Despite being sick and heavily dosed with medications, walking from Cornish to Pike's Place Market, I was feeling pleasantly immersed in the energy and excitement of the city. While waiting to cross the street and head into the market itself, my eyes were unwillingly drawn to this. Now, I am not generally one to pass judgments, think less of people who have fallen on hard times, or refuse aid to fellow humans in need - however, based on my observations of this couple's particular state of cleanliness (in both their clothing and their persons), and how they and their animals all seem to be well-fed and in general good health, I felt at the time, and still feel, that these were professional pan-handlers engaging in the blatant exploitation of cute, fuzzy animals for their own profit. While I have no doubt that the animals are being fed, and are possibly even loved by their owners, a kitten on a leash is never a happy sight, especially not when it's kept at a street corner for hours. It made me feel a little angry. :(
The light changed, and we proceeded onward to the market in slightly damper spirits. Throughout our exploration of the market, we encountered a very large variety of people. Some were very gracious and thrilled to talk about their views of the market, others were too busy to talk, and some wanted nothing to do with us. As a whole, I found the people of the market to be a vibrant, passionate collection of individuals.
The Cheese Tray Maker
This is Jeff. He has worked with his friend forming glass bottles into cheese cutting trays and selling them in the market since 1996. His favorite ones are the vintage soda bottles, but none are pictured here because he sold the last one in stock about 15 minutes before we got there.
When we asked Jeff what he thinks about Pike Place Market, this is what he had to say "It's the best place in the world to work! As a major tourist destination, I think it adds tremendous value to Seattle. The tourists come off the cruise ships, and they want to come here. There is also a great mix of locals." Jeff enjoys where his shop was set up that day, since it was close enough to food to provide a lot of yummy smells, and far enough away from the sometimes overwhelming fish stalls.
The Fishmonger
When Jessica was finished drooling over the fresh fish, and asked his thoughts about the market, this gentleman said that "It's the best money making place in Seattle." He feels that the market is vital, not only to Seattle's economy, but to other economies as well.
"Everybody - I mean, Alaska, Seattle, Washington, and more - everybody would be going without if Pike Place didn't exist."
The Calligrapher
While Jin Bao Shu hand inks some tremendous traditional art, he also makes custom pages of your name written in kanji, so I took this picture for Jessica. When asked his opinion about Pike Place, he said that it is "Very good! Public Market; lots of people here!" Even with all the current financial problems in the United States he feels that, "Business has been better, especially in the summer. It's a secure place. (The market) provides business security. It's a good place."
The Floral Arranger
This young man didn't have too much to say about Seattle, or the Market, since he has only been living and working here for a few months. However, he thinks that Pike's Place Market is "Pretty cool. It's a nice, good, cool place."
Despite the shortness of his time in the market, his floral arrangements are quite lovely, and the smell was heavenly.
Bonus Silly Pictures:
Beecher's Handmade Cheese
How much can she fit in her mouth?!?
The Gum Wall
I don't think anyone ever told her that it's gross to taste previously chewed gum...
The Magic Shop
Encounters of the Cornish Classmates kind
BEHOLD MEREDITH - FUTURE GOLD MEDALIST STRONG WOMAN!
Market Spice
Jessica getting cozy with a tea cozy.
When she gets all steamed up...
For more silly and interesting pictures of our Pike Place adventure, you can check out my flickr album.
No comments:
Post a Comment