Sayonara Seattle

 Listed my  好きなもの  (Sukinamono, translated favorite things) as a way of saying sayonara (good-by) to Seattle.

Japanese language was used b/c topping off my favorites of NW Washington trip was our kind, capable, knowledgable and funny bus driver (think lots of verve) who spoke Japanese. He also steered us safely through the Cascades to SNOWY Leavenworth, WA via the Snoqualmie Pass and back to Seattle thru the Stevens Pass (Hwy 2) so we would not have to chain up twice. Chaining up is hard enough for cars BUT for a BIG bus it takes skill, patience, strength and perseverance---not to mention that he also did another bus for a lady bus driver. Raymond Borge is bus driver extraordinaire! Corey, our Viator tour guide, was great as well and had lots of snacks, music and Christmas movies available. BEST tour duo, for sure
Best Breakfast Treat---Lolo's donuts in a bag served with cranberry jam & vanilla mascarpone cheese* (Could eat the mascarpone on card stock and love it.) Yummy omelet with Beecher's cheese too. Seattleites love Beecher's cheese & Berkshire pork.

Best Lunch--Andreas Keller Bavarian Restaurant Leavenworth WA--Schnitzel---all 3 varieties. (I ate my weight, which has increased exponentially on this trip, in the Spätzle alone.) Courtney, the BEST waitress, booth in a barrel, and Bavarian decor of this "underground" establishment all added to its cozy ambiance. Of course, the snow falling and cold temps outside and warm mulled wine served inside heightened the appeal.

Best Tea---the  Fairmont "1907" black tea at the Georgian Room in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The elegant surroundings didn't hurt either. (Pix at 12/12/15 blog entry)
Best Fine Dining maybe one of the best ever for me--Canlis Restaurant---Pacific NW fare (Peter Canlis prawns) steak, twice baked potato, tho I was skeptical about this Canlis tradition served in a ramekin, it was yummy--- Best View--our table view of Lake Union, aglow with lights.

Best Christmas Display--21 miles of lights coming ablaze at the Christmas lighting in Leavenworth

Best Gingerbread House Display--Star Wars themed ones at the Sheraton hotel

Best Surprise--The Chihuly Garden and Glass. Amazing. Other displays elsewhere but this is TOPS!

Best Extra--a car available, compliments of the hotel, with a true gentlemen of a driver.
Best Reason to Travel this far---seeing Gigi and Bonnie, even in the rain and snow!