Day 1:

Arrival and Baseball

Our Seattle weekend began with the main event - a Seattle Mariners game at T-Mobile Park. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, eagerly anticipating the first pitch.

The Stadium Experience

T-Mobile Park is truly a beautiful venue. From the moment I walk in, I am struck by the impressive architecture and the stunning view of the field. The retractable roof was open, allowing the perfect Seattle weather to enhance the game-day experience.

The smell of classic ballpark food filled the air - hot dogs, popcorn, and that unmistakable scent of freshly cut grass on the field. I couldn't resist grabbing some garlic fries, a Seattle Mariners baseball staple!

Game Highlights

The Mariners faced off against Texas Rangers, and the game was full of exciting moments. In the fifth inning, Cal Raleigh hit an incredible home run that had the entire stadium on their feet. The crowd's roar was deafening and sure to send chills down your spine! Not to mention, Luke Raley quickly made up for his mistake in right field in the first, missing a fly ball to prevent a run from scoring, by knocking in 3 runs himself throughout the game.

The pitching was particularly impressive today. Bryan Woo threw seven strikeouts that demonstrated why they continue to have the dream opportunity to play in the big leagues. Woo's start was rocky, but after figuring out what was wrong, he was able to retire the next 12 batters after letting up only a single in the fourth.

Day 2:

Pike Place Market

No trip to Seattle is complete without visiting the iconic Pike Place Market. We arrived early in the morning to watch the famous fish throwing at Pike Place Fish Market - an entertaining spectacle where fishmongers toss fresh fish to each other before wrapping them for customers.

The market was a feast for all senses. The aroma of fresh flowers mixed with the scent of baked goods and coffee. Colorful produce stands displayed fruits and vegetables in perfect arrangements, while artisans sold handcrafted jewelry, art, and souvenirs.

Food Adventures

We spent hours walking around and exploring the different food and shopping options. The original Starbucks location had a line around the corner, so unfortunately we did not go in but we were reluctant enough to stroll by and get a good view of the interior. For lunch, we enjoyed a nice meal at McMenamins while enjoying our day of exploration.

One of the market's 'hidden' treasures was the Gum Wall in Post Alley - an oddly fascinating attraction covered in thousands of pieces of chewing gum. It's strangely photogenic and definitely a unique Seattle experience!

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

After lunch, we headed to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), housed in a stunning Frank Gehry-designed building that's meant to represent the dynamic and ever-changing nature of pop culture. The building itself is a work of art with its undulating, colorful metal exterior that changes appearance depending on the angle and light.

Inside, we explored exhibits dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, horror cinema, video games, and of course, music. The Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix exhibits were particularly impressive, showcasing Seattle's incredible contribution to music history. My favorite exhibit had to have been the Horror Film exhibit, which featured props and costumes from classic horror films. I was amazed by the level of detail and craftsmanship that went into creating these iconic pieces.

Interactive Experiences

What makes MoPOP special is how interactive it is. We got to play instruments in the Sound Lab, record our own songs, and even try my hand at DJing. The Science Fiction Museum section featured props and costumes from iconic films and TV shows that made me feel like a kid again.

The indie game exhibit was another highlight, where I played games created by independent developers and learned about the creative process behind game design. I could have easily spent the entire day here!

Final Thoughts

This weekend in Seattle offered the perfect blend of sports, culture, food, and bonding. From the roar of the crowd at T-Mobile Park to the quiet moments admiring city views, each experience added to my appreciation of this unique Pacific Northwest city. I couldn't have been more happy with how the trip went and being able to spend it with my beautiful girlfriend, Addie, and her younger sister, Paytan.

The Mariners won with a final score of 9-2, but the game was just one highlight in a weekend full of memorable moments. Seattle's diverse attractions and vibrant energy make it a city I'll definitely visit again.