The time had come on the 16th of December: I had to leave my beloved house at CCA, which I called my home for the past three months. It was a strange feeling but there was nothing I could have done to avoid the move-out. Life goes on, after all…So, I called the office to tell them I was ready and an employee came to my house, checking if nothing was damaged and collecting my keys. I, then, grabbed my suitcase and all my other stuff (one would be surprised how many things can pile up in that short time) and made my way to the bus stop in front of the college. Yes, I decided to take the bus to go to Seattle, since this is the cheapest, yet not the most convenient way of traveling with a suitcase, a backpack and three other bags. I had no problems taking my things into the first bus- the 181- and getting of at Auburn Transit Station, but it was difficult in the second bus (578 Seattle via Federal Way). That was also the one I feared a bit, because I had so many stuff, that I was not sure if I can manage the bus ride with all of it. Luckily, there was a really nice man who carried my suitcase into the bus and helped me get it out at Pine Street in Seattle! When I stood there, where I have been plenty of times already, the first thought that crossed my mind was: ‘I did it!’ I am travelling all on my own for the very first time now.
The hostel I already booked in October is located right across the Pike Place Market and called “Green Tortoise Hostel”. It offers free breakfast, has a laundry room, clean bathrooms and really comfortable rooms. I share mine with four other girls and we did not have any problems yet *knock on wood*.
Since I checked in early, I had the whole afternoon to discover some parts of Seattle, that 
I have not seen before. First of all, I had to go to a specific shop, because my mother wanted me to buy something for her. Right after that was done, I head to the Chihuly Garden and Glass, situated next to the Space Needle. On my way to this exhibition, I happened to see some artists who created sculptures out of ice blocks, which was quite impressing. It was drizzling the whole day already, so I made the right choice of visiting Chihuly. Most parts were inside: beautiful, breath-taking, big pieces were exhibited- everything made out of glass. Outside, a small garden with other art pieces was to be found. The crowning glory was formed by a 
demonstration on how glassblowing works. Those demonstrations are held every day between 11am and 6pm, which gives every visitor the opportunity to see it. They also offer a short movie about this art.
I wanted to buy the Combo ticket: Chihuly & Space Needle. But I did not know then, when I would go to the Space Needle, so the man who sold me the ticket (which was about $25), said I should ask for an upgrade as soon as I am buying a ticket for the Space Needle- it might be cheaper.
I made my way back to the hostel in the dark- I love that, because at this time of the year everything is nicely illuminated! Twelve pieces of S’mores Donuts from “Galaxy Donuts” were my supper that day- Highly recommended!!
Today, the first thing I had to do, was going to a UPS-store to see if they had a cheaper offer for sending a package to Austria than FedEx had. Turned out, that both of them are incredibly expensive, but at least the man at the UPS-store told me, I should go to the Post Office- they are way cheaper. Said and done. They really were cheaper, so I sent a package back home! That was how I spent my entire forenoon.
Then, because of the nice weather, I decided to explore the Space Needle. I heard both, positive as well as negative feedback about a visit at this famous attraction, which is why I really struggled deciding whether I should go up there or not. But I came to the conclusion, that I had to find it out for myself, if it is worth it. As mentioned earlier, I asked for an upgrade when I bought the ticket. Normally, one has to do both attractions on the same day in order to get the Combo ticket, but the nice lady made an exception for me, so I paid $26 instead of $35 (the normal price for adults from Monday- Thursday). Looking back, I can say: It is totally worth it! One has a beautiful view over Seattle, Lake Union, Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound. One can sit outside on a glass bench with a wall behind, which is tilted a few degrees outwards and they offer free videos and pictures of yourself, if using the Space Needle App. 
On the lower level, one will find the rotating glass floor, which is a lot of fun, as well as a restaurant. The store is huge and offers also a VR-bungee-jumping-experience.
Afterwards, I walked to the Lake Union Park, where a History Museum is located. It is just a small park, that is why I combined it with another famous spot: the Gas Works Park. The last two mentioned Parks also occur in the movie “10 things I hate about you”, which was my main motivation of visiting them. And NO, I did not take the bus from Lake Union Park to the Gas Works Park- I decided to walk all the way around the lake. That way, I saw a lot of different houses, shops and landscapes. Unfortunately, it stopped to drizzle and started to actually rain when I reached the Park. I still had an amazing view of the Skyline of Seattle, but to visit this place on a sunny day is a must-do! It is great for a picnic, for children to play, for taking a walk or simply to relax.
To get back to the Pike Place Market, I took the bus, since it did not stop raining…
I will spend two more days here in Seattle, so stay tuned for more!
Let the memories begin 