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I am Ulyssa Elaine - Travel, Food and Lifestyle Blogger

I am getting compliments about my Seattle's photos in IG. As a first time solo traveler, it's really hard to capture a solo picture with a nice background. I wanted to capture my own special moment. 

I love to try the famous SweetEscape, a photography service that allows you to book a local photographer. I checked the rates in Seattle area and it's a bit steep, which costs USD 400 for 2 hours duration and 100+ edited photos. I appreciate the efforts of the photographers around the world and I know it's not easy, huh. 

I looked for other alternatives and did an extensive research. Oh well, I just discovered that aside from renting spaces (apartments, houses, etc) in Airbnb, you can now book photography services, tours, events and so much more. I started browsing through Airbnb Experiences and checked the most booked and popular photography service in Seattle. I found the Night Photoshoot in Pike Place Market and the rest was history.

» Night Photoshoot in Pike Place Market «

The photoshoot focuses on the host's favourite Instragram-able  spots in Pike Place Market. The photographer uses Sony a7ii and lenses for capturing awesome photos.

As soon I booked the trip, the host sent me a message regarding the shoot. It says that the shoot will start at 4:00 pm and lasts until 5:00 pm. He suggested to bring a jacket in case that it's cold and umbrella if it's raining. The meet-up location is located in 1912 Pike Place, Seattle, WA, where Starbucks is located. After a few minutes, Airbnb sent me a copy of my payment receipt.

About an hour before the meet-up, he sent me another helpful message with the confirmed meet-up time and place. He informed everyone that there were 3 participants  so make sure to go there at the exact time and place. He also reminded everyone to don't hesitate to send him a direct message if we have a few questions.

The shoot is mostly less than an hour but it varies depending on the number of people booked at that time. On my case, it lasted for an hour and we're just 3 guests: me and a couple.

According to the description box, it says that I'll end up a minimum of 40 edited photos sent digitally. But hey, I received 108 edited photos, which were terrific!

» Airbnb Experiences «

What's it's like to go on an Airbnb Experiences? Frankly, I was nervous to try it because I was a female solo traveler. I didn't let my guard down and just enjoyed the 1-hour time.

Cameron, the host and the photographer, is knowledgeable about the history of Pike Place Market. We walked all throughout the beautiful spots around the market. He's passionate about his works and did a good job.

I suggest if you will try the Airbnb Experiences, you should research carefully. I'm sure the level of experiences varies from host to host. Still, it's best to read reviews and make sure it appeals to you.

» My Edited Photos «

Beyond that, he was very professional and sent the photos a day after the shoot. Just like what I said, I received 108 edited photos. I would like to share a glimpse of my photos.



my photos in Instagram...



View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ulyssa Elaine (@ulyssaelaine) on Dec 19, 2019 at 1:31am PST


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A post shared by Ulyssa Elaine (@ulyssaelaine) on Dec 19, 2019 at 8:59am PST


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A post shared by Ulyssa Elaine (@ulyssaelaine) on Dec 21, 2019 at 2:18pm PST


View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ulyssa Elaine (@ulyssaelaine) on Mar 18, 2020 at 6:29am PDT

» My Airbnb Review «

By the way, I was his first Filipina participant. Here's the message I sent to him. If I would be back to Seattle, I would like to try the day photoshoot next time.



How about you? Have you tried Airbnb Experience? Share it down below.
Thursday, April 09, 2020 No comments
After my 1-hour cruise by Argosy Cruises, I walked ahead and visited Seattle Aquarium. It's just a 5-minute walk. While walking, I was mesmerised by the beauty of Seattle Waterfront, which I first saw when I was riding in the cruise.


» Seattle Aquarium «

Seattle Aquarium is one of Seattle's premier attractions, which was opened in 1977. It is located on Pier 59 on the Elliot Bay's waterfront.


» Admission «

Below are their rates (as of December 2019) but if you will purchase Seattle CityPASS, you will spend less:

Adult Rate (Ages 13+):     $34.95 / $29.95 (WA resident)

Youth (Ages 4-12):           $24.95 / $19.95 (WA resident)

Child (Ages 3 and below): Free

Members:                         Free


» Seattle Aquarium Map «
Here's the map that I got from their website:



» Exhibits «

After claiming my Seattle Aquarium ticket, I head straight to Puget Sound Hall and saw the huge aquarium called Window on Washington Waters.

Window on Washington Waters

Then, I walked through the hallway on the left side and passed the beautiful artworks displayed on the walls.


Life on the Edge

Life of a Drifter


Tropical Pacific

Birds and Shores

Marine Mammals


I watched the Harbor Seals Show at 2:00 pm.
Underwater Dome

Puget Sound Fish

» Events «

Diver Show
📍 Window on Washington Waters
🕒 10:00 am, 11:30 am and 12:15 pm; 3:00 pm (weekends only)

Meet Our Marine Mammals
📍 Marine Mammals
🕒 11:30 am, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm

Meet Our Octopus
📍 Life of a Drifter
🕒 Noon and 4:00 pm

Story Time
📍 Family Activity Center
🕒 Weekends at 11:00 am


» Seattle Aquarium Cafe «

The cafe hours is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. After an hour adventure, it's worth to try some food options from this cafe. I love that it's very instagram-friendly.


» Info «

Address:                    1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Open Hours:              Daily, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Website:                    https://www.seattleaquarium.org/
E-mail Address:          contactus@seattleaquarium.org
Telephone Number:   (206) 386-4300

Have you heard of Seattle Aquarium? Share your experience.
Friday, March 27, 2020 No comments
After visiting the Pike Place Market, I walked down southwest to Pier 55 to avail my cruise run by Argosy Cruises. It was part of the Seattle CityPASS, which I bought online for $100 (as of December 2019).

If you will purchase two 5x7 boarding photos, you will get the special CityPASS rate of $15. I bought them and gave one to my grandparents.

» Argosy Cruises «

Over 70 years, Argosy Cruises offers a narrated sightseeing boat tours around Seattle. They also offer private charters and special events, which you can avail on their website.

» Sightseeing Tours «

There are 7 sightseeing tours offering the best views of Seattle.

Harbor Cruise
🏙️ Seattle skyline
     Elliot Bay waterfront
     Olympic Mountains and Cascade mountain ranges
     Glimpse of container ships
     The Washington State ferry fleet - the largest in the U.S.
🕒 1 hour narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $31
     Senior (65+) - $29
     Youth (4-12) - $18
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Locks Cruise
🏙️ Seattle skyline
     Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
     Historical Bridges, including the Fremont and Ballard bridges
🕒 2 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $43
     Senior (65+) - $41
     Youth (4-12) - $22
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Saturday Wine Cruise
🏙️ Gas Works Park
     Montlake Bridge
     520 Floating Bridge
     University of Washington - Alaska Airlines Field
🕒 1.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult Wine Tasting (21+, valid ID required) - $50
     Cruise-Only (no wine, all ages) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Sunday Historical Cruise
🏙️ Gas Works Park
     Montlake Bridge
     520 Floating Bridge
     University of Washington - Alaska Airlines Field
🕒 1.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult Wine Tasting (21+, valid ID required) - $50
     Cruise-Only (no wine, all ages) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Tilicum Excursion
🏙️ Tilicum clam greeting
     Authentic & entertaining storytelling show
     Views of Mt Rainier
     Island beaches and trails
🕒 4.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $92
     Senior (65+) - $87
     Youth (4-12) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Lake Washington Cruise
🏙️ Kirkland and Bellevue skyline
     Waterfront Homes
     Bill and Melinda Gates Estate
     Cascade Mountains and Mt Rainier*
     Longest Floating Bridge in the World
🕒 1.5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+) - $34
     Senior (65+) - $32
     Youth (4-12) - $19
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

Evergreen Excursion
🏙️ Views of Mt Rainier
     Island Beaches and trails
🕒 5 hours narrated cruise
🎟️ Adult (13+)  - $92
     Senior (65+) - $87
     Youth (4-12) - $38
     Kid (3 and under) - Free

» Onboard Amenities «

Full-service Bar - local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

Variety of local snacks - delicious pre-packaged sandwiches, salad and snacks

Indoor / Outdoor seating

Restrooms - equipped with gender specific, gender neutral or single stall restrooms

ADA accessibility- wheelchairs, strollers, scooters accessible. For specific question, you may call their office at 206.623.1445.

» My Harbor Cruise Tour Experience «

I presented my mobile ticket in person at the ticket booth located at Pier 55. I selected the 12:05 pm departure time and got my boarding pass afterwards.


The departure times last December 2019 were 12:05 pm, 1:25 pm and 2:45 pm.

Note: Please arrive at least 1 hour prior the departure time to give ample time for the ticket and boarding procedures. The best time to visit is the first tour of the day because it's usually the least crowded based on my experience.



As I explore the Elliot Bay and Seattle harbour, I enjoyed the spectacular views of mountain ranges, Space Needle and many interesting sites.







» Info «

Address:                    1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Open Hours:              Daily, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (departures depending on the season)
Website:                    https://www.argosycruises.com/
E-mail Address:          FrontDesk@ArgosyCruises.com
Telephone Number:   (206) 623-1445 | 1-888-623-1445



Have you heard of Argosy Cruises? Share your experience.
Thursday, March 26, 2020 No comments
For the past 27 years, last year was the first time I traveled solo in a foreign country. It was exhilarating and a bit terrifying, too. Thanks to my eagerness to pursue my travel goals, I had overcome that fear.


Travel is my passion and because of that, I often research about my travel destination before I go. I searched for the top attractions in Seattle and I bumped on the thread about CityPASS. I checked the website and the rest was history.

» Seattle CityPass «

Seattle CityPASS is a sightseeing pass service that is a great way to experience the city by spending less.

» Admission «

As of 2019, the admission price for adult was $99 inclusive of tax and $1 for processing fee.



Update as of 2020, the admission price for adult ages 13+ is $108 inclusive of tax and $1 for processing fee.

» Inclusions «

The pass includes 7 attractions, which you can enjoy within the 9-day period including the first day of use.

CityPASS Admission includes:

  • Space Needle
  • Seattle Aquarium 
  • Argosy Cruises Harbour Tour 
  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) - OR - Woodland Park Zoo 
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass - OR - Pacific Science Center 

Each CityPASS ticket is valid for one-time admission to the attractions included at the time of purchase. For the Space Needle, you can go there twice within the 24-hour period: one-time in the day and one-time in the night.

I went to all the places mentioned above except for the Woodland Park Zoo and the Pacific Science Center. I chose the Museum of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

I will share my experiences on my next blog post.

» Location and Hours «

Space Needle
📍 Seattle Center
     400 Broad Street 
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm (hours may vary depending on season)
🌐 https://www.spaceneedle.com/

Seattle Aquarium
📍 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59
     Seattle, WA 98101
🕒 Open daily, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
🌐 https://www.seattleaquarium.org/

Argosy Cruises Harbour Tour
📍 1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55
     Seattle, WA 98101
🕒 Departures depending on the season
🌐 https://www.argosycruises.com/argosy-cruises/harbor-cruise/

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
📍 325 5th Avenue N.
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
🌐 http://mopop.org/

Woodland Park Zoo
📍 5500 Phinney Ave. N
     Seattle, WA 98103
🕒 Open daily, 9:30 am (close may vary depending on the season)
🌐 https://www.zoo.org/

Chihuly Garden and Glass
📍 305 Harrison St.
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Open daily (hours may vary depending on the season)
🌐 http://chihulygardenandglass.com/

Pacific Science Center
📍 200 2nd Ave. N.
     Seattle, WA 98109
🕒 Operating hours and days may vary depending on the season
🌐 https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/

» How It Works? «

Book online and receive the tickets to be delivered in your email address or to be shipped as printed booklets (additional fees may apply).


Visit the attractions based on your preference in any order.

Simply present either your mobile tickets or your printed tickets for entry. Don't forget to present a valid ID, as attractions may ask for it.


» Benefits «

Because this pass is bundled with several attractions, I saved a lot of time and money. It is perfect for first time visitors like me.

You can save as much as $94.45 if you visit the following attractions. It's very economical, right?

Attractions
Regular Price for Adults (13+)
Space Needle (day)
$35
Space Needle (night)
$32.50
Seattle Aquarium
$35.95
Argosy Cruises Harbour Tour
$31
Museum of Pop Culture
$28
Chihuly Garden and Glass
$32
Total:
$194.45

Are you familiar with CityPASS? Share your experience.
Thursday, March 26, 2020 No comments
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I'm Ulyssa Elaine, a skinny girl from the Pearl of the Orient Seas, Philippines.

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