Extravaganza of bears and gingerbread creations, Downtown Seattle on a Sunday afternoon

Remarkable creativity of the Gingerbread Village

Gingerbread Village has been a Seattle tradition at the Sheraton for more than 30 years and a support for Type 1 Diabetes, which made me think of my Nan who died of this debilitating disease.

We joined the tradition on Sunday afternoon. 

The 1 Line Train took us to downtown Seattle, we headed for Ivan's clam chowder at the wharf and watched the crazy gulls and ferries on the Puget Sound, then ambled around town enjoying the holiday season lights. 

After some time queueing, we were in awe of these fabulously intricate gingerbread creations at the Sheraton. They are not houses but feats of confectionary engineering, with light effects and movable parts too. 

The theme this year was iconic destinations - London, Paris, Taj Mahal and Sydney and we all voted for the London scene with Sydney a close second.

The Fairmont Hotel was also on our afternoon agenda for gorgeous Xmas trees and the Teddy Bear Suite. We all instinctively hugged and cuddled bears!

The Fairmont Hotel itself was a joy to experience, it is a landmark in the vibrant heart of Seattle and has great charm and style.

Festive spirit is building, next on my agenda is some floral displays.

Sumptuous Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmpnt Hotel