Trip Report: Februray 9 - 14, 2001
by Ted & Sylvia Blishak
A Cultural Tour of the Pacifc Northwest
Sunday, February 11, 2001. Portland to Seattle.
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We departed Portland on the morning Talgo at 8:45 AM, enjoyed a light breakfast of oatmeal with brown sugar, nuts, and raisins. It was delicious. If I were still a coffee drinker, I would have ordered a cup of Seattle's Best to accompany it. Sunday Oregonian newspapers were provided in Business Class, and by the time we perused this, it was time for a light lunch of Cobb salad. This train was only slightly more utilized than Saturday's train from Eugene to Portland, and I am concerned that with this poor ridership, the service may not last. Personally, I feel that taking these trains is so much more pleasant than driving along Interstate 5, that I am surprised that more people are not taking advantage of them. But then I guess I am not a typical American in this respect.
On arrival of our train at 12:15 PM we taxied to the Westin Hotel, changed into our concert duds and walked to the new Benaroya Hall to listen to a lecture about, and a performance of, Gustav Mahler's Sixth Symphony. This was our first hearing of the Seattle Symphony, under the direction of Gerard Schwartz, our first live performance of the Sixth, and our first visit to Benaroya Hall, with its wonderful acoustics. A standing ovation was given at the conclusion.
Our guest, Dr. Stakis, was in the mood for Greek food this evening, so we took the Monorail from the Westin to Seattle Center, and walked a short distance to Nikko's Greek Restaurant. The lack of charm and ambiance at Nikko's was made up for by the attentive service and delicious roast lamb, retsina, and baklava.
Travel Tip: Several hotels, including the Westin, are located within a short walk of the Fifth Avenue Monorail Station at the Westlake Shopping Center in downtown Seattle. From here it is a short two minute ride, at $1.25, to Seattle Center for the Space Needle, the Opera House, and the sports arena complex.
After this busy day, it was a pleasure to return by Monorail to our Heavenly Bed at the Westin. These beds, with their duvets and oceans of pillows are becoming quite well known, and are so desired by discriminating travelers, that Westin is offering them for sale. A special Valentine's package was available for "only" $2200.00, which included a dinner and an overnight at the Westin, followed by delivery and installation of a Heavenly Bed in your home.
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