Family Vacation Part Three: Pike Market

The next part of our vacation was to Pike's Place! I absolutely love Pike's. The energy is catching there and I could honestly stay and look at every single item for sale all day. I've made it a habit to go both summers I've been here. The flowers alone are reason enough for me to go there every week. I am in love with the idea of fresh flowers in the house everyday - call me a romantic.

If you have never been to Pike's, it is most famous for being the very first Starbucks location. It has now turned into a mecca of art and shopping where people sell their wares. It is a conglomeration of independent businesses all in one place, be they food, soaps, or art. Pike's is also known for the place where they actually throw the fish when you buy it! We got to see them throw the fish and it is extremely exciting - and I realize I am talking about a fish being tossed around, but somehow they've turned it into quite the spectacle.

They also have the ever popular Gum Wall art installation! Someone had made an American flag out of gum. I was inspired to write my name. Call me the next Michelangelo, please. The gum wall brought mixed feelings with my family. They weren't too sure what we were doing in a dark alleyway, let alone touching other people's spit to get our own spit stuck onto a wall. I personally feel like it is all part of the appeal of Pike's. You go there for an experience, and honestly, the slime covered alley walls are part of that experience. So are the countless posters and graffiti all over. I love the installations. What might look like trash is actually beautiful to me because of the ingenuity it took to create that thing. As I look at the art, all I can think of is that someone is at home right now, thinking about how they have people actually viewing their work and appreciating it. As someone who likes to dabble in art, there is no greater feeling than being appreciated. I just picture someone excitedly calling their mom to tell them, "I've done it! My art is up in Pikes!" and I feel that excitement for them.

I wish I had a sugar daddy so that I could spend a little more at Pikes and support all of the people there who add to the experience. It really is a kind of energy I haven't felt in a long time.