What comfort!

I exited out the elevator to be greeted by a marvelous display of words on the wall and beautiful glass artwork!

Imagine my surprise to learn that the Hotel Murano will be inviting world-renowned glass artists! Comforts and glass on a world-class scale. Here in the gem called Tacoma, I am won over.



I was equally surprised by the European-styled comforts found in the room. The couch, brightly colored, yet passionately cozy ... the clock radio had a port for an "eye-pod". Which is interesting, these portable music players. I tried to hook my Lute up to it, but there was no amplification of its sound. I shall attempt to locate one of the "eye-pods" in the future.

And the television was surprisingly like a live piece of artwork on the wall. Thin and nothing like I've seen in my host home.



Oh, my ... the bed! What comfort. I slept better than a baby fawn after nursing in the late spring.



The bell captain arranged for some other comforts, I'll wrap up my visit tomorrow telling you about those.

Until Next Time,
TacomaGnome

Checking in

I had a pleasant weekend, and am relaxed enough to share with you my adventure.

Shortly after I arrived to Tacoma, a very kind gentleman contacted me. He's in the business of Tacoma hospitality and wanted me to visit 1320 Broadway Plaza.

I'd been intrigued by its exterior look, and was excited to be invited inside.

I was greeted by the Bell Capitan, Dale Rush. He is a fountain of information about everything Tacoma. Part of his exclusive service was to help me get around the lobby on the luggage cart.



Our first stop was to check in at the front desk. The pleasant attitude of the check-in lady could not be matched anywhere in my travels around Norway and California. It only took a few moments and I had my key.



Then I was off to find my room. If the service by Mr. Rush and the kind lady at the desk are any indication of what the rooms are like, I'm certainly in for a wonderful stay.



More to come from the Hotel Murano ...

Happenings

Interesting find today, there are kiosks all about downtown with information upon them.

I enjoyed the brilliant, attractive colors and the artistic bird on top.



Though, it is sort of scary looking at this photo, and I must assure the misses that it is NOT the eagle from our home area. (though I'm friends with many fine talon-bearing birds, this one is still in a snit from me rescuing a rabbit he had his eyes on a few years back).

It's actually some sort of fowl.

I certainly wouldn't call fowl on these great upcoming events.

Until next time,
TacomaGnome

PS I had a great tour yesterday, and as I develop the photos this weekend, I'll share with you a most amazing adventure.

A spot for lunch

I had the pleasure of traveling along Pacific Avenue, when I happened across a fine eatery at the very end.

It is located on the first floor of a building that won numerous awards in the 1960s for its innovative design.

Capers is a small bistro, with a great selection of fresh foods.

I've heard about their place in Proctor, which is mainly a take-away place, and am impressed with this location's beauty and menu.

Totem Pole

A silent little park is perched above Interstate 705 at the very end of A Street. It's a nice little oasis with spectacular views.

The park has two pieces of artwork. I was able to get a shot of me looking at one of them ... a totem pole carved by Alaskan Indians in 1903.

Interestingly, according to Metro Parks, removal of totem poles from a tribe is prohibited, so in the tradition of Tacomans being crafty and able to make solutions, the natives were brought to Tacoma to carve the pole here out of a 105 foot cedar tree.



It's a fine piece of work, though having it placed in the ground and lifting it must have been quite a task.

Uff da!

Until next time,
TacomaGnome

PS This afternoon I get my first tour of a local business. I look forward to sharing the photos and information with you.

Funny story

In my quest for interesting photos, I thought it would be a great idea to take a shot of me infront of the Russell Investment Group building. More history can be found here.

I had a photo of it in the background of the fountain picture here. And, yes, to those of you who requested it, I will try to imagine a more creative positioning when the time comes for another fountain shot.



The waterfall offers a zen-like state along this street that buzzes with investment managers, salespeople and support staff.

I've heard rumors of the firm, and am surprised that such a powerful company would have a humble home here in Tacoma.

I had barely gotten my footing on the ledge next to this building, and the photo was snapped from across the street when a nice young man approached me. As he came down the stairs he asked me if I worked for a travel company. I had to explain that I did not, and was just sightseeing.

He informed my photographer that photos couldn't be taken of the building. Which was rather peculiar, as the building can be seen from all around the town.

I wonder if they've talked with any fairies about an invisibility spell for photographs. After all, that's what I use at home to hide from not Julius the cat.

Until next time,
TacomaGnome

Gnome and Dome

It's been a bit raining these past few days. So, I've been enjoying your Click! networks and cable ... I've been learning much about your city council on channel 12.

I hope you're keeping your toes dry.

Until next time,
TacomaGnome