I <3 Seattle. I really wish I had more days there...

I rolled in from Vancouver in the late afternoon, definitely pressed for time to get to my show. Normal... I stayed in Bellevue with my friend Arash. Quickly ran in, got dressed, made up, drove off to Enlighten Cafe in the Ballard section of Seattle. I had absolutely NO idea what to expect.

I was happy and relieved to see all the equipment was already set up. All I had to do was start playing. One problem. There were 5 people in the (large) cafe: one girl studying up front, a couple talking behind her, and 2 girls reading all the way in the back. Immediately after I started playing, the front 3 people got up and left. I found myself left with a choice - Either let this get really awkward, or make the best of it. After I finished a song, in an attempt to save the small audience that remained, I called to the girls in the back of the room.... "So...! You go to school here?...!" They shouted back, "No...! I'm from Denver and she's from Minnesota...! Just visiting...!"

So, we were in this together. I continued singing and we enjoyed some clever banter. Thai, who was running the cafe, was also a lot of fun. I kept playing songs and more people started coming and going. Before long, Jenny, a girl I had not seen since 8th grade, walked in with two friends of hers. We connected recently on Facebook, and it was so cool to see that re-connect take place physically so soon. She now lives in Renton, WA and is one of the select few, yet awesome people I know in this area.

Soon thereafter, the other two people I know in the area, Kai and Susan strolled in. I met them a couple years back when Shawn invited me as a plus one to a wedding in Ashland, OR. We all hung out at the wedding, and thankfully stayed "in touch" on good ol' FB. I was so jazzed to see them again. Kai's band, The Bucharest Drinking Team, had a show that day and they were going to be headed to the after-party. I really appreciate that they took the time to come out to the show with all the other stuff they had going on. The show went great! AND Kai and Susan invited me to the party :)

This party was unlike any party I'd ever been to. Definitely a huge highlight of the trip! As the name suggests, the Bucharest Drinking Team is a band of Balkan musicians. I have very limited experience with this genre, but these folks were super cool! There were tons of instruments being passed around - some, I still don't know the name of. Thus began an epic Balkan jam session complete with drink, boisterous dance, bountiful accordions, and many gemini birthdays to celebrate.

Amy Denio was there.

I didn't know of her, but she caught my attention several times with her incredible clarinet and accordion playing. I learned she's quite prominent in this area. She hypnotized us all with a solo accordion/vocal piece she composed. Very cool lady! Another honorable mention of the night goes to the girls singing songs from the country of Georgia. I wish I had links to these songs to share. I hope to soon. Absolutely amazing and beautiful music.

Well, I mostly hummed along and shared playing of the castanets and tambourine until a gentleman named Peter introduced me to the group. I shared a couple of multicultural pieces and finally felt initiated into this wonderful family. Soon, we dove into American music and went for hours and hours. I left after 3am and I know many of them were still going strong. Brilliant night. Absolutely brilliant!

That night taught me the joy of jamming. It also taught me I am getting old. I was completely wiped out the next day. I took 3 naps and finally felt human again around 8pm.

Arash and I shared several meals, including one at this fine establishment.

We also went to see Hangover Part II. If you haven't seen it yet, it's just like the first movie, just as shocking, and seriously, JUST like the first movie. Arash is a great friend. I'm so grateful for the time we had to catch up and for all the hospitality he showed me during my time there. They don't make 'em like Arash anymore.

I went and got coffee with Jenny, too. We had a nice catching up. I don't know how many opportunities I'll have to reconnect with someone I haven't seen since childhood. This was definitely a very cool coffee date. In fact, I found we have a lot in common! If only we lived in the same state... Regardless, I'm happy for where she's headed and to have her as a Washington amiga.

I wanted to perform more, of course, so I hit up some open mics. First: Bad Monkey Bistro. It was nice, but not too many people, so I got to perform 2 sets (total of 6 songs...) It was a good place to get some video, so I did some of that. A guy named Nick approached me and told me of some other things going on that night. I took his suggestion of Seamonster Lounge in the Wallingford area. AWESOME venue! I loved the quirky way it was set up. It was also full of people who totally rock. I had a great time playing for them and meeting new folks there.

And that was my last night in Seattle. Started with a bang and went out with a bang! I still feel the need to get back there... and I guess that is the whole point of this trip: to eventually go back. :)

The next night was scheduled for Tacoma, but that fell through. The venue had to close for refurbishment. Although unplanned, I couldn't deny I was more than happy to leave for Portland a day early. I'll save that story for another time, but yeah.... <3 Portland <3...

I lost my Vancouver V-Card and This Is How It Went...

First of all, driving to Vancouver was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. That I-5, man... who knew? There were a few stretches along the way that were simply heaven. I literally could have died at one point just South of the Canadian border. There is way too much beauty to take in!

When I did reach the border, they were pretty harsh with me. I failed to notice the slow speed limit posted right before the border. Three guys searched my entire car and yelled at me. I was embarrassed, but kinda liked how seriously they took these matters. Being yelled at by a young man in uniform is something everyone should experience :)

I arrived at Foxy Haus in East Vancouver where I am occupying a room. This place and its people (and kitty) are just lovely.

So much charm and creative energy! I feel especially privileged to be staying in the room I'm in. Every little corner has something beautiful to experience. I've been soaking in the creative vibes and loving the time I have to meditate on unblocking my inner artist... (Thanks Leia <3 )

Much of my week was spent "working" during the NAFSA Conference. It was actually a great conference! 9,000 international educators unite! I went two years ago when it was in L.A. Now on my second go, I had more 'ins'... Which is what NAFSA seems to be all about. The days are spent networking and the nights are spent

attending all the parties and receptions you manage to get yourself invited to. Some of them are pretty exclusive and fancy. Brazil, for instance. Among my generation of Nafsans, getting the Brazil invite is a status symbol. Hahaha! In L.A. I didn't get an invite to their party. So uncool! So this year my boss and I went first thing to the Brazil booth for our invite. We were among the first to sport our Brazilian invite sticker on our name badge...

Oh, the pride! But I only stayed

about an hour at the party after an exhausting day.

Other great wining and dining events were sponsored by Scotland, Germany, Australia, and a couple program providers and organizations.

All schmoozing aside, I have to say this conference does wonders for my professional development. It's a tiring event, but I

somehow feel re-charged, re-inspired, and motivated to be an even more kick-ass Study Abroad Advisor!

I've had personal intentions to focus on during this trip as well. As I mentioned, I'm working on 'unblocking'. For me, it is almost necessary for me to physically leave town every once in a while to reconnect with myself. This experience has been exactly what I needed. The drive, the foxy haus, the solitude, the music, the books, the new city, and the people I'm meeting have all played a role in helping me to get back to the loving source of life. I've renewed my vows to practice this awareness and connectedness in my daily life. Even if I fall off course, as I expect I will, I think it's very important to not give up trying.

Friday was my first and only free day in Vancouver. Thankfully, the sun was bright and shiny all day!

I took the Skytrain and bus down to Stanley Park. I rented a bicycle and took an incredible ride around the enormous park. The wildlife I encountered was simply amazing! Here's a seagull with a starfish in its mouth.

Apparently, this is quite common 'round these

parts.

I also met this little guy while I was photographing flowers. He just came on out to check the scene. Sweet :)

I came back and hung out some with the Foxies. Then I ended up going with some new girlfriends to a jam session. Jillian is a beautiful poet and Chelsea is a great, soulful musician. Mando playing Lynn drove us in her sweet burgundy van. She's got a voice too! It was a great night except that it was my first and only night to chill with folks here. I'm looking forward to touring, but I'm sad I have to leave Vancouver already! My dear friend Michael was right when he said I would fall in love with this place. It's very easy to do...

And now it's been 5 days. Onto Seattle! I am very excited for the show tonight!! Also stoked about this great weather! Peace!!!!!!