I hate looking like a tourist. No, really, its one of my biggest pet peeves. People walking around with fanny packs and digital cameras, posing for pictures in front of cheesy landmarks. But I told myself that before we left Seattle (which is in sixteen days time, now) that I would take my own photos. Keepsakes, or whatever. I've been doing this since last summer, since I do happen to get the opportunity to travel quite a bit, and I get to see so many things that others might not. I thought it's time to start building some albums that I can show my kids someday. On touchscreens, like the iPad, of course. So here are some more photos to add to the Seattle collection. Because I had to.

Approaching the market from Pine Street

Entrance off Pike Street

You actually have to have a license to "entertain" here. Whether its jugglers, fiddlers or just plain bums, you have to have an actual certification to do it here. These kids were incredible. Nothing like the honest, clear voices of two young singers in a stairwell.

The extensive magic shop and Guinness Book of World Records mini museum. They have basically a peep booth to see weird little things like shoes worn by the world's tallest man.

The flowers exploding downtown. Love to see a city in bloom.

From my birthday, down at Pier 59 on the Puget Sound.

From late February, when my cellphone camera was a hero and took this beaut. Sorry, had to pimp it again. ;)