Catching the train in Seattle

[Asher]

Exactly how did this work, if I may ask? We paid an enormous amount for two tickets to the grand opening of the new hockey arena in Seattle, and half the instructions we get say you need to put the tickets in a digital wallet. I don't have an iPhone, so I can't get Apple Wallet, but there's a Google one that I have now downloaded. But I see no way to put tickets there...

I hope someone here can help you, I can only struggle with an iPhone. Sorry

 

[Maglev]

I hope someone here can help you, I struggle with an iPhone. Sorry

Sigh, I thought we had done well enough just to get a smart phone. Some of the instructions actually say to put the tickets in an "Apple" wallet.

It is my understanding that we will have scannable tickets accessible starting Tuesday (tomorrow) for Friday's concert through the Ticketmaster app. A screen shot does not work. There may be connectivity issues trying to access the tickets at the concert gate.

 

[user 6862]

I get around but if we're being honest you're in a whole other strata of travel and my trips are pretty short and simple by comparison. My plans remain pretty vague at the moment due to changing entry rules, wildly fluctuating prices, and the chance of getting stuck somewhere along the way. I would like to ride more trains in Europe and Asia and hopefully get a chance to experience a B748 and A346 before they're gone for good. The Western Hemisphere is rather quiet when it comes to new passenger rail but the Eastern Hemisphere seems to be exploding with new routes and faster service.

I think that Rosie and I are only able to do what we do as we have made hard choices over the last 25 years. We decided to get off the treadmill when we had it all (big home, cars, money etc) as we missed not having what we called a life.
That there is a cost to not playing within the rules as society lays them out is in no doubt, it's a balance that each of us can make and each has their own answer.

We are not hippies (nothing against hippies at all, most I've met are pleasant gentle folk), we also didn't shirk our responsibilities to our parents and other dependants, but worked hard to fit this part of regular life around our travels.

Yes we are sometimes allowed to live our dreams, but there is a balancing cost.

 

[user 6862]

Sigh, I thought we had done well enough just to get a smart phone. Some of the instructions actually say to put the tickets in an "Apple" wallet.

It is my understanding that we will have scannable tickets accessible starting Tuesday (tomorrow) for Friday's concert through the Ticketmaster app. A screen shot does not work. There may be connectivity issues trying to access the tickets at the concert gate.

I can't help you but do you have a local phone repairer who for a couple of dollars could show you how to do this?

 

[user 6862]

I enjoyed Munich as a tourist and would enjoy seeing more of Bavaria in the future but actually living there seems impractical for people without European passports.

It's not so difficult but more effort than living in your own home country. Germany is one of the best European countries to apply for residency, their system is more logical than some.

 

[John Santos]

Sigh, I thought we had done well enough just to get a smart phone. Some of the instructions actually say to put the tickets in an "Apple" wallet.

It is my understanding that we will have scannable tickets accessible starting Tuesday (tomorrow) for Friday's concert through the Ticketmaster app. A screen shot does not work. There may be connectivity issues trying to access the tickets at the concert gate.

If the tickets have QR code (a sort of 2-dimensional bar code square array of black and white marks) then a screen shot should work just fine. That's normally what they (i.e. anybody issuing electronic tickets) uses these days. Each one is unique, they are very hard to forge, and the scanning device (usually just a smart phone) can check if it has already been used by someone else. A photo on a phone or a paper ink-jet or laser printout of the email containing the ticket is good enough. Most (all?) wallet apps work by either directly receiving the email with the ticket from the issuer, or by scanning a printout of the email with the phone's camera, or by scanning your computer screen with the email displayed on it. Often, if you photograph a QR code with the camera on your phone, the camera app will recognize it and do the right thing. (QR codes are also used to pull up product information from web sites, but a ticket QR code will tell the phone what it is a ticket to, who issued it, etc. and the phone will automatically bring up the phone's Wallet app for such a code.) Or you can start the Wallet App and there should be a button to load a ticket via the camera (usually a button labeled with a little camera icon.)

 

[user 6862]

I don’t know what to suggest as far as the ship or museum, they are both close and interesting if you have Time for one. Not too much going on in Bremerton during the day in winter time, besides rain.

If time allows we have chosen the Navy Museum, thank you

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Sigh, I thought we had done well enough just to get a smart phone. Some of the instructions actually say to put the tickets in an "Apple" wallet. It is my understanding that we will have scannable tickets accessible starting Tuesday (tomorrow) for Friday's concert through the Ticketmaster app. A screen shot does not work. There may be connectivity issues trying to access the tickets at the concert gate.

Digital wallets are useful but also optional. Just use the Ticketmaster app when entering.

 

[user 6862]

Since you're going to be there for a couple days, an ORCA card is probably best. The ORCA cards are still more universally accepted, and if you're transferring between systems the ORCA card is the only way to get the transfer benefit. When we visited earlier this year, we just loaded our cards up with a couple of day passes ($8/day/person) and put some stored value on it (around $10) to cover anything that the day pass didn't cover. While it sounds like Sound Transit isn't enforcing using passes at this point, that might change by February, and you'd be looking at buying two fares if transferring between the tram and the light rail if you don't have an ORCA card (separate phone tickets would be required.)

A lot of transit agencies in the US still have non-smartphone options that are (generally) at parity or better than what smartphones can offer, in part because many transit riders either don't have a smartphone or don't have an easy way to load money into an app. I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Thanks Jeb, that's what we'll do. Did the both of you have a good Gathering.

 

[user 6862]

Here is one suggestion for Seattle if you get lucky and they are running it when you are there. The Argosy Locks Cruise is spectacular. My wife and I were in Seattle Feb 2020 and were able to do this, it was a highlight of a great trip. During the low season they typically only run on the weekends, but the schedule for February isn’t out yet.

Oh, if you are at least close to on time you should arrive Seattle prior to noon.

Have a great time!

https://www.argosycruises.com/argosy-cruises/locks-cruise-2/

Thanks for this idea, I have a short-cut to their website now to check out the February schedule.

 

[Asher]

If time allows we have chosen the Navy Museum, thank you

I’m sure you will enjoy it.

Digital wallets are useful but also optional. Just use the Ticketmaster app when entering.

View attachment 25023

Yes that’s correct and it should work fine. I think they suggest downloading into a wallet app because you don’t need WiFi to read it, where as in busy situations it may be hard to come up with the barcode to scan.

I apologize for adding info what has already been posted.

 

[Maglev]

There also is a COVID screening for the concert, and a complex process to enter by using your phone. This may be required at other Seattle venues as well.

 

[user 6862]

I have lived in Seattle since 1976 and distilling the best things to do and places to see for a less-than 24 hour visit is tough. But here goes!

First, you will be here in winter. It will get light around 7:30 AM and darkness sets in around 4:00 PM (Sunrise and sunset times in Seattle, February 2021). The average temperature 35 degrees Fahrenheit and there is a slight chance of snow (Does It Snow in Seattle? (When and How Often) - Sunlight Living) And of course, it rains. Seattleites don’t let the weather keep them from enjoying their city, and you shouldn’t either. BTW long-time Seattle people don’t use umbrellas; they wear hats.

Secondly, downtown Seattle north of Union Street is generally safe during the day with the exception of Third Avenue between Pike and Pine streets. I also wouldn’t be concerned about my safety walking around the South Lake Union neighborhood at night. That being said, Seattle is like any other large American city and it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings when out and about.

Now about sightseeing - If you want to check out the areas around King Street Station, you might delay claiming your luggage, and walk out to the two nearby neighborhoods. Go up the stairs and turn right to go to the Chinatown International District (CID) which is east of the station. The CID (Seattle's Chinatown-International District | Seattle Chinatown-International District (seattlechinatownid.com)) seems to be making steady progress reopening from the pandemic and the summer 2020 riots. In addition to its many eating establishments and shops, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (HOME - Wing Luke Museum) is the main attraction in the CID (full disclosure, I was a museum trustee until recently).

Pioneer Square is west of the station (Pioneer Square. Seattle, WA | Pioneer Square) is also slowly reopening but is challenged by homelessness and crime. The Seattle Underground Tour (UNDERGROUND TOUR) is the reason most people go there during the day along with the architecture although there are still several art galleries in the neighborhood.

After reclaiming your luggage and checking in at your hotel, I concur with the recommendation that you take the Argosy Harbor cruise (Harbor Cruise of Seattle Waterfront - Elliott Bay - Skyline | Argosy Cruises). It’s a fast way to see Seattle in the context of our mountain ranges (Olympic and Cascade) and bodies of water (Elliott Bay, Lake Union and Lake Washington). The cruise ends at the Seattle waterfront. From there, walk north along the waterfront to the stairs leading to the Pike Place Public Market. The Pike Place Public Market is a complex of buildings that stretches from Alaskan Way to First Avenue and from Union Street to about Lenora Street, about six blocks in length. The Market is Seattle’s top tourist attraction, but you will be there in the off-season, so it won’t be as crowded as in summer. If you are hungry, I recommend the Athenian Café or the Sound View Café. Both places are casual, reasonably priced, and have terrific views.

Walk north about a half mile to the Olympic Sculpture Park at Broad Street and Western Avenue; there is no admission fee (Olympic Sculpture Park (seattleartmuseum.org). In addition to the sculptures, the park has spectacular water views and a bridge spanning the north/sound railroad mainline. Walk east from the park on Broad Street about four blocks and you will find the Space Needle and Seattle Center. Seattle Center is a municipal park. The Space Needle and the nearby Museum of Pop Culture are privately owned and charge fees (Seattle Center, Space Needle, MoPOP | Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle Washington).

At this point, you can walk south to Denny and catch the #8 bus back to Westlake and return to your hotel. If you still have the energy and time you could either walk north on Westlake to the South Lake Union park and take in the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI — Museum of History and Industry, Seattle WA). Or you could continue on the #8 and transfer to the #10 at E John and 15th Ave E. The #10 will take you to Volunteer Park where the Seattle Asian Art Museum is located.

My dinner recommendations within walking distance from your hotel include Wild Ginger McKenzie (Seattle–McKenzie — Wild Ginger) and Cinque Terre (Cinque Terre Ristorante (cinqueterreseattle.com)). A little farther out is Duke’s Chowder House (Enjoy Waterfront Seattle Seafood Dining in Our South Lake Union Restaurant | Duke's Seafood (dukesseafood.com)). Duke’s is about a mile from your hotel, so you may want to take the South Lake Union Streetcar or the #70 bus.

Lastly, regarding Seattle traffic and transit, downtown traffic is much lighter now that most office workers are working from home. Metro transit buses were mostly on time even before the pandemic, so timeliness isn’t a problem. You will still want to arrive at King Street Station by at least 0915 because AMTRAK usually begins boarding 20 minutes before departure.

I hope you enjoy your visit to our city, and that the rest of your travels go smoothly.

That is the most amazing guide to a city with relevance to time available that I have ever read, do you do this for a living? I don't know how to thank you, it must have been a massive effort, you have humbled us.

 

[user 6862]

I want to see you trip report and I eagerly look forward to that. I also want to see your plan because I might just have to pop in for dinner with you somewhere and pop right back out the next day. I'm lucky I have that ability now.

As far as Seattle goes I love love love love Smith Tower and they have a lovely restaurant at the top by the observation deck too.

Certainly looks like an attractive building, we'll need an extra week to visit everywhere. How good to have so many recommended choices.

Plan is in Member Trips Mr Seaboard. Most of our time is in the vaguely LA area, one (now) very full day in Seattle, plus one full day in Washington with a Capitol visit if possible factored in.

We'd both very much enjoy having dinner with you, it will happen one day.

PS: Will you be writing up your Russia journey?

 

[user 6862]

With a mobile device and access to the internet, why not just pull up a photo? Maybe even have photos stored on a device of common things that one might want? For a cup of coffee I think this might work because the beans show that it isn't some other brown colored hot beverage.

That is such a tempting photo it will be the first one to be loaded onto the smart phone, and neither of us drinks coffee!

 

[Maglev]

Here's a couple photos of ferries from hotel rooms in Seattle, the top one from the Edgewater and the bottom from the Embassy Suites at King Street Station:






.

 

[PNW Pax]

That is the most amazing guide to a city with relevance to time available that I have ever read, do you do this for a living? I don't know how to thank you, it must have been a massive effort, you have humbled us.

Thanks, but no, I don't make city itineraries professionally. We often have out-of-town visitors who want some help figuring out how to use their time here efficiently. And I have an addendum - if you want to skip the sculpture garden and go directly from the public market to the Seattle Center and the Space Needle, walk up Pine Street to Westlake Center at 4th Avenue and Pine Street, go up to the top floor, and take the monorail. It's a fast shuttle between downtown and the Seattle Center. You can pay the $3.00 fare with an ORCA card. I hope you have an enjoyable visit.

 

[Seaboard92]

Certainly looks like an attractive building, we'll need an extra week to visit everywhere. How good to have so many recommended choices.

Plan is in Member Trips Mr Seaboard. Most of our time is in the vaguely LA area, one (now) very full day in Seattle, plus one full day in Washington with a Capitol visit if possible factored in.

We'd both very much enjoy having dinner with you, it will happen one day.

PS: Will you be writing up your Russia journey?

I will be. I'm already doing that actually. It'll just take me a few weeks to a month to actually get the whole thing written out.

 

[user 6862]

I will be. I'm already doing that actually. It'll just take me a few weeks to a month to actually get the whole thing written out.

Sorry, didn't mean to hurry you and completely understand how long these things can take.

 

[user 6862]

Thanks, but no, I don't make city itineraries professionally. We often have out-of-town visitors who want some help figuring out how to use their time here efficiently. And I have an addendum - if you want to skip the sculpture garden and go directly from the public market to the Seattle Center and the Space Needle, walk up Pine Street to Westlake Center at 4th Avenue and Pine Street, go up to the top floor, and take the monorail. It's a fast shuttle between downtown and the Seattle Center. You can pay the $3.00 fare with an ORCA card. I hope you have an enjoyable visit.

Thank you again

 

[Seaboard92]

Sorry, didn't mean to hurry you and completely understand how long these things can take.

Oh no you aren't hurrying me. I'm hurrying me as my next vacation is rapidly approaching in November. God I love my job it lets me do a monthly vacation

 

[Cal]

I'm hurrying me as my next vacation is rapidly approaching in November

Involving Amtrak?

Nevermind!

 

[Big Green Chauvanist]

@ V V. Any particular reason for taking the Bremerton Ferry? Something special about Bremerton (other than if you are interested in the Navy base)? The ferry to Bainbridge Island takes less time. I ask because some like to ride the ferry for fun, not having any particular destination in mind. In either case, be aware that you must disembark and reboard--no more old days when you could stay onboard and ride the same ferry back and forth all day long with no additional payment!! You have so little time and there is so much to see! On the waterfront about 15 minutes' walk north from the ferry terminal, is the Seattle Aquarium. Up the hill from the aquarium is the wonderful Pike Place Market. You could take the refurbished Monorail from Westlake and Fifth to the Space Needle, which you intend to visit, and is highly recommended. Next to it, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is fabulous, rated the #1 "thing to do" (out of 464) in Seattle per TripAdvisor. A joint ticket is well worth it. Even if you're not "into" glass, you'll really enjoy it, I would think. NOTE that for any indoor space, including the Space Needle, you will need proof of vaccination (or in some cases perhaps a recent negative result of a Covid test).

https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/visit/plan-your-visit
Another option from your hotel, as mentioned, is talking the streetcar right across the street which lets you off close to the Westlake light rail station. For the little time you will be in Seattle, it might not be worth it to get an ORCA card, at least if you are not planning on a return visit. Or, as also mentioned, taking the 40 bus all the way is OK also, given your luggage, as it's a one-seat ride. During the morning (and evening) rush hours, only buses are allowed general use of Third Avenue (if a car enters, it must exit at the next street), so the only [possible] problem is a crush of buses!!

Enjoy your visit!

 

[Asher]

Another place to visit in Seattle is the Smith Bldg. At one time the tallest building west of the Mississippi. it’s also close to the Ferry Bldg.

 

[user 6862]

@ V V. Any particular reason for taking the Bremerton Ferry? Something special about Bremerton (other than if you are interested in the Navy base)? The ferry to Bainbridge Island takes less time. I ask because some like to ride the ferry for fun, not having any particular destination in mind. In either case, be aware that you must disembark and reboard--no more old days when you could stay onboard and ride the same ferry back and forth all day long with no additional payment!! You have so little time and there is so much to see! On the waterfront about 15 minutes' walk north from the ferry terminal, is the Seattle Aquarium. Up the hill from the aquarium is the wonderful Pike Place Market. You could take the refurbished Monorail from Westlake and Fifth to the Space Needle, which you intend to visit, and is highly recommended. Next to it, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is fabulous, rated the #1 "thing to do" (out of 464) in Seattle per TripAdvisor. A joint ticket is well worth it. Even if you're not "into" glass, you'll really enjoy it, I would think. NOTE that for any indoor space, including the Space Needle, you will need proof of vaccination (or in some cases perhaps a recent negative result of a Covid test).

https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/visit/plan-your-visit
Another option from your hotel, as mentioned, is talking the streetcar right across the street which lets you off close to the Westlake light rail station. For the little time you will be in Seattle, it might not be worth it to get an ORCA card, at least if you are not planning on a return visit. Or, as also mentioned, taking the 40 bus all the way is OK also, given your luggage, as it's a one-seat ride. During the morning (and evening) rush hours, only buses are allowed general use of Third Avenue (if a car enters, it must exit at the next street), so the only [possible] problem is a crush of buses!!

Enjoy your visit!

Again another very useful and wide ranging set of ideas for visiting Seattle, thank you very much.

It all comes across as though the best parts of Seattle are hidden away, and it has certainly make us think we have to return again after this visit. Do you have a campground near the city with good public transport access to the city center?

We just enjoy the water and after riding 2 ferries one in Switzerland and one Austria last month it has reaffirmed that. We want to see Seattle and it's backdrop from the water, I understand that there is also a slim chance of seeing whales too, that's a big deal for Rosie. That there is as an interesting museum in Bremerton is a bonus, but not the reason for taking the ferry. We used to live on the water and miss that sometimes, so a number of reasons for making sure we take the ferry.

May I ask how long does an Orca card last?

Thanks again