#18: Seattle Must-Sees

When people knew we were stopping in Seattle they had a lot of advice about where to go:  The library.  Art galleries. The Market.  Everyone mentioned the Market. We were advised to watch for vendors throwing fish around.

We passed on the library and went to The Seattle Art Museum which, not surprisingly, had a great collection of West Coast Art.  Elizabeth made sure we saw the most interesting exhibits including a selection of recent Australian aboriginal paintings.

This canvas, by an aboriginal artist is huge, and beautifully detailed

Then on Sunday morning, we made the necessary visit to The Pike Place Market.  It is housed in a huge, low warehouse, and was crowded with other tourists, so instead of lingering over the nicely arrayed fruits and veggies we headed for the fish sellers and whatever entertainment they might provide.

All manner of produce is for sale at PPM

The fishy end of the market

I didn't know what to expect from the fishmongers, but it seems that the flinging is purposeful and  not just some game of fishy football.  Customers order a fish and it is thrown from one employee to another for wrapping.

But when we got there, no one wanted fish, so no fish were being flung. I gave up and turned my back to admire the nearby florists' displays.  Then the fish sellers went into their act, and I missed it.  But according to Bruce they weren't very skilled;  there was throwing but no catching. The fish fell. (I'm not surprised --fish must be hard to catch when you think about it.)  Bruce didn't say if the fish were picked up, hosed off, and thrown again.

Nicely displayed flowers were near the fish vendors.

Meanwhile I was taking flower photos. Now I am left to imagine all manner of  flounder flinging, halibut hurling, cod catching, and tuna tossing.

Perhaps we will just have to visit the Pike Place Market another time and order our own fish.