Last night in Seattle

Following from the previous blog, the boys happily set off for Safeco Field (the ball park). Mark was excited to begoing to his first A league baseball game.

We had bought the tickets before we left and the process of collecting them at the 'will call window' was apparently very smooth. Before they knew it they were directed to their seats and were ready for their first beers and to soak in the atmosphere.

They were in an area that had servers that would bring you food and drinks by the order so that they didnt have to leave their seats and miss any of the game.

Asking the guy what beers they had available, one guy close by piped up, "are you going to order a Fosters"? They assured his they werent and also that it was not a beer that was very popular in Australia. He agreed it was not very good. They got to chatting and Mark asked did he know the rules of the game, and could he help them understand it. His reply "I have been coming here for 30 yrs and learn a new rule every week ... welcome to the ball park"!

After an overcast morning, the evening was clear, so the roof did not need to be closed. Apparently the position allowed them to see all the action.

But while the boys are away, the girls will play!!

We were keen to go out for a drink and dinner but were also aware we had to leave for the airport the following morning at 6am. We were equally keen to find somewhere that had live music, preferably blues.

With some boring suggestions from the concierge, we did a little on line research ourselves.

We found 2 options (both were restaurant/bars)and chose the one with the cheaper cover charge as we could not have a late night.

Our choice was Highway Ninety-Nine. Tina was a little wary that I was taking her somewhere unsafe, as it was in an area we had driven through the evening before = under a freeway, next to the market (close at night), and underground. We figured as we were going there at 6pm and it was light until at least 9:30 we would be fine. An added bonus was we could walk there or if we got a taxi back it wasnt too far.

It was about 7 blocks and then 150 steps down through the market then under the freeway. Throughout this walk the streets were busy and most bars/restaurants we passed were very busy. We found it easily and walked in just behind another couple, to find we were the first lot there.

We propped at the bar with a drink, chatted happily with an Irish barman, and inquired about the music and food. Finding out the music didnt start until 9pm we figured we would catch a little only.

A couple of drinks later we made our way to a table for dinner. We were thrilled to see items we had only heard of and just had to try. Before long we had Fried green tomatoes, catfish bites & jambalaya in front of us. Very yummy!

The place was quickly filling before the band came on 'Rockin Jake'. They were great with lots of harmonica playing by Jake. They were visiting from New Orleans.

A couple came to sit at the table next to ours but realised it had a hindered view and on looking around the others available were far in the back. I mentioned we were only planning on staying another half hour of so, and if they took the hindered view table the could then move to ours when we left. Tina then started pulling the table closer to ours so it they would have a better view. Then the lady asked who else was with us at our table. When I assured her it was just us, she said "maybe we will just join your table". We were more than happy with this and introduced ourselves.

Before we knew it, another 2 hrs had passed, and we were still sitting there loving the music and chatting with Eugene & Sheila. They were visiting from Salem, Oregon and had been recommended this bar. I apologised at 11pm that we hadnt left earlier as previously mentioned. Sheila assured us "ýáll are great company" and they were happy we stayed.



Finally around 11:30 we could see little sleep being had as we still had to finish packing when we got back to the hotel. Before we left Sheila wanted to take our photo so we took some as well. Eugene was very cool and made this pose in all photos. i teased him of posturing like a cool dude, he thought this hilarious and assured me this was what you had to do...

They were great company and we had a great night.

The walk back, even though it included the stair climbing, was easy and uneventful. They boys had been long back and were practically tapping their watches wondering where we had been...