A few Thursdays ago I left my babies for the FIRST time ever and flew to Seattle to visit my best friend from University. We became best friends during our undergrad and roommates during our undergrad. And after we graduated, we both grew up in separate ways (I stayed course with my career in the GTA and she pursued med school and competitive speciality in her field in the US).
Considering our lives took two separate directions we worked really hard in maintaining our friendship. Now that doesn’t mean we talk everyday or even regularly on the phone. But it does mean putting in the effort to communicate and meet up when we can.
I flew in late into Seattle and arrived just after 10pm but our plane was stranded on the tarmac as there were no available gates. They finally got a mobile ramp and bus out to us so we could get into the airport. I was exhausted by the time I got to my friends house and we went to bed as soon as we could. Because I was still on Toronto time we were up by 6am (9am Seattle time). We did a ton of sight seeing, eating, drinking cocktails, walking and of course chatting. I was back on the 7am flight out of Seattle so I could be back in toronto at a reasonable time to see the girls but also get ready for the work week.
Honestly speaking, I was worried I wouldn’t have the energy to go and really be present (like could I rally after so many years!) but I guess anything is possible (like a late night fiesta) after a mid day siesta :) and an understanding friend.
We started the weekend off by getting the best view of the city skyline at Kerry Park. After we got tons of photos we followed that up with brunch and extra large mimosas at Toulouse Petit. I had the truffle and asparagus omelette – sooo good!
We then went out to Freeway park, a secret concrete waterfall hidden among the highway systems that go through the downtown core. I loved all the lines and geometry of the structures.
We then checked out another hidden waterfall closer to the downtown core. After a quick game of connect 4 in Pioneer Square, we walked to a General Porpoise, a popular donut and cafe shop in Capitol Hill. After a quick pitstop at Target (man it still hurts that they left Canada) we went to the biggest tourist attraction of all Pike Place Market. We tried blowing the perfect bubble gum bubble (way harder than it looks), rode the Miner’s Landing indoor merry-go-round took pictures a pretty pink wall, went up to this gorgeous root top bar only to leave within 15 minutes because they didn’t have a decent enough food menu, so instead (and thankfully!) ended up at this popular perogies stand at Pike Place. We then grabbed an uber home and I literally slept for 2.5 hours! Only waking up to get dressed and head out to dinner at List which had the MOST amazing fresh mozz salad. We followed that up with some strong drinks at Navy Strength, a tiki bar in the same area. AND then we went back to Toulouse Petit, for a night cap :)
The next day we had every intention to work out, but after the tiki bar/night cap situation, I figured it would be better if I took it easy and eat a few grilled cheeses. We watched a too many episodes of FRIENDS and chatted about life before heading out to do some shopping. I picked up stuff for the girls and A, some workout gear and a little something at Nordstrom Rack before we went to grab a late lunch at Bario, had a double scoop of ice cream at Molly Moons, a stroll through the rainbow crosswalks and tried a speciality roast affagato at the Starbucks Reserve & Tasting Room. We arrived for dinner around 6 at Cafe Flora, a very busy vegetarian/vegan restaurant.
What I really liked about Ashley is that she’s doing something different. Her photography is showing a very personal side of a family. It’s raw and authentic. At the same time it’s beautiful, intricate and dynamic.
