The Hood Family Blog: Girls Trip

This past week was the first of what we all agree will be an annual Girls Trip. Bevin, Tiffin and Sarah are all ladies I have befriended while working in Cy Fair. Tiffin and I started our school nurse journey together in 2010. We had very little orientation/training and ended up relying upon one another to make our way through our first few years in the district. Bevin and Sarah started together in 2008, and they too formed a bond as they navigated how to be a school nurse. Some years later, Bevin became our director and in 2021 I worked directly under her as a coordinator. She and I worked very well together, so I was extremely sad to see her leave last year. After her departure, I moved into role of director and then hired Sarah as one of my coordinators. For several years now, the four of us have met up at local restaurants to share good food, drinks and many laughs.

Earlier this year, we decided to celebrate my 50th birthday by having a girls trip. We looked at our calendars and decided this was the week we would make our first ever girls trip happen. How we decided upon Seattle, I am not really certain, however it turned out to be an absolute wonderful choice, from the weather, to the food and sites, it was all around a wonderful trip. And the amount of belly laughs was oh so good for the soul.

We left Thursday evening so we would have three full days to take in all the sites. Flights have been hit or miss lately so we were extremely fortunate that we did not have any issues with our flights to Seattle. Once we arrived, we took an Uber to our hotel where we settled in for the night in preparation for a full day on Friday.

Beautiful view from the plane

We woke up early and headed down to the market. We were staying on 6th street, so had six blocks to walk down to the market. Pike Place Fish Market was setting out their seafood but was not yet open, so we took a moment to take a picture sitting on the lucky pig.

Headed down to the market

Several places were not yet open since it was early, however some of the flower stands were open and, my gosh, they were absolutely gorgeous. While down in the market area, we found a place to eat breakfast that had a beautiful view of the water and great food.

After leaving there, we headed to the original Starbucks so Sarah could purchase a mug. We had to stand in line for a bit outside, but once inside we did not feel rushed at all and enjoyed learning about the pig, Pork-n-Beans. **********

After leaving there, we headed back to Pike Place fish market to experience the throwing of the fish.

As we headed back to the hotel to drop off some items that the girls purchased while down at the market, we saw some sites of Seattle that we did not necessarily expect to see.

We later learned from a local police officer that nudity is not against the law in Seattle. Where you get in trouble is if you are nude and _____(fill in the blank). He said it is if you are like nude and touching yourself. It was apparent that this individual was high, as we did see a lot of that while walking downtown.

After resting our feet for a bit, we took an Uber to Uptown where we spent the afternoon visiting the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum as well as the Space Needle. If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Chihuly exhibit, I highly recommend it. The artistry and the colors are all magnificent

A beautiful view from the Space Needle

We took the monorail back to the Westlake Center area and then found a nice Italian restaurant to eat dinner at. After dinner, we visited the disgusting, yet artistic gum wall which was right around the corner.

After stopping for ice cream, Sarah and Tiffin took and Uber back, while Bevin and I took the scenic route.

On Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to head down to the bay to take a ferry over to Victoria, British Columbia. When we booked the ferry, I had no idea that ferries like these existed. The seats were nice and we had a table where we spent our 3 hours playing cards while snacking. Once again, more laughs and fun.

Once arriving to Victoria, we had to stand in the customs line where we met a very delightful young man who had been in Seattle on business, but lived in Victoria. He gave us some tips regarding places to visit and restaurants that he and his wife liked to visit. We took note and agreed if we had time, we would try some of his suggestions. We caught a taxi and headed to Butchart Gardens. Let me just say, pictures do not do this place justice. The colors are so vibrant and the gardens were immaculate.

A pic of The Empress Hotel from the ferry

Just breathtaking

After visiting the gardens, we headed back into Victoria and went on a food tour. What a fun experience!!! We first stopped for a Korean hotdog. I am not a huge hotdog fan and had not ever eaten one, but I did enjoy it and would definitely have it again.

Our next stop was at a baker where we tried some wonderful pastries, one being a little creme brulee tart that was very yummy!

Next stop served a nice salad with little fried cheese nuggets on top.

We then went to a place that served a meat and cheese plate. All was well, except for the goat cheese. Apparently I have not ever had goat cheese, nor will I ever have it again. I swear, it tasted just like a goat smells, and that is nasty!!!!

Luckily, our next stop was a wonderful chocolatier that served amazing truffles. I almost didn't even try the truffle because generally I am not a fan, but apparently I have only had Lindt truffles which are nothing compared to what we were served. We were also served a chocolate frozen drink that was yummy.

Our final stop was at a macaroon shop. Again, I am not generally a macaroon fan, but apparently I have not tried one from an actual bakery. They had lots of different flavors to choose from, both sweet and savory options. I did NOT try the goat cheese, beet root and honey flavored one or the goat cheese and fig option. I did however try the coconut praline as well as the chocolate decadence.

We took the 3 hour ferry ride back to Seattle, and arrived back to the hotel around 9:30. Since we had not had dinner, we headed to the hotel bar where they served dinner and filled our bellies then headed to bed.

On Sunday morning we decided to head to the Starbucks Reserve. There are only 6 in the world, one being located in Seattle. There, they serve some of the rarest, most extraordinary coffees. They also sell food and have a bar located inside as well.

After leaving there, we headed down to Pier 57, and did a little souvenir shopping.

Such beautiful flowers everywhere

We headed back to the hotel and then, taking advice from our friend we met in Victoria, we took an Uber to the Ballard Locks and Botanical Gardens. While there, we were able to see a few seals as well as watch how the locks work.