Pioneer Square

Taking the bus to Pioneer square would have been a pleasant bust ride away, had the bus gone down to pioneer square that day. So instead of a leisurely bus ride, I had a very long stroll. Luckily 3rd avenue doesn't climb any rigerous hills or descend as if it were taking you to the earths core itself. And not taking the bus made me see the smaller detials i would have otherwise missed. The trees that encroached on modern society by standing their ground in the concrete jungle were adorned with metal grates over their soft dirt groundings. Some were simple slats of metal designed to let water in, while others were intricately designed with leaves and twigs within the metal to mimic a woodland floor that had existed many years ago.



Across from these trees are feats of man kind. Towering buildings were decorated with art of all different kinds. Some of a molten looking rock and others with murals that stretched higher than I could reach, given that I'm only 5'3" it may not seem like much, from down here that's pretty damn tall. As I reached the actual Pioneers square area I felt as though I had taken a step back in time. Buildings were fillagreed with wonderful architecture and sculpted to look intricate and amazing. You don't see to many buildings like this anymore. Though some of them have been restored or remodeled they still hold the charm and awe as their aged pictures held on the piece of paper guiding me on my journey.


Pioneer square has almost anything you can think of: pizza places, the underground tours, bakeries, pizzarias, rug shops, child care, centers to help the less fortunate, bubble tea stores, antique shops and even a kilt store?! As I passed through occidental avenue I saw a totem pole that seemed to have been dismantled from when I had seen it the previous year. It seems as though this place is always buzzing with life, always changing and growing to the needs of the people. Stages are put up and torn down, stores come and go, installed art is added and removed.



Yesler Way was an odd street to say the least. A large triangle building jutted out of the hill looking like the wales that breech not far away from the bay. The open parts of the structure reminding me of the whales mouth. What a peculiar part of town. Old looking buildings coverd this area as well, making me feel like should wear some of my grandmothers outfits to fit in with the buildings. The apparentess of the conflict during the street grid construction is apparent, navigating the streets and following cross walks is like follwoing a pirate map with a tiny 'X'. Good luck finding them!

Going into the shops wether it be a rug or candy shop gave you a real feel of community. Everyone was friendly and every store unique. Some had giant teddy bears or giant rugs, giant sculptures or a well known history. The owners definatly knew their craft and were eager to share information on how a rug was made, or what processes create delicious fudge. I didn't really understand why there were giant teddy bears, unless they are just to sit there for an embaressing photo of a friend :)