When I got up early in the morning, I opened the blinds and saw that I was in a bad mood: it kept raining. I really don't want to go, but I decided to leave. After all, it is difficult to find a sunny day to go out to play after entering the rainy season. If you have to wait until it clears up, see you next year. The bus ride went smoothly, because there was no direct train to Seattle in Pacquelin, and we had to change trains on the way, but there was no charge for changing trains in the United States, so we only spent 3 yuan to get to Seattle. I thought it would cost 1 half to go to Lakewood, and then 3 yuan to get to Seattle. It takes about an hour by car, and the scenery outside the window is charming. It cleared up before you knew it, and the weather in Washington state was unpredictable. There are pine forests on both sides of the road, because there are no tall buildings to block it, and the vision is particularly broad. You can always see the skyline. It's just that the vast and changeable clouds in the blue sky make me look crazy My companion who grew up in a beautiful place in Sichuan thinks I'm making a fuss, but she doesn't know how long people like me who have been living in colorless cities in the north have been hungry.
Seattle is indeed a big city. I saw tall buildings, skyscrapers symbolizing modern civilization, department stores, and restaurants and cafes (mainly Starbucks) everywhere. Although it is not as big as Beijing and Shanghai, it is one of the best cities in the United States. I have been in the United States for half a month, and everywhere I go is a sparsely populated rural scenery. This time, I entered the city from the countryside. I was a little excited to be in the bustling crowd again, and I forgot how I complained about the people at home.
The first stop is the well-known Park Market. It turned out to be a big free market composed of hundreds of stalls, including stalls selling agricultural products, small shops selling jewelry, gifts and other gadgets, as well as bars and restaurants, which was dazzling. Because it is one of the must-see attractions in Seattle, and it was the weekend, tourists from all over the world simply packaged it. As soon as I entered the door, I saw many people around a fish stall, as if waiting quietly to see something. It turns out that this is the famous fish stall that staged the "Flying Fish Show". As long as someone buys fish, the guys will shout a few words in unison, and then one guy will throw the fish on the counter. Everyone is waiting for that moment. Unfortunately, my photography skills are not good, and I can't capture that moment. An old lady beside me told me sympathetically that it was really hard and she couldn't bear it. Unfortunately, it seems that there were not many people who bought fish that day, most of them were spectators, so the guy who sold fish humorously said to everyone, "We are not just performing, we are also really selling fish", and everyone laughed.
Our lunch was settled in a Chinese restaurant in the market. I ordered a barbecue bag and a barbecue bag. Barbecued pork is average, as long as I have meat to eat anyway. Barbecued pork bun is unexpected, to be exact, it should be "barbecued pork bun". There is a waterfront view in the market, so you can sit and eat while overlooking the sea view of the pier, which is very comfortable.
According to the book, we went to the famous Seattle Center again. The conclusion after the visit is: I regret this trip. This is a big failure of our trip to Seattle, which is like a children's activity center. There is little to see except Seattle's landmark space needle tower. As for pagodas, China is full of such pagodas, which really doesn't interest me. Taking pictures here is for fear that people who go back will think it was taken in a water park.
Fortunately, after we were discouraged, we went back to the dock and went to the aquarium. It was a bit fun. Compared with the aquarium I have seen in China before, there are three main points: First, I can see my favorite beaver. I couldn't help laughing when I saw them lying on their backs on the water, gnawing something in their short forelimbs. The other is that you can touch starfish and corals with your own hands. I shook the small claws of starfish, pinched the fat body of sea cucumber and touched the sensitive tentacles of coral. I think it's very enjoyable, and that alone is worth the ticket price. The other is the "ring of life": a large glass ring like an arch, in which countless transparent jellyfish swim slowly. They turn red and blue with the light, which is really beautiful. Tickets for this aquarium 12.5 yuan are almost the same as those in China, and it feels quite cost-effective.
Finally, go to the dock to see the sea view. The water is boundless, and people are in a painting, which is incredible. There is one thing that Seattle can't compare with Beijing and Shanghai in any case, and that is the invincible sea view. The whole city is actually a bit like Qingdao, with high and low slopes. Going down by bus in the steepest place is like riding a roller coaster. You can often see plane trees in Qingdao everywhere on both sides of the road. As far as the city scale is concerned, Seattle is much bigger, more modern, more international and very prosperous than Qingdao. I fell in love with this city at first sight, and I know I will definitely come again.
Fly in the ointment: Actually, I am a person who likes to wander around alone. Although I am road blind, I like the feeling of accidentally inserting myself. If you travel with others, it doesn't matter if you are like-minded, otherwise you often have to accommodate each other and feel that you are not happy enough. That's it this time. I haven't visited Park Market carefully, and I haven't had time to find the first Starbucks with a long history. I still want to find the small shop in A Min, an Afghan, written by San Mao in the book. However, my companions are more interested in discounted clothes and shoes. I just spent an hour in Ross Outlets. I can't help it. Be sure to come by yourself next time.
A little tidbit: We really worked hard to find the station. Finally, when I asked a shop assistant for directions, the amiable blonde salesgirl took the initiative to ask if we wanted a return ticket. I can't believe it. She also asked if we would come to Seattle again. She seems to want to give us more. I really felt a little embarrassed to ask for more, but my companion reacted quickly, saying that he would come back with a stick and gave us a stack of tickets. Her explanation was that these tickets were useless to her because she had an annual card, so she gave them to us. This is really unexpected. If you are in China, no one will give strangers a little cheaper, preferring to accommodate relatives and friends. America, a different place.