Fri 3 Oct: an old friend arrives

A familiar face

Jason, a friend whom I've known since childhood was in the US on business. He was kind enough to swing by Seattle and spend Sat with me. Thanks J!

The rented car

I have use of a rental car for a month, and I picked it up today at Avis. It's a short walk from work. Driving the car out of the shop was a tense moment. I was used to driving on the left side of the road as all Singaporeans do. Turning at the junctions were most stressful.

After work I drove to the airport to pick up Jason. Driving on the expressway was equally tough. Unfortunately it's peak hour and everybody's driving faster than the limit.

Rule of the junction

Many small junctions do not have traffic lights. Remember to always stop at the junction, before crossing. Do this even when there is no other cars in sight. First car to reach and stop at the junction crosses first.

An honor system like this works because everyone plays by the rules. It's cost saving to the state, and cars cross faster. A win-win design.

Dinner by foot

We needed to pick up personal essentials, so we decided to make our way to the nearest QFC, which is conveniently located west on Mercer Street where I stay. It involved walking parallel to Lake Union (I won't go as far as to say beside the lake, which insinuates a scenic walk. We were more inland), and going under the bridge. Not something I would normally do on my own. But the night was young and we agreed it looked safe. 

With good company the walk doesn't feel like much. On my own it'd probably be a little too far. Me alone on the streets at night. I might change my mind were I a little more fit. I really don't mind the walk, but my legs were complaining about the weight it had to carry. Something needs to be done!

Obviously we didn't make reservations. We found a restaurant that looked decent but we were relegated to the bar because the tables were full up. Dinner was ok, but a trifle too expensive for what we got for the price. Still, the restaurant serves little more to fill the stomach and provide a setting for company.