October 2011 Archives

Seattle Asian Market Tour

  • Posted on October 22, 2011 at 5:40 pm

I was one of a lucky quartet to spend four hours with Pranee Khruasanit Halvorsen an inspirational Thai cooking expert and instructor.

Laura, Claudia, Judy and I met at the Martin Way Park and Ride to catch the 7:55 am Intercity Transit bus 605.  The bus was almost full, but we all found seats.  We exited at the Highway 512 Park and Ride, waiting about 10 minutes for the Sound Transit Bus 594.  The ride was uneventful, and we got off at the 4th and Jackson stop (at the edge of Seattle’s International District) about 9:45.  Stopping at the beautifully restored Union Station to use the restroom, we were in awe of the soaring ceiling, tile floor, and other treasures of a gone-by era.

The Union Station was built in 1910-1, and served as the Seattle train station (prior to the current King Street Station) until 1971. This lovely building was empty for many years until the 1990’s, when it was renovated.

 

We headed east on Jackson Street, going under the freeway guarded by the yellow and red fish painted on the freeway support pillars.  Our destination was Viet-Wah Supermarket, location at 1031 South Jackson Street.

Pranee greeted us warmly, and we immediately started a tour of the market.  She first showed us the many varieties of rice, informing us of the different characteristics and uses.  We looked at the selection of kitchen ware, followed by a stroll through the produce section.  The variety of FRESH unfamiliar produce was amazing.  By that time we were getting hungry, so Pranee led us across the street to her favorite noodle restaurant:  Hue Ky Mi Gia, located at 1207 S. Jackson Street, suite 101.  The restaurant was featured in a recent Seattle Magazine, and we soon could see why!  As soon as we walked into the restaurant, the aromas were heavenly.  We ordered noodle soup, as well as calamari and tofu appetizers.  We all enjoyed the extraordinarily flavorful broth and fresh ingredients. Seattle Asian Market Tour- continue reading

Car Free Santa Barbara

  • Posted on October 18, 2011 at 11:55 am

It’s been awhile since I’ve added a new post… family obligations (and Gail moving to Portland!) has kept me close to home.
Yes, I went to a couple Mariner games by bus and/or Sounder train this summer, but I have been long overdue for a new adventure.

 

This past week’s adventure was grand and perfect:
Santa Barbara, California.

 

Santa Barbara is a lovely Mediterranean style (think red tile roofs and stucco) style town 90 miles north of Los Angeles.
“Santa Barbara car-free” (SBCF) (www.santabarbaracarfree.org) encourages visitors to walk and/or use public transportation to explore the city.  Being a rebel by bus, that’s just what I did!

Here are some highlights of my visit:

  • Santa Barbara Transit (www.sbmtd.gov) Bus line 11 travels between the airport and the downtown Transit Center every 30 minutes.  Depending on where you are staying, you can catch another bus, walk, or take a taxi to your destination.  (I walked).  Lucky Cab gives “car-less” travelers a 20%  cab fare discount.  I found that information on the SBCF website.  The transit website also has a good trip planner.
  • I stayed at the Brisas Del Mar, at 223 Castillo Street.  This older, but well maintained, Mediterranean style hotel is an easy three block stroll to the beach.  They offer many extras, such as breakfast, afternoon wine and cheese, and evening cookies and milk.  They also have cruiser bikes that are available (free) on a first come, first serve basis. Car Free Santa Barbara- continue reading

Top