Victor Steinbrueck Park, near Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA.
We are back in Seattle, after three weeks on a sailboat. We were sad to leave the old girl behind at the marina, but honestly, it is good to be home after traveling so much this summer.
Seattle is absolutely magnificent right now. Beautiful summer skies; greens and blues everywhere I look. Locals are relaxed, enjoying summer parties, barbecues, trips to the beach...One of the best places to experience the Emerald City is the Pike Place Market neighborhood. It is colorful and vibrant, and packed on weekends (especially during summer months, with the onslaught of tourists and visitors.) Finding fresh produce, locally-grown flowers, seafood and local crafts there year round is another perk. The concentration of French eateries in the area also makes it an appealing option when I feel homesick. Maximilien. Café Campagne. Le Pichet. Le Panier bakery: What would French expats and local francophiles do without you? But in the end, the Market is simply a wonderful spot to indulge in a favorite guilty pleasure: people watching. I never go without bringing my faithful sidekick, the Panasonic Lumix LX5 with me. The capable little device is so small and unobtrusive, most people think I am a tourist myself. When I do ask for permission, most strollers do not find it intimidating and are happy to oblige and pose for me. Love you, Lumix LX5! Today, instead of showing you the traditional stalls of Pike Place Market, I have decided to introduce you to some of the people I met there during recent outings. (Street photography has become quite the hobby for this French Girl, you see.) Mes amis du marché. They live there. Work there. Or are just visiting. No matter. The market would not be the same without them. Are you ready? Suivez-moi... Follow me...First, meet the friendly Pike Place Market merchants...
Le marchand d'huile d'olive
(The olive oil seller)
La pause cigarette...
(smoking break)
Les marchands de fruits et légumes
(fruit and vegetable sellers)
"Goûtez mes pâtes parfumées!"
("Sample my flavored pasta!")
Le poissonnier
(The fishmonger)
Les habitués. Regulars. The musicians and artists of Pike Place market.
Les visiteurs du marché. Visitors.
Déjeuner au Panier
(Lunch at the Panier French bakery)
Elles aiment les fleurs!
(Flower lovers)
Les Amoureux
(Lovers)
La Gourmande
(Sweet tooth)
La dame et le chien
(The lady and the dog)
Just a few steps away, north of the Market, is a wonderful urban park, Victor Steinbrueck Park, pictured above. The place screams Seattle: Expansive mountains and water views. Quirky characters. Laid-back vibe.
Le rêveur
(Dreamer)
La Pause-déjeuner
(Lunch break)
Tatouage
(Tattoo)
Brad Pitt à Seattle?
L'Artiste des rues
(The street artist)
