Trip notes: Pacific coast

Shortly after arrival in Seattle, the Colonel and I supped at Matt's in the Market located in the Pike Place Market. Offerings here are made from fresh, locally grown and caught veggies, fruits and seafood all for sale in the market. I had a salmon entry with a cherry based reduction that was awesome.

Vibrant displays of fresh, locally-produced fruits and vegetables are on display in the market. I'll take one of each, please.

I ordered an unusual hanging display of peppers and garlic from Choice Peppers to be delivered to my home after my return.

Beware of the applanche!

Signage at the flagship Starbucks.

Scenic views and vistas as seen from atop the Seattle Space Needle.

Snow-capped Mount Rainer in the background.

An American flag is spotted waving above a skyscraper.

To follow was a 36 hour train excursion to Los Angeles aboard Amtrak's Coast Starlight. Quarters were tight, but fun! A sign in the bathroom states it is best to sit on the toilet while showering! Traveling by train allows one to see the topography, geography and aspects of culture in America along the way. Noted were: bald eagles, sod farms, rivers, streams, waterfalls, gorgeous and expansive lakes, tundra as well as agricultural settings such as vineyards and strawberry farms, all manned by migrant workers.

While in Los Angeles, we took a mainly tourist-oriented tour to Venice, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and such.

Signage and luscious, suspended floral baskets attached to lanterns on Rodeo Drive.

With scenic and panoramic views of the city (as seen through the haze of smog), the Getty Center is a magnificent spot to visit while in LA. After a short tram ride up to the center, I listened to an orientation tour of the architecture which was informative. Then off to the gardens for a quick tour there.

Here is a maze surrounded by water and plantings of purple-posied garlic.

Yellow Angel Trumpets

Too hot to wander amongst the many structures at this campus? Grab a museum-provided parasol to shield your head from the sunny rays of Southern California.

Home to many varied exhibits, both permanent and transitory such as European furnishings, illuminated manuscripts and botanicals, my eyes were drawn to several items.

This object appears to be a painting , though in reality is a mosaic composed entirely of minute pieces of glass.

These two silver serving vessels from France are detailed to suggest their contents. This tureen is guarded by intricately-casted wild boar hinting that it is filled with a stew, perhaps following a hunt.Prawns and crabs encircle the lid of this piece which is crowned with a cauliflower handle to grasp and lift.