Sunday in Seattle

Strolling through Seattle is just the way to spend a leisurely (reasonably) fine winter Sunday morning. But not without some stress - John walks slightly faster than I do so our progress becomes somewhat regal; John in front, me two paces behind.

But it's a lovely morning for walking and Seattle is very photogenic in the soft, grey light. Elliot Bay Books opens at 11 - we were early so walked around the Pioneer Square district. This used to be the poorest area of town where all the flop houses were, but it is now very artsy - full of galleries, coffee shops and boutiques. The squares and alleyways are dressed with native and contemporary arts.

Everything old is new again: retro thermos ware as gallery collectibles.

Alleyway plastic bottle instalation

Totem poles in Occidental Park

Tsonqua: Occidental Park

Q:What else do you do while you wait for a bookstore to open?

A:Have a coffee and cake


It was real,strong, Italian coffee too.


Fresh, buttery almond croissant.

Cafe Umbria. Bustling, bright and obviously a favourite with locals.

Mmmmmm.

And finally, Elliot Bay Book Company. The current shop runs on for for rooms and rooms, upstairs and down. They are about to move to new premises on Capitol Hill and they are running stock down. Even so, the inventory is vast and tempting, but suitcase space is limited.
1 book each. Honestly.