LIVE: Quantum of the Seas. 8 - 28 - 2023 — 9 - 4 - 2023

[Sea Dog]

Have a great day!

[A&L_Ont]

20 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Flight attendant announces that the right tire brake leaking hydraulic fluid. 

First the dog leaks and now the plane. 

[Lionesss]

10 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

First the dog leaks and now the plane. 

It was a “solid” leak from the 4 legged “woof” machine. 
 

We actually put our back packs in overhead bin from under the seat in front of us in case the girls had any more ideas. 
 

The flight attendant was so professional and when the fallout was somewhat resolved, she took the time to offer us adult drinks, treats. 

Which we could have gotten anyway for the asking. 
But at that point did not want to eat or drink. 
 

We wanted that part of journey to be over with. 
 

Always carry spray hand sanitizer. You never know when it can come in handy. 
 

Be safe. 

[Ocean Boy]

17 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

First the dog leaks and now the plane. 

Too funny!😆

[Lionesss]

So after breakfast we decided to just do the aquarium and Pikes market. 
 

After getting ready it caught my attention what is posted under the emergency exit sign at hotel. 
 

 

 

So Uber to aquarium. Many roads closed with construction. 
One cruise ship here. 
 

And then here’s our destination for awhile. 
 

 

One ship in port. 

 

Edited August 27, 2023 by Lionesss

[Ozark_Kid]

20 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

So after breakfast we decided to just do the aquarium and Publix market. 
 

After getting ready it caught my attention what is posted under the emergency exit sign at hotel. 
 

 

 

So Uber to aquarium. Many roads closed with construction. 
One cruise ship here. 
 

And then here’s our destination for awhile. 
 

 

Be safe. 

 

Brings back great memories.   Do they still have the octopus swimming around the aquarium.   So many neat things to see here.

[techteach]

@Lionesss There are two more cruise ships at Pier 91: Amsterdam and Discovery Princess.

[Husky1987]

22 minutes ago, Lionesss said:

And then here’s our destination for awhile. 
 

 

Piece of local trivia - the aquarium used to be a couple piers away (pier 56, I believe).  At the end of the pier was an large outdoor aquarium where they always had an Orca.  IIRC, the one when I was a kid was named Shamu.  

 

 

 

 

[Lionesss]

The Seattle aquarium is a definite go to see. The facility limits the number of guest that enter. We had no trouble getting close to the displays 

 

There are many guides to aide in assisting your questions. 
 

The only thing I could not find the answer too is

……… if the prefix of octopus is “octo” (8) 

Why do they only have 5-6 arms?????

Shouldn’t they have 8. 
They must be exception to the rule. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Heading out to walk the pier. 
PS. The octopus was hiding and did not cooperate for a photo shoot. 

Edited August 27, 2023 by Lionesss

[Coralc]

1 hour ago, Husky1987 said:

 

Piece of local trivia - the aquarium used to be a couple piers away (pier 56, I believe).  At the end of the pier was an large outdoor aquarium where they always had an Orca.  IIRC, the one when I was a kid was named Shamu.  

 

I spent a lot of time at the aquarium on Pier 56 and with Shamu. I also enjoyed the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop with Sylvester, the gunslinger mummy. ☺️

[KKB]

On 8/26/2023 at 12:50 PM, Lionesss said:

That was quick!!!

 

The “event” was already compensated. 
 

 

 

Be safe. 

Dang, not bad--about a $45 value each.

On 8/26/2023 at 1:24 PM, Lionesss said:

Story time. 
 

We boarded our flight to Seattle. This time I used the correct ticket. 
Stowed our carryons. Got comfy. 
Everybody on board.

Captain and other officer leaves the plane. 
Flight deck only has one officer instead of three. 

Hmmmmm

Flight attendant announces that the right tire brake leaking hydraulic fluid. 
So

Gather all your belongings and exit the plane. 
 

Currently in gate waiting area. 
 Repair could take an hour. 
They will fix when we’re off. 

 

 

 

Pray for our future safe flight. 
 

Take care. 

THIS is why coming at least a day early is always advised...one never knows.

 

SAFE TRAVELS!

[KKB]

5 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Our view from our window at the hotel. 
 

 

 

Be safe. 

Which Homewood Suites is this?

[Lionesss]

6 minutes ago, KKB said:

Which Homewood Suites is this?

Downtown near the space needle. 

[Husky1987]

20 minutes ago, Coralc said:

I spent a lot of time at the aquarium on Pier 56 and with Shamu. I also enjoyed the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop with Sylvester, the gunslinger mummy. ☺️

 

That's awesome.  Growing up, my grandma lived in Ballard, just up the hill from the locks.  We spent many days around there and going down to the waterfront.  Love Ye Olde Curiosity Shop!

[KKB]

18 hours ago, Lionesss said:

So we booked Home Wood suites by Hilton. 
We did not book transportation ahead of time. 
So 

Decisions — decisions. 
Taxi 

or 

Uber from airport. 
 

We opted for Uber 

2 adults

4 suitcases and 2 backpacks 

We wanted room 

Got a Chevy Suburban 

$46

Plus tunnel fee

Plus tip 

Worth every cent. 
Spoke English 

and

We understood him. 
Told us where not to walk. 
But 

In essence when the sun goes down 

You need not to walk 

Better yet. Stay at your hotel. 
If you must go out then Uber or Taxi. 
 

Stop at corner store 

Picked up some water 

 

Time to relax. 
 

Be safe. 

 

So driver said don't walk at night?

Interesting.

Last Sept we were at the Holiday Inn just east of the Needle. Walked to dinner, no issues.

This year we are at the Kimpton Monaco just a bit south of Pikes.

I see you are further north & west of the Needle.

Are these areas not safe?

[depplep]

Happy to find this review. We are coming in a day early in October and staying at the LXR. I was considering Uber and now after reading your experience I'm definitely going to do that. 

[Lionesss]

21 minutes ago, KKB said:

So driver said don't walk at night?

Interesting.

Last Sept we were at the Holiday Inn just east of the Needle. Walked to dinner, no issues.

This year we are at the Kimpton Monaco just a bit south of Pikes.

I see you are further north & west of the Needle.

Are these areas not safe?

Who really knows. 
We saw many walkers , joggers, people out. This was around 7 pm. Do not know about later. 
 

Be safe. 

[techteach]

Homewood Suites is in an area with services for homeless people. A few blocks north on Elliott is an area I’ve seen drug deals on the street.  However; it is located on a very busy intersection. Would I go walking at night in the neighborhood? Probably not, but there really isn’t anyplace to walk to. There have been no recent shootings, etc. in that area. If you’re eating on lower Queen Ann then take an Uber back to the hotel unless you’re really close like at Buckley’s. 

[Husky1987]

Just as an aside, was talking with my wife over lunch and commenting how weird it was to be the day before a cruise and just hanging out at home like it's a normal Sunday, not worrying about plane flights and whether or not we're overpacking suitcases.

 

I'm even more envious of cruisers who live in Florida.

[Lionesss]

Money well spent. 
 

Just like soarin in Epcot. 
 

 

 

[crzndeb]

44 minutes ago, KKB said:

So driver said don't walk at night?

Interesting.

Last Sept we were at the Holiday Inn just east of the Needle. Walked to dinner, no issues.

This year we are at the Kimpton Monaco just a bit south of Pikes.

I see you are further north & west of the Needle.

Are these areas not safe?

Depends on how late you are out walking…the area around Pike Place Market, can be very sketchy at night. Just like any other major city, be mindful of your surroundings. If you are going a few blocks for dinner, you should be fine. There will also be more activity downtown when the Mariners (Go M’s) and Seahawks are playing (soon), so the streets may have more people. 

[Lionesss]

Walking 

 

Taking in the sights. 
 

The first one I’ll never do. 
 

 

 

 

Be safe. 

[Lionesss]

One last picture of a massive crane on a barge. 
I was amazed at the chains holding it down and keeping it from moving. 
 

 

 

 

Be safe. 

[Lionesss]

Story time. 
 

But first as I am looking out our hotel window and see the most stunning sunset I have seen in a long time. The  beauty of nature. 
 

 

But it made me reflect upon our last 24+ hours in Seattle. 

 

I have observed that the residents of this community  are so friendly and  helpful.  I know it is a touristy location but so many patient and kind people. 

The areas we visited were very clean. 

The artwork displayed shows individual talents. 
 

I witnessed a homeless person laying face down with a cigarette lighter clenched in his hand, as a walker by placed an unopened bottle of water for him. 

 

The police presence was very evident. 
They patrolled on foot, bikes as well as cars. 
 

We have used Ubers to go places and all have talked our ears off with helpful information. 
 

I did not get pushed or shoved or bumped out of the way by other tourists or locals. I guess the great patience rubs off on all. 

The only thing that was new was the excess fee for dining. 22% automatically added to your bill. 5% for tax. 17% for tip. 
Guess it has to be done for those who opt not to tip. 
 

And we heard from a number of visitors as well as locals pay close attention to the fees quoted by taxi drivers. Some over charge. 
 

Good night. 

 

[Coralc]

No personal state income tax in WA. But they tax everything else. ☺️