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OK, so we were in Seattle, Washington. Went down Friday from Vancouver to do two things.  Enjoy a weekend away with the kids and go to FaerieCon West - Celebrating The Magical Life.  For the uninitiated that means a mix of people who enjoy fantasy, Celtic lore, fairies, mythology and the music, stories and such that go with them.  The first thing to hit you is the costuming.

This event is held in the rather modern, prime and proper Ramada Renaissance Hotel.  Almost the first thing we saw on arrival was people dressed in wonderful costumes.  At first it seemed most had fairy wings and amazingly creative faery costumes, but then you start to see others.  Children, families, men, who could have stepped out of any 1800s fairy tale.  Men were dressed as elves, trolls, gypsies; but mostly as macho fairy or mystical beings.  Costumes ranged from wood nymphs to centaurs to macho woodsmen, to Jules Vern inspired characters.  Indeed “Steampunk” is well represented, especially by folks wearing distinctive goggles - brass and leather, they are amazingly creative, fun wear.

Filmy layers floating as people walked.  Feathers, soft leathers, natural elements like leaves, semi-precious stones like amethyst; amazing colours, rich reds, turquoise, woodland greens, startling blues, purples.  It was like a rainbow of all that is beautiful.

This is not a place for werewolves, vampires, witches, goth, Star Trek or the “evil” side of fantasy.  Instead the fantasy touches on things like beings that live in harmony with the woodlands and nature, fairy godmothers, and such.  Workshops on topics like creating masks or beaded fairy stars, puppetry, the art of story telling, and even making a baby dragon, run for all three days.  There is a market area complete with a stage for all manner of presentations including a fashion show and a costume contest.  Another huge market area features authors, artists, jewelry and craft makers; true gathering of artisans producing all manner of costumes, head dresses, jewelry, books, cds, and whatnots.

John drove us down to Seattle.  A longer trip than planned meant we got caught in Seattle rush hour. Big lineups at the Peace Arch border crossing. We visited a Yamaha dealership for Jack on the way down, and had lunch at a Red Robin.  Once in the hotel we checked out FaerieCom then John contacted his friend Pam and arranged to go to a drum fest night with her.  Chrissy stayed in the hotel with us because she is down with a cold.  Jack and I went to the R-View, a top floor lounge in the hotel, and had a couple of appetizers for supper.  Sliders for the first time ever.  Not bad.

Saturday we spent the morning at Pike’s Market - a fabulous place for anyone who likes funky little shops, exploring all the passages and ramps that make up this historic market. For anyone who isn’t familiar with Seattle I should explain that Seattle was built above and below a cliff.  Back in the days of sailing ships The bustling waterfront’s piers and warehouses were at the base of the cliffs. Goods were hauled up ramps to the top.  Today the ramps are a pathway to shops carrying goods from all over the world funky cafes and restaurants.  As it is several stories from waterfront to the streets above the rabbit warren of all manner of things to explore is served by elevators (inside and out I think) as well as stairs. The rest of the day was spent at FaerieCon

Sunday it was back to the waterfront for a feast at The Crab Pot - they dump a pile of seafood, potatoes and corn on the table and you dig in.  Jack saw it on TV (Man vs Food) so we hunted it out. Great fun.  Then we visited musical friends of John’s for the afternoon before heading back to Vancouver.  Got an introduction to the magical sound of singing bowls and a glimpse into John’s life with didje enthusiasts.A lovely weekend indeed.

More next time

Julie