The Seattle Aquarium

Within the depths of the Seattle Aquarium, I picked my way through the crowds of screaming five year olds who were pointing at a glass tank containing the coveted “Nemo” fish, and moved toward the more peaceful and tranquil exhibits honoring the insipid and lackluster salmon. Here not a child could be found, the halls were empty, and it was just me and the Alaska Sockeye.

Within these quiet chambers, I was attended to by knowledgeable staff members who educated me on the ins and outs of everything fish related. As I sat and watched the peaceful fish swim gracefully through their tanks, I became mesmerized by their beauty and simplicity.

The Seattle Aquarium is located on Pier 59, just minutes from downtown Seattle. Although the aquarium itself is not large and can be toured in just about an hour, a whole afternoon could be spent wandering along the waterside, enjoying the unique sights of each pier and sampling the flavors of the dozens of specialty eateries.