Friday, April 24, 2020

Friday, April 24, 2020

Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker

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It's been a week since I arrived in Seattle. I easily adapted the weather. 

"The cold never bothered me anyway." - Let It Go (Frozen)

» Pacific Northwest Ballet «

 Pacific Northwest Ballet, based in Seattle, Washington, is one of the largest ballet company in the United States. It was founded in 1972 and is consistently ranked as the leading professional ballet company in the US.

» The Nutcracker «

The Nutcracker is a famous Christmas story, a little girl who goes to the Land of Sweets on Christmas Eve. This classical ballet, with 2 acts, has become the most popular to be performed around Christmas time.

 Pacific Northwest Ballet's The Nutcracker, debuted in November 2015, is the best selling classical ballet. It run from November 29 to December 28, 2019, perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. The total run time is 2 hours with one intermission with 20-minute length.

 Most of the performances run on 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

Photo from the website
Choreography by George Balanchine
Staging by Judith Fugate with Peter Boal and Garielle Whittle
Scenic and Costume Design by Ian Falconer
Lighting Design by James F. Ingalls

» Admission «

 The ticket prices varies depending on the date and seat selection. 


 I took advantage of the BlackFriday sale and bought a seat on First Tier section, which costs USD 74 (inclusive of tax).

» The Experience «

Fast forward to the afternoon of December 23, 2019 at McCaw Hall. The lobby was filled with a huge Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations. I also saw The Nutcracker standees and merchandise. 



As I claimed my ticket and watched the performance, I was fully captivated with the overall production. The whole production team were well-rehearsed. Even though I'm no longer a kid anymore, my heart was captivated with the magical story.
Shot from Ending Credits

 Frankly, it was my first time watching a ballet performance. After this, I'm looking forward to watch more ballet performances in the future.


» Info «

Address:                    301 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Website:                    https://www.pnb.org/
E-mail Address:          tickets@PNB.org
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Thursday, April 23, 2020

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Seattle CityPASS: Museum of Pop Culture

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After my roundtrip ride in Seattle Monorail, I walked for a few meters until I reached MoPOP. This was the last attraction that I redeemed from Seattle CityPASS.


 Just a recap on the attractions that I redeemed from Seattle CityPASS: Argosy Harbor Cruise, Seattle Aquarium, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and lastly, Museum of Pop Culture.

» Museum of Pop Culture «

Museum of Pop Culture, established in 2000 and founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is a museum designed for contemporary music and science fiction.

» Admission «

Below are their rates (as of April 2020) but if you will purchase Seattle CityPASS, you will spend less:

Adult Rate (Ages 13-64):  $28 (online price) / $30 (walk-in price)

 Senior Rate (Ages 65+):   $25 (online price) / $27 (walk-in price)

Youth (Ages 5-12):           $19 (online price) / $21 (walk-in price)

Child (Ages 4 and below): Free

 Members:                         Free

Military (with ID):             $22 (online price) / $24 (walk-in price)

» The Experience «

 According to TripAdvisor, it is one of the must visit in Seattle. I attest to that! This museum is mind-blowing starting from its exterior architecture up to its interior. It has everything and pretty laid-out. 

 It's a great visit while the weather was gloomy outside. It's definitely a mood changer!!! I enjoyed my stay for 2 hours.

 To make most of your visit, visit it early or at least 2-3 hours before the closing time (which I did). 


» The Exhibits (Level 1) «

The entrance and the exit is located on the first floor. There's a huge staircase to access the second floor.


Hall of Fame

JBL Theater


» The Exhibits (Level 2) «

As you climbed the staircase, this massive sculpture entitled IF VI WAS IX: Roots and Branches can be seen. It is also visible on the third floor.


 All galleries can be found on the second floor. The famous Sky Church and other museum stories can also be found here.
Prince from Minneapolis


Nirvana


Guitar Gallery


Hendrix Abroad


Indie Game Revolution


Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction
Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic


» The Exhibits (Level 3) «

I enjoyed my visit on Sound Lab because I got to hold different types of musical instruments such as electric guitar, etc. 

Unfortunately, the admission on Minecraft: The Exhibition was not included on Seattle CityPASS. I also didn't buy one so I can't share it here.

Sound Lab


<Special Exhibit> Minecraft: The Exhibition
» Sky Church «

 Sky Church is a hub of activity at MoPOP. It offers a 33' x 60' HD LED screen with state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting effects.

Music Video: New Face by PSY

» MoPOP Shop «

The souvenir shops are located on the second floor. You can buy goods such as apparel, accessories, posters, prints, toys, books and collectibles.


» Culture Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck «

It is an urban cafe and bar located on the first floor.


» Info «

 Address:                    325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Open Hours:              Open daily, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Website:                    http://www.mopop.org/
E-mail Address:          info@mopop.org
Telephone Number:   (206) 770-2700
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Sunday, April 19, 2020

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Seattle Center Monorail

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After eating pizza from MOD Pizza, I walked for a few meters and reached the monorail. Riding in a monorail is not new to me. I have been to few monorails in Asia so I would like to try one in Seattle.


» Seattle Center Monorail «

Seattle Center Monorail, built in 1962, is the Seattle's first full-scale commercial monorail system and one of Seattle's icon.

 It has two routes: Seattle Center Station (adjacent to the Space Needle) and Westlake Station (5th Avenue and Pine Street).

 It departs approximately every 10 minutes from two stations. Each trip takes 2 minutes.

» Ticket Prices «

There are three ways to buy tickets: In Person at monorail ticket booth(s), Use Your ORCA Card, or through your mobile phone via Transit Go Ticket mobile app.

Below are their one-way rates (as of April 2020). They accept cash, credit/debit cards and ORCA cards.

Adult Rate (Ages 19-64):    $3.00

Senior (Ages 65+):              $1.50

Youth (Ages 6-18):              $1.50

Child (Ages 5 and below):   Free

» Route Map «

Here's the map that I got from their website:


» The Experience «

I bought a one-way ticket to Westlake Station. 


 The ride was fast and smooth. Though, it was raining really hard so I just stayed inside the Westlake Center mall.

 After a few hours, I bought a one-way ticket back to Seattle Center Station and continued my scheduled trip to MoPOP. I will share it on my next blog post.


 Fun facts: Did you know the monorail has 64 tires! Just got this information while I was waiting for the monorail. 

» Info «

Address:                    305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Open Hours:              Open daily, hours vary depending on season
Website:                    https://www.seattlemonorail.com
E-mail Address:          info@seattlemonorail.com

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Saturday, April 18, 2020

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Seattle Center: MOD Pizza

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After visiting Chihuly Garden, I walked for a few minutes going to Armory Building. I felt the Christmas vibes inside the building.

Can you spot the stall of MOD Pizza?

» MOD Pizza «

MOD Pizza, founded in 2008, is Seattle-based fast food pizzeria that offers made-to-order pizzas and salads. Now, the have more than 400 locations in the United States and United Kingdom.
» The Experience «

I already planned ahead of time that I will dine-in here. I would like to try out the famous pizza in Seattle area. I love the idea of creating my own pizza with any combination of toppings for a certain price. Don't worry because they also have suggested pizza combinations if you're not comfortable of DIY.

The line was not long when I went there. The ordering process was moving smoothly. Though the baking process took about 5-10 minutes but it's okay because I was not in a hurry.

I ordered 11-inch Mad Dog pizza, which consisted of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, mild sausage, ground beef but without red sauce.

 I was impressed with the taste even though the look wasn't appetizing because of the burned part. Apologies, it's my first time trying out pizza straight from the bricked oven.

» Info «

Address:                    305 Harrison St, Armory Building, Ste 221, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Open Hours:              Sunday to Thursday (10:30 am - 8:00 pm), Friday to Saturday (10:30 am - 9:00 pm)
Website:                    https://modpizza.com/
E-mail Address:          feedback@modpizza.com
Telephone Number:   (206) 428-6315
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Saturday, April 18, 2020

Seattle CityPASS: Chihuly Garden and Glass

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After visiting the Space Needle, I walked for a few meters to reach Chihuly Garden and Glass. The weather didn't cooperated on the day of my visit.

» Chihuly Garden and Glass «

 Chihuly Garden and Glass, opened in May 2012, is a glass museum with the comprehensive exhibits of the glass artist, Dale Chihuly. It is also located in Seattle Center.

It features the three components: the Glass House, the Garden and the Galleries.

» Admission «

 Below are their rates (as of April 2020) but if you will purchase Seattle CityPASS, you will spend less:

Adult Rate (Ages 13-64):    $32

King Country*:                    $27

Senior (Ages 65+):              $27

Youth (Ages 5-12):              $19

Child (Ages 4 and below):   Free

» The Experience «

 I had fully advantage of all the exhibitions. Though I'm not fond of museums, the artistic approach was very impressive. They truly highlighted the glass art.

 After entering the building, I presented my CityPASS mobile ticket and redeemed my Chihuly Garden and Glass ticket. I headed to the exhibits before going into the Glasshouse and Garden area.


Note: Immerse yourself in the complimentary audio tour that you can access on your smartphone. Just visit www.chihulytour.com or scan the QR code posted at the wall entrance.

» The Exhibits «

Note: Still photography and video is allowed from a handheld device but uses of flashes, monopods or video cameras are prohibited.

 The gallery is divided in ten sections:

Glass Forest
The mind-blowing gallery that showcases the beauty of glassblowing. It was created in collaboration with Jamie Carpenter of James Carpenter Design Associates Inc.

Northwest Room
The gallery that focuses on glass vessels and native American baskets. The curator is Rock Hushka, a Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art of Tacoma Art Museum.

SeaLife Room
The Sealife Tower was inspired from the sea and Puget Sound. The curator is Rock Hushka, a Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art of Tacoma Art Museum.

Persian Ceiling
The glass shapes are located on a clear ceiling and is spread in the entire room. The sculptor was Martin Blank.

Millie Fiori
Millie Fiori means a thousand flowers, an Italian word. Chihuly assembles gardens of glass as inspired by the memories of his mother's garden.

Ikebana and Float Boats
It features long, flower-like glass stems inspired by the Japanese art of ikebana.

Drawing Walls
After losing sight in his left eye and dislocating his shoulder, Chihuly started drawing to express his vision for arts.

Chandeliers
Chihuly had an interest in architectural settings and presented his first Chandelier.

Macchia Forest
A German stained glass with a colorful pallet of over 300 colors.

Theater
The room, where they present short videos about Chihuly.

» The Glasshouse «

A 40-foot tall, glass and steel structure is the centrepiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass. 



» The Garden «

A lush garden filled with glass art pieces.


» Community Hot Shop «

Located in the Art Plaza, where you can catch a live glass-blowing demonstrations.


» Bookstore «

They offer a variety of works related to the glass artist, Dale Chihuly. They also offer souvenirs, partnered with Northwest companies.

I bought a postcard as a souvenir.


» Collections Cafe «

If you're feeling hungry, grab a bite at the Collections Cafe. They offer fresh and unique Northwest dining experience for lunch and afternoon bites. They offer starters, soups and salads, entrées and side dishes.

Unfortunately, I didn't try their food so I can't share the experience. I had my lunch at MOD Pizza, which is also located in Seattle Center. I will share it on my next post.

From the website

» Info «

 Address:                    305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Open Hours:              Open daily, hours vary by season
Website:                    https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
E-mail Address:          info@chihulygardenandglass.com
Telephone Number:   (206) 753-4940
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