The Gordon's Miscellany

Emma and Matt start a new life in Seattle away from family and friends. Recently married, one is recently qualified and the other has been relocated through work! What do we discover, what do we get up to, and general day to day life!

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2015 Day 175/365 Seattle, Washington

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Oh my word there is so much food! The portion size completely took me by surprise, I've never seen anything so big. Neither of us managed to finish our dinners. Matt had a bun-less burger, and myself fish tacos. They were so nice, but just too much! I managed half of a Gin and Tonic too, but I think their shot size is bigger too. It was really strong, but I was also very tired so that probably didn't help! This little bistro is just a 5 minute walk away so I'm sure we will be back at some point soon. The staff were so friendly here, and there was free tap water given and topped up without needing to ask!

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After arriving at Matts current apartment, we went for a walk. Partly to keep me away as it was 1am UK time, and only 5pm here! We are right by Lake Washington, in an area called Leschi. I can see the lake from the balcony and it is only a short walk to a park and a very small marina. I'm sure that when the sun is shining this view is even more beautiful, but even overcast it still is!

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Welcome to Seattle for 2 weeks!

Travelling at peak time from Walthamstow down to Heathrow was a bit hairy at times! Walthamstow was really busy and there was some tuts. Finsbury Park was a nightmare! I let 2 trains go before I tried to get on, but I did manage it! Heathrow was almost painless, the self check-in points weren't working very well, but it could have been worse. I confused the woman checking me in as she kept asking if I had an Esta which I don't. So told her I had a visa, L-2, but that confused her even more! Then I had an hour before boarding began, so wandered around and bought some chocolate! With Delta I'm a Sky Priority but I didn't understand what that meant, except that I boarded the plan before other people! Makes me happy 😄 comfy wide seat with additional leg room and nearish to the bathroom. I arrived in Seattle, through customs, through immigration and through to see Matt! And his silly new car of course. I drifted off to sleep in the car so missed a lot of the views which I'm sure I will catch up on on another day.

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Hubster might have new found views and a new office to work from, but I have a new found love of having a back garden!! I love it. #sunshine #suncream #wips #crochet and a lawn! #heaveninlondon

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56 days = hugs

I have booked my flights to go visit the first 2 weeks in June :) I am very very excited. Hopefully Matt will be a bit further along in the flat/apartment/house department but if not oh well....I’m not officially moving until September. 

I’ve been wandering the internet looking for things to do, groups to join, and also blogging communities to explore! There are quite a few expat brits who have blogged about their experiences of moving to America. Granted most have children under 4 and the wives aren’t working nor planned to work, but they are giving me an idea of what I can expect.

Matt has sent me through photographs so I will begin to upload on Instagram and Facebook tomorrow. He’s seen some lovely looking parks, learnt how to use the washing machine and dryer, and most importantly I think to him.....bought some lego!!

I can not wait to visit in June. 

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I booked my tickets to go and visit Matt in June :-D Yippee!

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This was our last night in the Sofitel Hotel at Heathrow Terminal 5. I highly recommend people stay there if you are flying from Heathrow. We had a lovely time. The room was great, and the bar downstairs was really relaxing with great service. We had dinner and cocktails before heading to bed. We tried to get a nice photo of us in the mirror but the camera just wouldn’t play ball so a round of silly photos began!

We’ve just spoken and I’m going to spend a couple of weeks beginning of June in Seattle, before moving in September after a family members wedding. I think that is a nice compromise :-D 

Hugs in 8 weeks and 2 days time :-) Woohoo!

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Our last meal in our flat on the left, and our last photographed duel selfie on the right. Miss this Hubster big time! I am so pleased that we can video call and still see each .... letters just would not be enough!! 

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My posts are all muddled at the moment! Not doing them in order, but oh well!!!

Our packing boxes arrived from Seven Seas...all flatpacked for us to put together and fill....I never want to do this again. It was awful trying to pack. We managed it but there was much more I could have taken with me that is now in my mums attic for a while! Our life doesn’t even fill the little corridor....That is all that is going to Seattle with us. Except for a large suitcase each we have to take with us on the plane. Yes I have paid to ship my guitar in its pink case! 

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Belated leaving post

Well I didn't do an update on Matt leaving, partly because I didn't know what to write but also because I had no time!

It’s Saturday 4th April now, and Matt left on Wednesday 25th March so it has been 1 week and 3 days. Not too long in the grand scheme of things, but long enough for it to weird.....I've been really busy since he left so it has flown by so far. I posted photos via instagram which I linked to this blog from his leaving day. :-D

I’m looking forward to going to the airport and leaving in a few months to meet him, the security checks look interesting. You have your passport checked before going to check-in to then have your ticket, baggage and passport checked. I haven’t been anywhere before where that happens.

We were both pretty sad that he was off, but also very excited. It’s a new chapter in our life. We’ve just been married, we’ve just said goodbye to our 1st home together, and we’re just about to start a whole new life together. Albeit, we are separate to begin.  What is a few months compared to many years?! (Ha that’s what I was told!) 

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Well the Hubster sent a photo of his hire car!! I do believe he's treated himself, either that or I've been replaced!! #heygoodlooking #mustang #redcar

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Final one I promise!!! Until the weekend anyway! See..... Plane arrived!!! I'm so happy at the possibility of hearing from Hubster soon 😍

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He arrived!!! Well the internet tracking thingy says so anyway!! #woohoo

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Final photo upload!! Hubster arrives in 45 minutes into Seattle!! How exciting 😍 #watching #tracking #safelyhome #expat #movinghome

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Bye bye Hubster! Off to check in now. See you in 4 months 😘

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Obligatory selfie at the station!