Dragons crawl up the street lamps and foreign languages compose restaurant and grocery store signs.
Bins of varying roots, jars of dried fruit, and isles of imported cuisine and unfamiliar Asian delicacies filled the markets that I explored. Hard-boiled eggs cooked in tea and deer tails to be used in soup were among the unusual Asian foods I encountered. I took home a box of green tea mochi, whole-wheat sesame crackers, ginger-honey crystals, and Japanese patterned parchment paper (no deer tails this time!).
It was a unique experience being the minority in an area only a few miles from home. Many had very broken English, yet most were extremely friendly to this tall white girl with a camera and variety of questions. While only spending an 1 1/2 hours in Chinatown, I have more appreciation of the vivid color and distinct expression of the Asian culture.
After my meandering, I began my trek back to my car. In my path, I was caught by some beautiful blossoms up the hill from Jackson Street. Though I didn't follow the path through the park, the sight was another highlight to my adventures in Chinatown.
Continuing on my way, I stopped for a cheese pastry and guava juice. Yum!
My last stop before hopping into the good ol' Durango happened to be a lovely boutique nestled in the heart of Chinatown. MOMO's eye-catching window displays grabbed my attention and invited me into their store. Infused with Asian decor and European apparel, MOMO's interiors created a world of its own. Open for two years now, the boutique adds an incredible dimension to Seattle's fashion scene. Make sure to stop by 600 South Jackson Street to promote a "happy - lucky - life", as you enjoy fresh clothing designs, hand-crafted jewelry, and tasteful home accessories.
My purchase of the day:
An incredible scent by TokyoMilk that refreshingly blends "hyacinth, IRIS, citrus zest, and crisp greens" (find a variety of scents at MOMO)
The iris being my favorite flower, it is no wonder I was attracted to the scent. Not only does it have significance to me, but it also holds a symbolic importance to the Chinese culture.
And speaking of butterflies! Look at this treasure I found at Goodwill. While looking for some home decor, this butterfly-shaped sequin top rested at the end of a clothing rack just waiting for me to take it home!
Tuesday was a great day filled with new adventures. While it could have been easy to rent movies and veg on the couch on my day off, I found this little "staycation" to be much more fulfilling. I encourage you too to map out an adventure for yourself. You never know what kind of treasures you can uncover.
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Yet, while enjoying yourself in the comfort of your own home town, let us remember the tragedies that are occurring around the globe.
Along with your thoughts and prayers of support, you can donate funding to:
Please read US Relief Agencies Defer to Japan in Aid Efforts for more information and ways to give.
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