Yap, its shopping day today - something we have not been doing for some time. But not before enjoying a hearty and tasty breakfast at a restaurant close to where we live - Portage Bay Cafe, well known for its organic breakfast and luscious spread at the fruit bar. Delicious!
On the way to the bus stop, we bumped into a street fair taking place at University district. Bought a CD from this performing band who was playing some folk songs with their tribal instruments. Pretty good.
Finally to Bellevue we go, took a photo of this world-famous floating bridge from the bus.
After exploring the city surroundings we went to Bellevue Square - the largest shopping mall in the States with over 200 stores. I really liked this place alot - it reminded me of the malls back home. It has almost everything under one roof, and a cineplex opposite.
We were so happy that we decided to experience our first movie adventure in US with the latest show "Angels and Demons". Also got a popcorn to go with, happy again 'cos its coated with butter! Just love it!
"Is it free seating?", I asked (on purpose) as we were making our way to the cinema.
"Yes!", I'll never forget the usher's big eyes and bewildered look when she replied.
We grinned secretly to ourselves.
Even though we were 15 minutes early, the cinema was already packed with people, some reserving seats for their friends yet to come. We settled ourselves at the 5th row from the front, knowing for sure we will get strained eyes and stiff necks after the show. The popcorn was gone before the show started.
We had skipped lunch earlier due to the heavy breakfast we had. After the show, we decided to hang out at "Cheesecake factory" for a light supper and to sample their famous cheesecake.
It was 10:50pm when we left and headed for the bus stop. Half an hour later, no bus in sight. We were wondering if we had missed the last bus, tried to use our mobiles to access the bus website for the schedule. Unfortunately the page refused to load.
We were contemplating taking the next action - either checking in to the nearby Hyatt hotel or getting a cab home, which will set us back by $30-$50. At this time, another bus stopped by and we took the chance to ask about the service we were waiting for.
"The last service has passed, its no longer running", confirmed the bus driver.
"Where do you go?" I asked.
"I go just a couple of blocks more, but not to Seattle." Our hearts sank.
"What you could do, is go down to the transit center and take bus #550 coming at 11:45pm, to downtown Seattle, where you could catch the next bus - I don't know what bus to get you back to U-district, you need to check again", advised the kind driver.
We thanked the driver profusely, grateful and anxious to get home. With full speed, we raced about 5 blocks to the transit center and looked at the schedule posted at the bus stop just outside the transit center.
"Shucks! We missed the bus!", CH exclaimed.
"Hur? We did?", I looked around and saw a bus stopping by the roadside a few feet from us. Its 550! I shouted to CH, we both ran towards and boarded it.
"Where are you going?", asked the driver.
"Downtown Seattle"
"Wrong bus, take from bay 2 at the transit center"
We headed towards the center, CH looked at the schedule again, and realized he looked at the wrong one earlier. We were still in time ! Heng ah (lucky), we exclaimed, heaving sighs of relief!
Boy, were we so glad to be able to get back, all thanks to the friendly bus drivers.
What an adventure today!
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