Seattle meetup--revision

Lola, I wondered what happened to your thread when it suddenly disappeared. So now everything is explained.

Yes, I think not wanting to travel to Factoria might have been a culprit...

That, and I think Ilja was right about the time. 10:00 may be too early. I am much happier with a downtown Seattle location anyway; I was just trying to conform to the "Panera Bread" template everyone else uses. But this is Seattle and we can be different!

It's o.k. to be different! The Atlanta group is meeting for pizza on a Friday evening this month! I'd encourage you to schedule something for July! Why wait?!

Lola, I tried to find a Panera Bread when I was in Seattle for the RS Travel event in January. There was supposed to be one in the Northgate area, but I couldn't find it. I settled for a restaurant on the back corner of the Northgate Mall (can't remember the name?). I've been somewhat curious about the popularity of Panera Bread, so was anxious to try it. One of these days, I'll manage to find one!

There is indeed Panera bread in Northgate shopping mall but it's quite popular and often full so it's probably not the best place to meet. Another one which I am aware of is in Westfield shopping mall. It used to be called Southcenter. However none of them is close to Downtown.

Ilja, Where is the Panera located in Northgate??? I drove right around the Mall, and then parked and did a walkabout inside. I didn't see it? Is it close to the Food Court at the south end or closer to Bergman's Luggage at the north end? I must have had "blinders" on that day!

Ken, if you will be here in January, we hopefully will have an ongoing group and you can stop by and say hello!

Ken,
It's in Northwest end. The entrance is from outside.

Ilja, Thanks for the info. I'm not planning to be back in Seattle before next January, but that could change. I'll definitely check it out on the next visit.

There is a Panera on Capitol Hill, across the street from Seattle Central. Much better area than Northgate (although probably not great if it involves parking a car for free).

Actually, I wasn't considering Northgate as a location; Ken just asked where it was. Capitol Hill might be good; I am also looking at a coffee place (not Starbucks) downtown, with easy access by public transport. Is there enough interest that we should try to start this now, or wait until September when people are not as busy?

We are from Florida and will be in Seattle July/August. If you have a group meeting my husband and I would love to come. We are using RS to help plan our independant tour of Paris and Italy in Sept/Oct.

Lola, Thanks for the invitation! As that's some distance in the future, I haven't started planning yet but will certainly keep it in mind. It would be great to meet the Seattle group! Fortunately, Seattle is an easy one-hour flight from this area, so it's a short trip. I always try to attend the RS Tour Reunion and "Test Drive A Tour Guide" sessions, which are usually held about mid-January. Since I'll be on another RS tour this year, I'm sure I'll be receiving an invitation! Wouldn't it be fantastic if you could arrange for "the Master" to attend one of your meetings!

OK. Let's start now. Downtown sounds very good.

I would love to attend, but couldn't get to Factoria (not even sure where that is, and am so grainy that I don't even have a driver's license and always take the bus). Yes please - keep us posted! A meetup would be fun!

OK, let's do it. This is short notice but I have to keep to the Second Saturday (June 11) as I am not free on the other weekend. I know of one person who would like to come but cannot make it this weekend, so I hope he can make it in July. I'll give the details here and also start a new thread anouncing it. Second Saturdays, June 11, July 9, and August 13 at 10:30 am. Location: Uptown Espresso at 7th and Virginia. Address is 1933 Seventh Ave. This is at the intersection of Westlake, Virginia and Seventh Avenue. Yes, it is a coffee place, not Panera Bread. We're not in Kansas anymore, this is Seattle. I don't drink coffee, but iI read they are very proud of their foam. If coming by public transport, this is 2.5 blocks from the Westlake Station (bus and light rail), 2 blocks from the bus stop at 4th and Stewart, and 2 blocks from the Westlake end of the Lake Union Street Car line. If coming by car, there is ample on-street (metered) parking north of here along 7th and 8th Ave, and the cross-streets north of Virginia (Lenora, etc.) If coming by bike you get a free beverage on me! I'll save the doorprize for the July meeting since not many people may be able to make this one. Bring questions, ideas, tips, and a laptop or netbook if you like. They have wifi. I will be at the table with the little Swiss flag. See you Saturday. Ciao!

That's great, Liz. Thanks for letting me know. This is why I wanted to establish the first 2 or 3 dates in advance, so people can plan ahead. Now I know of 2 people who won't be there this Saturday, but will in July.

I can't do this Sat due to plumbers coming, but will put a note in my phone to hopefully make it to July's meeting. Thanks for organizing this, Lola!