Seattle, Washington

Where did I stay & what did I do in Seattle?

Even though Seattle is in Washington State, when I walked into the MarQueen Hotel where I was staying, it felt like I'd stepped into the atmosphere of the famous 'Hotel California' song. The hotel's vibe seemed to have this timeless and mysterious feel, similar to what's described in the song. As soon as I entered, it was like being transported to another era. The place had this old-world charm with dim lights and fancy decorations that made you wonder about its history. Despite being far from California, the MarQueen Hotel had this uncanny ability to make you feel like you were part of a captivating story, leaving a lasting impression of fascination and wonder. Don't believe me? Click on this link to see it for yourself.

The hotel's convenient location near famous attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market made it easy to explore Seattle's top destinations. Being close to the Climate Pledge Arena was a bonus, especially since I got to witness my first ice hockey match between Seattle and Vancouver there. The atmosphere was electric, and watching the game was a thrilling experience. Seattle's victory made me feel like my presence might have brought some good luck to the team. 

State of Washington was a journey of discovery and personal growth 

It was February, and there I was in Seattle for the first time. Coming from Western Australia, such cold was something I hadn't experienced before. The rain wasn’t the soft drizzle I’d imagined; it was cold and relentless, but I was grateful for the gear that kept me dry and warm. I had planned a day trip to Leavenworth—a small alpine village nestled in the mountains. I’d heard so much about its charm, but little did I know what lay ahead. 

As I began the drive, the rain pattered softly against the windshield, steady but manageable. I kept my eyes on the road, wondering what the mountains would look like in winter. The excitement was there, bubbling just beneath the surface. Gradually, the rain started to turn to sleet, then snow. At first, it was just a light dusting, almost peaceful, like a soft blanket being laid over the road. But as I continued up Stevens Pass, the snowfall grew heavier. The road became less distinct, fading into a swirl of white.

I had never driven in snow before, and the further I went, the more uncertain I felt. Every few minutes, a question would rise in my mind—What if the car slips? What if I get stuck? What if something worse happens? With each passing mile, the fear grew. There was a certain stillness outside, almost eerie. And yet, even in the midst of that tension, there was a beauty to it. The mountains, cloaked in snow, held a quiet majesty, and strangely, that beauty urged me onward despite the fear rising in my chest.

Fear didn’t feel like something to avoid in that moment; it felt like a companion to the journey. I was so far from home, completely alone, yet I kept moving forward, knowing I couldn’t turn back. That drive taught me something—sometimes, fear isn’t there to stop you. It’s simply part of the road you’re on, a signal that something new is ahead. Instead of resisting it, I leaned into it, and in doing so, I found a kind of strength I didn’t know I had.

Eventually, I arrived in Leavenworth. Instead of relief, I felt disappointment tugging at me. The radio was buzzing with bad news—Stevens Pass had been closed due to the heavy snow, and there was no getting back to Seattle. The day trip I had planned suddenly stretched into an unplanned overnight stay. I wasn’t prepared for this. I quickly found a motel, frustrated that the things hadn’t gone as planned.

But as night faded and the morning light emerged, I stepped outside, and everything had changed. The sun had broken through the storm clouds, casting a soft golden light over the village. The snow that had felt overwhelming the night before now coated everything with an almost magical sheen. Leavenworth, in the morning light, was breath-taking. What seemed like a disappointment the day before turned out to be a quiet blessing. Fear had come and gone, and what it left behind was a memory I’ll carry with me forever—an unexpected gift from an unplanned stop in a winter wonderland.

My time in Seattle was more than just a holiday; it was a journey of discovery. It showed me the amazing things that can happen when you explore new places. Driving through Seattle's surroundings on my own was a big part of this experience. I had to adjust to unfamiliar roads, driving on the opposite side, and learning new traffic rules. This taught me how to be flexible and strong. As I look back, I feel proud and more confident, knowing that I became stronger and better at handling challenges during this adventure.

Next, I fly over to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for an epic Canadian adventure with an old friend. Click next