American Adventures Part Eight: A Little Sleepy in Seattle

 

Hey there! Thanks for continuing to follow my travel adventures. This is post number eight of ten... if you've been playing along at home and leaving me comments, thank you! Bewb gropes and squeezy hugs to you all for your kind words along the way.

And so to Seattle. I was in Seattle twice - before and after my road trip to Forks and Olympia. Hopefully you all saw my extra special post about meeting 100 Monkeys - that deserved a post all to itself!

The day I arrived in Seattle from San Francisco @red_bella (Deb) met me at the airport, and we met @twi_lin (ChyLynn), @tipsy_daisy (Lesa) and @kitty_elvis (Sharon) for dinner at Lola, a lovely restaurant... conveniently situated next door to Escala. I made sure to take a pic of the building before dinner while it was still light.

If you look closely, you can see Fifty in the Penthouse.

Dinner was fabulous! I highly recommend Lola to anyone going to Seattle anytime soon, perhaps pre-Forks.

ChyLynn and Lesa

Sharon, me and Deb

Of course after dinner we had the obligatory photo shoot next to the Escala sign, much to the bemusement of the staff inside:

 

I took Fifty Shades of Grey with me on this trip because I had all the twitards I met sign it along the way. I'll post about that separately some time. Kiwi Ed looks like he's trying to make a getaway in this pic, probably cos he knows my boyfriend is upstairs, wearing only his ripped jeans.

After my road trip, I had two full days in Seattle before leaving for Vancouver. You might be wondering about the title of this post - A Little Sleepy in Seattle. Seriously, after being on the go for more than three weeks at this point, the travel weariness was seriously starting to set in. Tiredness that is ever-present, the desire to sit down and rest your aching feet.. like, all the time. I decided I needed to listen to my body and therefore had a really low-key couple of days, sleeping in and just taking in a few sites of Seattle. I wish I could have done more, but at the same time I'm glad I made the decision to slow down.

So, first on the list was the Space Needle. We have a tower like this in New Zealand (its taller and a little bit cooler, if I do say so myself) but this was a nice opportunity to see the surrounding areas.

Even though it was a nice day, I was a little disappointed that I couldn't see the mountains. The clouds were in the way!

After managing to avoid the obligatory retail opportunities at the bottom of the tower, I headed across the courtyard to the Experience Music Project (EMP). This is a museum to music and science fiction and it is seriously cool. I highly recommend it - especially at the moment because there's a Nirvana exhibition on. I was not a massive fan at the time they were huge - I was a little young - but I really appreciate their music now, mostly in hindsight due to my love of Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters.

Awesome guitar-stack art in the foyer at EMP

Original 'Nevermind' photo. Wow!

There is also an Avatar exhibit at the moment, and, if you're like me and you want to rest your feet, you can sit and watch documentaries on the fucking enormous HD screen, for free. The EMP is also really cool because it's building is all funky and abstract-ish. I realise that is a vague description, but here's a cool photo I took which might give you an idea:

Space Needle reflected in the EMP building

I also managed to fit in some (more) retail therapy. I had previously bought another bag when shopping with Amy and Erin, so it was only fair that I needed to fill it, right?

After another early night and some more quality American TV... hmm... the next day I decided some exercise was in order. A close friend used to live in Seattle and asked me to go to Green Lake, one of her favourite places in the city, and take some pics for her. It was a really nice walk, a little over an hour to complete the circuit and something really good to do. I really needed to leave the hustle and bustle of the city, if only for a few hours.

I know alot of you will be going to Seattle soon on your way to Forks. Enjoy it, Seattle is a beautiful city.

USA Adventures Part Seven: Olympia Craziness

I hear what you're saying. Why on earth did I make Olympia, Washington a stop on the great US tour? Simple! It was a convenient half-way meeting point between Seattle, where I was off to next, and Portland/Vancouver, where my girls reside.

I was on a mission. I needed to find @musingbella (Erin) and @starlitviolets (Amy), and I needed to find them, fast. There were cocktails to be had and gossip to be exchanged! After my roadtrip from Forks, I met them at the hotel... time for a quick catch up before we hit the nearest possible bar to get this party STARTED.

This post is gonna mostly be comprised of pics, cos, if I'm totally honest, there might be some gaps in the ol' memory. You know what they say, what happens in Olympia, stays in Olympia. (or something like that).

Amy B & Erin

Amy and Erin give me a 'cheers' with the first round of... many. PSA: Washington Red Apples are fucking lethal cocktails. I have no idea what is in them but what I can tell you is that they go down REAL EASY (twss).

Kiwi Ed also found some friends:

Kiwi Ed meets the 'lets

After the server tried to end our cocktail session early (as if!), we convinced her to take a pic of all of us. She was, shall we say, bemused at the Edwards. I automatically decreased her tip when she mentioned Bieber 'dolls' in the same conversations as our action figures. How. Rude.

Two Amys and an Erin

It was then on to the next bar (conveniently located next door) where we switched to various other cocktails - cos we could - and met up with @twi_lin (ChyLynn), Mr Twi_Lin and @tipsy_daisy (Lesa). ChyLynn and her hubs were on their way back from their second 100 Monkeys show in three days so it was great to hear how that went. It was lovely to see them again and we had a good catch up - and, if I'm honest, a wee bit of a sober up - before they had to go home.

ChyLynn, Erin, Amy B, Amy M & Lesa

After a quick rest stop back at the hotel, and a chance to eat some AMAZING cookies that were quite randomly on the hotel reception desk (don't mind if I do), Erin got her wish. Her wish to subject invite Amy & I to rock out to some karaoke. The only place we could find in the 'burbs of Olympia on a Sunday night that had karaoke available, was... lets just say... less than desirable.

After the open-mike night ended, and we spent considerable time trying to decide if the newly-wed *ahem* slightly older woman had indeed been a woman all her life (jury is still out on Adam's apple-gate), and downed some weird, blue cocktails, it was time. I suddenly understood Erin's passion for karaoke. Turns out she's goooood. And passionate. I am killing myself right now for being too drunk to think of taking video.

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Then Amy was up. She rocked out...

Dirty Little Secret

I don't like to sing. Except in the shower. Or at Christmas. But, I had some dutch courage in me...

Brown Eyed Girl

Yeah... the less said about that, the better! There were some others in the bar who had... varying talent on the mike. A few more beverages later, we didn't care! The dancing was gooood.

Shake your groove thang Erin...

By this time, the Edwards were a little over it. Naturally, they weren't tired, but they were a little 'beyond' our karaoke antics. Kiwi Ed wandered off, muttering something about being in his 'happy place'.

Isle Esme (stolen by Erin!)

Erin snapped a picture of me evicting Edward from Isle Esme. I may or may not recall this occurance.

Look Mum, no hands

Now, Amy & Erin, before you get all heated up about me showing these pics to the world... just remember there were a couple of other *cough donut shop shop cough* things that happened that shall stay in our memories only. About $20 worth, I'd say, Amy.

I'll close this post by saying I fucking love these h00rs and for those of you going to FORKS, beware if anyone suggests you drink Washington Red Apples. Give Erin and Amy a big arse-slap and a kiss from me. x

Erin and I celebrate 'chicks and chow'. Classy.

Three tired chicks

P.S. The next day, we groaned, we moved slowly and quietly, we ate and we shopped. As you do.

Fun Times in the USA Part Six: FOOOOORRRKKKSSS!!!

I know, I know. These posts are falling behind. Cos I'm having too much fun to write them! This trip is coming to an end so I'm gonna do my best to get the remaining posts (Forks, Olympia, Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria) done in the next few days.

 

And so to FORKS! I took another rental car, this time a big black one, from Seattle to Forks. I felt like movie-Edward. It was fantastic! And for the record, so much nicer driving on smaller Washington roads than gigantic Californian freeways. I think this photo looks like Bella and Edward pulled up next to each other. But I digress....

For those of you attending the Twitarded Forks weekend coming up, I have tried to include my tips for first-timers like myself. I've coloured these in red. 

Firstly I stopped briefly in Port Angeles. Mainly to be able to picture it in my mind, this whole weekend I was taking in the sights so that every time I read/watch Twilight, or read fan fiction, I get an idea of where the characters are. I popped in to Dazzled by Twilight in PA, don't bother! The store in Forks is much better stocked.

 

Yup. That's about it for the twi-sites of PA! Onwards to Forks. This is a gorgeous drive. In fact, the whole area looks a lot like parts of New Zealand. This is my not-so-subtle hint to come and check it out! I recommend you stop at Lake Crescent, it is gorgeous.

 

After a few more stops for picture-taking, I arrived! At mecca. It was all I could do not to kiss the pavement.

Hint - if you're driving by yourself, don't worry about stopping to take a photo, because the Twilight Tour will take you here and there'll be someone to take pics for you then. 

Forks was pretty much what I expected. One main street, one traffic light, small town. Boy oh boy have they benefitted from Stephenie's decision to base her little story here! In 2005, Forks had 5,000 visitors per year. Last year? 150,000. Sheesh. I had some interesting conversations with locals about Twilight and whether it is loved or loathed by the community. Generally, they like it, because it brought their town back to life. Anyone who is unimpressed surely can't complain about the money coming in to the town.

On Saturday I took the Twilight Tour. There are two companies in town - you want to make sure you go with the original BLACK BUS, not the white one. There is some confusion about who runs this tour, because it used to be Dazzled by Twilight and it still features on their website. It is however now it's own company and is called Twilight Tours in Forks. The same people run the tours as before...

 

The fabulous Travis. Travis would have to be the best tour guide I think I've ever met. He is so enthusiastic, energetic and loves Twilight! I asked him if he remembered the TWITARDS and if he knew you all were coming back. He just smiled a knowing smile... I asked him if he wanted to run for the hills and he laughed!

My recommendation is that Travis gets some serious tippage from you guys, he bloody deserves it. And get this. His baby daughter Isabella was born in Forks on June 20th. How much of a twi-baby is she?

I was uber-excited to place the first pin in New Zealand on the map in the tour office. Then Travis let me down by telling me that it is a relatively new map. Hmph.

 

Anyhoo, on to the sights! First stop - Forks High. Yeah, it's different to what you pictured, huh? Thing is, you have to remember this is a tour of sights that are 'interpreted' to be where Bella and Edward reside. There were people on my tour surprised that the films weren't shot in Forks. Really, people? Call yourselves fans? Duh.

Next stop, Forks police station. They actually leave this cruiser out the front all the time because they got so pissed with people breaking in to the locked yard to take photos with their other cars. That's a bit rude.

 

Then on to the Forks Chamber of Commerce. You need to sign the register here to tell them where you are from, this is how they monitor how many people visit each year. They have two 'Bella trucks', one from the books (below) and one from the movie (see top photo). The 'movie car' is not the one used in the films, but the registration plate is. You might even find a sexy sparkly vampire lurking...

Then it was on to Bella and Charlie's house. Apparently the people who live here have an album of pictures of people taking pictures of their house! I'm not sure I'd like to live in the centre of all this, but I'm sure they're good sports.

 I loved the reserved sign for Carlisle at the local hospital. What I loved more though was that the cafe at the hospital is called 'Spoons'!

Then it was on to La Push. Thankfully, there were no half-naked werewolves sitting on their cars at the treaty line.

  

I loved this. I think it's great that everyone plays along!

I was surprised, to say the least, that Kiwi Ed had tagged along to La Push. He was keeping his prescence on the DL. We did have a laugh together when we saw the threat level sign... I think someone knew he was there.

Did I mention the weather was AMAZING the whole time I was in Forks? Travis' disco ball in the front of the bus had some work to do. Of course all the locals tried to convince me that it was sunny every day in Forks...

 

La Push beach is gorgeous! Not what I had pictured in my head, but seeing all the houses and small school, I can totally imagine the pups livin' down on the res.

Right. After the tour... it was time for THE MERCH. Serious merch is available in Forks, people. And not just at Dazzled by Twilight. Although there was great stuff there, I recommend going to Forks Outfitters and the Thriftway, at the end of town. Same shit, heaps cheaper! I am the proud owner of a Forks hoodie, copious stickers, magnets, a mug... you name it, I got it. Every shop in town (no joke) sells something Twilight. Even the service stations! Oh, and @SparklyJul... I gots you covered, babe. 

Also, FYI returning Twitards - Dazzled by Twilight now has Vampire Diaries and True Blood merch too. Not much, but FSDamon and FSStefan are hanging out... along with some Team Eric goodies.

This is my favourite twi-thing. First person to tell me in the comments where I saw this is a winner! (not a winner of a prize, just a winner of general winner-ness). Dr Cullen turns me on. He he he.

I headed to Rialto Beach that evening to watch the sunset. GORGEOUS. One tip (that someone told me but I neglected to listen to) good idea to wear proper shoes. It's rocky, people, and my feeties were sore in my flip flops.

Then it was home to the motel. I swear, I could hear the ghosts of Twitards in Forks 2010 echoing across the lot. I can just imagine you lot taking over the joint. I hope you're all pitching in for the therapy that the staff are going to collectively need in about six weeks' time.

Sunday woke up slightly overcast, which gave me a hint of the near constant cover of clouds and rain. I headed down the coast towards Olympia, where an evening of drunken debauchery awaited..... but that's another story.

The Day I Met Jackson & the Monkey Men

Last Thursday was 100 Monkeys Day. An official holiday declared throughout the land. You missed it? Well, you've come to the right place! I'll blog about 'the rest' of my time in Seattle later, for now, I bring you this special edition post: Amy meets the Monkeys!

Firstly, we heard through the grapevine (ok, twitter) that there was an instore event happening on Thursday morning. There goes our Seattle tourism plans! It was off to surburbia to find Best Buy. At this point I should introduce the Monkey posse: @redbella (Deb) came down from Canada especially; @twi_lin (ChyLynn) and @tipsy_daisy (Lesa) came into Seattle from their town, slightly further south. For the evening show we also met with @kintail (Melinda) and her friend Megan.

Addit: You can read ChyLynn's account of the Monkey sighting here.

Where was I? Oh yes, the instore. It was.... intimate. Seriously. Like, 50 people  women, hanging out in a music store at 12pm on a Thursday. Then, who should turn up? (shamwow warning!)

There was no zoom required to take this picture. I was actually this close to Jackson. SQUEE! He is LOVELY. They played three songs (Shy Water, Junkie and another one I didn't know) and chatted a little bit with the small crowd. There was a girl next to me who brought the toddler she was nannying, and the boys loved the little girl!

Here's a tip - want the Monkeys to chat to you? Steal a small child and take them to the show! My highlight of their small set was Jackson on the mandolin during Shy Water:

Then it was time for the signing. I had purchased two copies of Liquid Zoo (one for my BFF SparklyJul) and I was really nervous waiting for them! I asked Jackson to sign 'Go Kiwi'.

As I stood there, Ben G asked me about New Zealand. He asked me about 'that white marshmallowey stuff' we have. He was referring to Pavlova. He really liked the dessert, apparently. In my star-struck amazingness, all I came up with was 'if I had a kitchen, I'd make you one'. Win.

After a lovely lunch, we headed back to the hotel for a freshen-up before the big show. Here's the thing. I WON A MEET AND GREET. Thanks to the lovely Jamie (@Jaymes805) who had send me a link, I sent an email off and completely played up the 'I came from New Zealand to see you' angle. Aaannd then they wrote back (I know, it wasn't them personally, I just like to dream) and said 'sure thing, you're in!'. Or something like that.

So, we show up at the venue an hour early, as instructed, so that we could hurry up and wait. And wait. I had asked for eight passes because we thought our numbers would be higher, and then on the night we had spares. A couple of the girls had earlier met Kayla (@MrsBowieJackson) at the Best Buy and we saw her again outside the venue so we invited her into the meet and greet with us.

I didn't really know what to expect with the meet and greet. Basically, we just walked into a room, and there they were! I was all 'we met earlier today, I'm from New Zealand' and they remembered. Yay me. I gave Jackson a kiwi-shaped key ring/bottle opener that was the only NZ thing I could find in my suitcase. Here's a hawt pic of him swinging it around on his finger...

We chatted about random shit really. I asked Ben G if he knew about Pavlova because he'd been to NZ, but they just had a friend who made it for them, apparently. I asked he and Jackson if they were hoping to tour down under and told them if they did I would be at the show, front and centre.

ChyLynn gave the boys Toy Story rubber bracelets in honour of her 2 year old grandson who loves their music, and Woody & Buzz. The Monkey Men loved the bracelets and wore them at the show that night.

Melinda gave them rubber monkey finger puppets. This was hilarious, especially when Jackson and Jerad were playing around with them, Jackson had two and made them do naughty things to each other. I really wanted to photograph that but bitchface their assistant had taken my camera by this stage.

I spoke to Uncle Larry briefly. I kinda feel like he misses out sometimes since he is always so quiet in the background. I asked him if he was enjoying himself and he just smiled a big smile and said 'always!'.

On to photo time! Here's the big 'family shot':

L-R: Lesa, Ben J, ChyLynn, Jerad, Melinda, Jackson, Deb, Ben G, me, Uncle Larry, Melinda's friend and Kayla. (Sorry it's so small. If you want a high res version, leave a comment below).

We were being hurried outta there but there was no way I was leaving without my own photo. When the assistant protested, Jackson said 'C'mon, she's come a long way'. Yay Jackson!

I shall treasure this pic! Side note, I emailed it to my parents, with a long explanatory email about my travels and what I've been up to. Clearly my dad didn't read the email and just looked at the pics, cos he was all 'umm, who are those men you're with?' My boyfriend and his bandmates, Dad...

As quickly as it began, the meet and greet was over. It was then over to the bar to get ready for the show proper. Here came the big downer of the night. I was not allowed into the bar because my ID was not issued in the US or Canada. Apparently, a NZ drivers licence with my officially-issued date of birth (which, by the way, proves I'm a good ten years older than I need to be to get in) was not acceptable. They needed my passport, which clearly I do not take to clubs with me. I was severly pissed off, especially as by this time all the others were in the bar. Little did I know, Deb (aka the bulshy Canadian) was chatting to the manager and pulled some strings to get me in. I wouldn't argue with her!

The support acts were quite good, Kissing Club and... umm... Band of Bleeding Horses? Or something like that... TBH I wasn't exactly focussed on them...

ChyLynn, Lesa, me and Deb.

And then the boys came out, and from the first song, they freaking rocked it! They have so much enthusiasm and energy on stage, and really appear to be having the time of their lives. I absolutely love how they change up the instruments and rotate around, and Jamie will be pleased to know I can tell them apart on vocals now!

I managed to get a few good shots so I think I'll let a picture tell a thousand words:

All in all, a great day was had. Just typing this I almost wonder if it really happened! Then I see my awesome merch (slap bracelet! 90's retro cool!) and my signed CD, and I realise I really met the Monkey Men.

Oh yes, then I also remember the hangover (thanks, Vitamin R) and the midnight visit to IHOP. That really happened.

To anyone else seeing them on this tour, I hope you love it! Keep your eyes on @100monkeysmusic for tweets about instore events, it's well worth it!

*I own all photos and video in this post. Please do not repost without crediting me*