We got a hotel downtown and SirsiDynix arranged for a town car to gather us from the airport. We ran some errands downtown then went looking for dinner. We found an amazing restaurant called Purple. They had a fantastic wine selection and pairings with the most delicious food. We each got a wine flight from various parts of the world. It consisted of three different wines that were from similar regions. It was a beautiful meal and a fantastic date tonight! I think it is one of the favorite things we did while away.
On Friday Chris had an appointment with Seattle Public Library. He was so impressed with the building he insisted that I visit. Indeed it is spectacular. I have never seen a library quite so unique. I am so glad he insisted I check out that attraction. Seattle definitely has a focus on education.
Afterwards we headed to find the original Starbucks as a touristy attraction before the boat sailed. We ended up a block north of the actual location (lets just say they have a LOT of java in Seattle) which turned out to be a blessing. Apparently EVERYONE wants to visit the original Starbucks. The line was wrapped around the block. So we just snapped a picture with our lattes (not from original) outside the first building. We took a walk around Pikes Place Market but I became a little overwhelmed. We learned from home that Monty had gotten sick! Great way to start the trip, huh?? So after agreeing they would take him to the doctor Chris and I grabbed a quick sandwich before heading to the dock.
We checked in with Celebrity Cruise line and got passes for our room (1555). We ran into some familiar faces during the first few hours and said hello to those friends.
July 13 was a day at sea. We did not see much of anything that day. I ran a couple of miles at the gym and worked on a presentation for the school system. We ate dinner at the nice restaurant (BLU) and enjoyed the company of our friends.
Our first stop was Ketchikan which was developed as a stop for miners looking for gold. It was originally Indian territory and we used this stock as an opportunity to learn some about the original natives. We visited the totem pole museum and learned some Indian facts. Of course when the gold miners traveled north they needed a little extra curricular activity and so the red light district was born. In this particular city it was known as Creek Street. Most of these houses have been converted to shops but one has turned into a museum for the famous madam of the house. I was tickled pink by the many silly stories they told of her home and life but my favorite was walking into the kitchen to see my grandmothers every day China pattern on the prostitute's table. I have this captured in the pictures below!
We stopped for lunch at a fish market. It took an exceptionally long time because there were only a few servers and chiefs... and two cruise ships were at port. But it was well worth the wait. My blackened halibut tacos and Chris's salmon fish and chips were the best we have ever eaten.
That evening was the first formal night for the cruise ship. SirsiDynix held a cocktail hour for their employees and guests. It was at this event that awards were given to the sales force. I was very proud of Chris's presentation to his team as well as his receipt of an award for his efforts in sales and management.
The following morning we traveled through Tracy Arm Fjord. It was one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen. It was freezing cold and I did not have a chance to put on my face before running to the top deck of the ship (we woke up and didn't want to miss a moment!). I am so lucky that I could see such beauty… But I don't dare look at the pictures of my own face!! Haha! While there we saw some wildlife and a glacier. There were a few kayakers anything on some of the islands.The channel was so narrow that only one ship could possibly navigate it at a time (at least that is my theory!). I am still trying to figure out how are giant ship turned around in that narrow channel… Our captain has amazing skills for sure!
That afternoon we arrived in Juneau. We were a part of a group of 12 from SirsiDynix that decided to go kayaking. The weather was spectacular. It was almost hot outside. We saw beautiful wildlife and got the opportunity to be a part of nature in Alaska. (the images are on my phone and will add later).
On the 15th we were in Skagway. This is another small town that resulted from Gold Rush Alaska. It is also very close to the Canadian border. We rented a jeep and drove into British Columbia and from there into the Yukon (my first trip into CANADA!!). Again this was some of the most beautiful landscape I have ever seen. The mountains and water are simply breathtaking. It was an amazing excursion for us. I did a majority of a driving while Chris did the navigating. Occasionally we ran into fellow Sirsi Dynix jeeps and took pictures together.
This was followed by almost 2 full days at sea. We kept ourselves busy with trivia and enjoyed access to this special room in the spa. It had heated stone seats that overlooked the waters (and therefore we saw more animal life!). We relaxed and read books while watching the sea go by.
The night of the 16th was the second formal night on the cruise ship.The work crew was brought together again for a cocktail hour and to hear the best stories that had taken place to date. It was another fun evening mingling with Chris's coworkers.
The evening of the 17th we landed in Victoria British Columbia. It was one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. It was well kept in architecture and greenery. The tempertature is supposed to be amazing year round and it was a beautiful night for us! A bus delivered a group of Sirsi employees to a botanical garden where we walked around for an hour and a half. After which they delivered us back into the city to walk around and see some sights. It was dark, getting cold, and our time was limited. We took pictures of their parliament building and went inside the Empress Hotel for a drink.
We returned to Seattle on the 18th. Sirsi Dynix arranged for a bus to take us to the space needle and to Pikes Place Market. Chris and I wanted to watch the famous throwing and catching of a fish as well as visit the gum wall.
When this was over we took the bus back to the airport for the five hour flight back to Atlanta. We got home too late to see Monty but he must have known we were anxious to see him because he woke up during the night!
Just getting on the ship and taking a tour!
skipping rocks.....
Botanical Gardens
