Waking up early like every day. 5:30 is a little bit early. But I have time to lie in bed. Karen is picking me up for the airport at 10. I am thankful for the service and happy how the last days were. Totally worth the detour to Calgary. The city itself has not that much to offer for tourists, Banff and the Rockies is more of a destination. But with company and a common activity it was top. But now I have to go to Seattle.

Karen is on time. The key is back in the key box outside the flat and I cleaned as much as possible (didn’t do to much in the flat though). After a short trip it is good bye and I head for the Alaska airlines check in. HAd to wait for about 15 minutes before they opened. This is a Firsy class flight (which in the US is business class). The App and homepage didn’t like me, so I had to check in manually. Luggage on the way.

Security wants to check my hand luggage of course, but the guy is in a good mood and the check is fast. Next is US immigration. They have pre-clearance in Calgary. At a machine I had to answer the same  questions I did answer on my ESTA – and they take a terrible picture. Next the custom officer. 2 questions, taking all fingerprints and a picture and it is welcome to the US of A.

There is no Alaska airlines lounge in Calgary (grrr), so i is a snack at one of the fast food offers in the US terminal. Then to the gate where after some waiting I board the plane. A small Embraer 175. First/Business class has good recliner seats. Take off on time – after 15 minutes driving to get to the runway. A little bit shaking on the way up. But in the air all is calm. A short hop of 1 hour 18 minutes. Serving of drinks and a snack. In flight WiFi for chatting is free, the rest costs money. Chatting is enough. And after a nice view of the Rockies we land in Seattle.

Te luggage is on the wrong belt. After waiting and nothing coming out I ask at the service desk, and my luggage has been send to another belt. And as it is in the US… I got a voucher over 2500 Miles for my inconvenience. 😀 Seattle has a railway to the city center. 30 minutes for 3 USD. A nice and convenient method of transport. At my station (Chinatown) I get out if the train and only have 2 minutes to go to the hostel.

Check in is fast. Breakfast is included and you even get a free towel. Room 110 is a room with four beds. I have luck and have a lower bunk. They don’t know about good pillows and duvets. All basic but clean. Every bed has a locker with a padlock to secure your stuff.

I head out to buy a SIM card – without internet is not a good idea. Checked before I came and chose the AT&T 8 GB offer for 50 USD. The shop on 4th street is nice and has good and fast service. I even get 16 GB because of a special offer. The security guy gives me the tip not to go onto 3rd street if I don’t have to.

Walking a little bit around and finding the Seattle monorail For 2,50 USD to the Space needle. Ok. The trip only takes 3 minutes (compared to the 30 minutes from the airport this is expensive) and you are in the middle of the park where the Space Needle and different museums are. Blue sky. But the elevator to the platform with a view costs about 35 USD. No way. I have been on top of enough towers and Skyscrapers. This one will not be different. 🙂 SO I just look at the looong line in front of the entrance. While walking I find 2 fast Geocaches.

I got the tip to take the Underground walk in Seattle. I have enough time to do that as they offer it every hour. But walking is to far and the bus to complicated. So I call an Uber. 6 USD and only a few minutes drive. But unfortunately are all tours full for the day. So I buy a ticket for tomorrow and head for the hostel.

I try to find something to eat around the hostel, but there is nothing in Chinatown that I would like (ore the restaurants look shady). Got something from the supermarket (never seen such a big Asian supermarket before) and go to my room.

Some videos before I go to sleep. Tomorrow will be more action.