There is a reason they call Seattle “The Emerald City”. It is a true gem, shining even through a cloud cover. The views from Kerry Park, the iconic Space Needle or our room on the 25th floor of the Grand Hyatt are each spectacular in their own way and so different depending on the time of day. Seattle is unique with water everywhere; Puget Sound on the western shore and massive Lake Washington and Lake Union in the middle of the city. Ferry’s go to West Seattle, Bainbridge and islands too many to count. The University of Washington east of the city is a beautiful campus with historic old buildings and gigantic Northern Maple Trees with leaves twice the size I have ever seen before. Walking and bike baths surround the campus. The true charm of the city lies at the Pike Place Market where fresh fish is brought in daily, and displayed and sold from shaved ice displays; art works of all kinds are marketed for several blocks in small flea market cubicles, and quaint restaurants serve fresh seafood with relaxing views of Puget Sound, the giant Ferris Wheel and the waterfront below. Close to the market is Quintessential Gourmet offering diverse blends of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. Flavors that make your taste buds come alive. Across the street is the original Starbucks Coffee, a wonderful Russian bakery called Piroshky and Etta’s Seafood restaurant where we enjoyed fresh Halibut for dinner. We were told that Ivar’s had the best Clam Chowder, so of course we tried it for lunch while enjoying our day at the market and it was very good, but I must say Etta’s chowder was even better. We were fortunate to see “Wicked” at the Paramount Theater which was outstanding. The theater itself is a must see as it rivaled NYC’s Radio City Music Hall in its breathtaking ambiance. The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is a remarkable display of blown glass created by world renowned artist Dale Chihuly. It is next to the Space Needle and his works are beyond one’s imagination of artful creation and beauty. Don’t miss it when you go to Seattle. We were a little disappointed in the Underground Tour, but still enjoyed the historic perspective of Seattle in its infancy days. It is easy to get around in the city and I highly recommend using their public transportation. The monorail takes you from the Seattle Center where the Space Needle and museums are located to Westlake Plaza in the heart of downtown Seattle. There is also a subway that we tried out one day that saved us from the rain and what looked to be a great bus line. Parking is expensive and limited. Their roads could be marked better as on occasion we found ourselves going around in circles. We had a rental car but only used it to and from the airport; and for a day trip to tour the University of Washington, to see the Snoqualmie Falls and to tour the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery. All very enjoyable, but for me the falls were a sight to behold; Mother Nature at her best. The falls are massive, intense, loud and beautiful; creating an upward rain from its force with moss growing on the trunks of trees and the sides of rocks nearby. We had lunch at the newly remodeled Salish Lodge and Spa; delicious brick oven pizza upstairs with a window seat looking over the falls. Our trip was in November and it was cool, but not really cold. We do, however look forward to a return trip during the summer months to Ferry across to the islands and meander up the I-5 to Vancouver. Seattle is a fun, clean, beautiful city that for us was definitely a “Dandy Getaway”.