seattle day three

Currently listening to: Stereo Love – Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina

I can fix all those lies
Oh baby, baby I run, but I’m running to you
You won’t see me cry, I’m hiding inside
My heart is in pain but I’m smiling for you

I woke up at 0500 out of habit, then promptly fell back asleep until 0700. I wasn’t mad about it. I took a hot shower to ease into the morning and texted Caroline to coordinate our morning and afternoon. We had plans to meet her at Pike Place Market at 1000.

Before heading out, we went downstairs to The George for breakfast again. I told myself I’d make a more reasonable choice this time around—something lighter, less egregious.

I started with a green juice—honeydew, spinach, cucumber, mint, and pineapple. It was actually really good. Refreshing without tasting like lawn clippings.

I ordered scrambled eggs and toast, but as usual, I only managed a few bites and downed several cups of coffee instead. My iron-deficient body said thank you for the caffeine. #anemialife

The George is just a beautiful space. Great natural light, thoughtful design, and all the food is locally sourced. If you’re going to eat like a bird, at least do it somewhere that feels luxe.

We walked to meet Caroline—a short eight-minute stroll from the hotel. Even at 1000, the market was already packed. Caroline came with a game plan and a list of must-try spots, which I always appreciate.

Our first stop: Piroshky Piroshky. These are basically Russian-style hand pies or savory hot pockets. I got the beef and cheese piroshky. Incredible. Regret of the day: not having the stomach space to also try the chicken curry and rice one.

Caroline made sure we saw the original Starbucks, the one that opened in 1971. Naturally, she wanted us to pick up some Seattle-specific merch for my mom and brother. We obliged. We waited in line for about 20 minutes. The lines move rather quickly at most shops but be prepared to wait.

Next, the infamous Gum Wall. It was… exactly what it sounds like. A wall, absolutely caked in old chewing gum. Why this became a tradition, I have no idea. Apparently during the pandemic people were licking the wall and even chewing random gum off it? Humanity is unwell. Darwinism doing its thing.

We wandered down the alleys near the market, checking out all the food stalls and local vendors. The place is bigger than I expected, with way too many things I wanted to eat and not nearly enough room in my stomach.

Side note: the bathroom stalls at Pike Place are strange. The doors are about half-size, so there’s really no privacy. Like, full eye contact while you’re sitting there. Umm… okay then.

Caroline took us to Oriental Mart, a three-generation Filipino restaurant and grocery inside the market. They won a James Beard Award in 2020 and were featured on No Passport Required on PBS. Caroline told us her go-to move is walking up to the counter and saying, “Auntie, I’m hungry,” and letting them surprise her with whatever they’re cooking that day. It’s giving… omakase vibes.

The post-it notes covering the place were pure sarcasm. Loved it.The food? Immaculate.

Pork lumpia: fried to golden perfection.

Salmon sinigang: the broth was so good, I could’ve sipped it like tea.

Fried boneless bangus, rice, and pancit: I don’t know where this has been my whole life, but I’m slightly offended no one has introduced me to this sooner. My Filipino coworkers have clearly been gatekeeping.

After a good meal and catching up about the WNBA, Seattle, and life in general, Caroline had to head out for a Seattle Storm game. I went back to Oriental Mart to buy some outfits for my Labubu. Yes, I said what I said. No judgment, please.

Now left to our own devices, we wandered around downtown and found Eighth Generation, a Native-owned business run by the Snoqualmie tribe. They partner with Native artists from across the country. I bought a Wolf Trail enamel pin by John Isaiah Pepion (Blackfeet/Piikani). Support Native art—always.

After that, we picked up the car and drove out of the city to do more exploring. First stop: Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. There wasn’t a ton to see at this location, so we headed over to their University District sister site, Yubəč. All the walking started catching up to me, and I needed a pick-me-up. But more caffeine was not an option.

Enter: Cold Plate. Rolled black sesame ice cream with boba. I didn’t share a single bite. Black sesame is my jam.

Since we were in the area, we decided to check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture on the UW campus. We got there an hour before closing, so admission was half off. Score!

I love Pacific Northwest Native design—everything from their bold carvings and totem poles to the intricate basketry and stylized animal art.

I’d love to know how they come up with their artwork and what all the symbolism actually means. I could guess but I don’t know if it would be accurate. The creativity is on another level.

Inside the museum is Off the Rez, a Native-owned café (Blackfeet) that makes everything from scratch.

I meant to ask who the portrait on the wall was—maybe Mountain Chief? Not sure, so don’t quote me.

I had a hankering for fry bread with honey (basically a way-better donut) and a small cup of beef chili topped with cheddar, crema, and pickled onions. It hit the spot.

By this point, I’d passed the 15,000-step mark and was crashing hard. We went back to the hotel to rest, and I checked my work emails while laying flat on the bed like a board.

Later that evening, we realized we were all hungry again. We kept with the international theme and searched for Thai food within walking distance. Noi Thai Cuisine it was. The idea was: no driving. Reality: everything good required a walk down a steep hill blocks away, which we’d obviously have to climb back up after. But after the day of fried foods, it felt like a fair trade.

Crab wontons (forever a favorite).

Galloping Horses (Ma Hor) – ground chicken meatballs on pineapple chunks. Where has this been all my life?

I debated between Khao Soi and Pad See Ew, but went with the black noodles. Khao Soi can be a hit or miss, and I wasn’t in the mood to gamble.

And of course, mango sticky rice. The mango slices were cut to look like little trees. Adorable and delicious.

We packed up our leftovers to take back in case anyone had the late night munchies. The walk back up the hill was brutal. I could feel my thighs and glutes screaming. I was wheezing and breathing all heavy like Biggie Smalls. If I lived in Seattle, I’m pretty sure I’d reach my goal weight in no time.

I reached nearly 19,879 steps. I was done for the day…