and a pair of gold shoes.  It was looking like rain (Yes, I know it does that in Seattle but, it had been 70 degrees and sunny for most of my visit.)  We came home and made soup and grilled cheese  and took a long nap.

I took care of two more things on my to do list that evening.  I went to a tavern called Uber.  I had the Stone Imperial Russian (it was cold and rainy outside).  I had the bartender call me a cab and I went to the dance at Sonny’s.   Some people warned me that it would be a slow night.  It was Monday, after the regular lessons.  I have to say that I danced more from (9:30 to midnight than I have danced in the last few years).

Tuesday morning Kitten took me to the airport bright and early.  I slept the entire way back. I came home to humid, mold laiden Austin.

So, for my next trip to Seattle, I plan on staying longer (and figuring out if I can live allergy free there). There are a few restaurants that I want to try out.  I want to go to Vancouver and Portland.  There will be more dancing (I happened to miss the Tuesday and Wednesday dances).