FREMONT FUNK

 The first week in October is a good time to go back and visit my kids living in Washington. Jared's birthday is October 4, so a celebration was in order. Plus there have been lots of changes since I was last there.. Jared has a new job and a new girlfriend that I wanted to meet (I REALLY like her) and Becca had moved to Renton, so I wanted to see her apartment and meet her roommate.

  While all my objectives were achieved, it wasn't the most pleasant week. I am pretty sure I was exposed to the flu on the flight to Seattle, and sure enough 4 incubation days later I was sicker than a dog. Poor Becca had to give up her bed and sleep on the couch.  I was so sick I couldn't stomach (literally) the idea of getting on a plane to go back home, so I had to extend my stay an extra day until I could remain upright without all my insides trying to get outside, if you get my drift......

However, on Monday of that week before I really got sick and was only feeling a "little off" Becca and I had planned an excursion to the Fremont district in Seattle. Even though I had lived there for 30 years it was one area of Seattle I had never explored except for the obligatory pilgrimage to the famous Fremont Troll.

Mission accomplished. We had a really fun day, even though I was feeling a little under the weather. The retail stores in Fremont have ridiculously high prices, so we ended up avoiding those, even though Becca and I love nothing better than to shop. And we tried, we really did, but I just couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money.

We spent the day doing a free walking tour of all the funky art installations around the neighborhood.

It all started at the rocket....

An actual cold war scrap pile leftover that the small business owner co-op of Fremont decided to adopt and install on a street corner. It kind of sets the tone for the mind set of Fremont residents- quirky.

a darling art installation that is a throw back  referring to JP Patches, a Seattle children's TV show institution in a bygone era

Next stop- "Waiting on the Interurban"

The fun part of this art installation is that the local residents dress up these commuters to reflect the season.

then there is the statue of Lenin.....

not sure why Lenin..

but on a cool side note, just before we posed for this selfie we got to meet a darling Bernese Mountain Dog that was sauntering by (one of the highlights of the day).

This statue stands outside the Brooks Running Store. It is made out of donated medals and awards won by local runners.

a closer look..

The famous Fremont Troll with the full size VW beetle in it's clutches

now looking the other way down the street-

cool perspective...

another art installation entitled "Space"

The rest of the walking tour took us down towards the Lake Union ship canal.

I know it's hard to tell but our selfie includes a mamma and baby dinosaur made from live, growing ivy.  The metal frame for the two resided at the Seattle Center at one time. When it needed a new home, once again, quirky Fremont had it relocated to their neighborhood. Ivy was planted at the feet and it took 12 years for the ivy to engulf the frame.  Volunteers keep the ivy trimmed.

The quaint Fremont Bridge.  Look closer and you will see a neon Rapunzel in the bridge house letting down her hair.

Can you see her?  Who comes up with these things?

One last art installation. Unfortunately, I have forgotten the name of this one. But he is holding a lamp, and the sign instructs us to hold on to his lamp and say a prayer for world peace. Done.

I don't know if my prayer will be answered, but he is surely installed in a very peaceful and picturesque setting.

Our day had to end with chocolate, as all traditional days in Seattle should- whether it is hot chocolate at Starbucks, or a taste of Seattle's Best Chocolate, a trip to Seattle needs to be chococentric (I know its not a word).  Fremont is no different. Our last stop was at the Theo Chocolate Factory, where the tours are free.

 

This day began and ended with chocolate as every day should.