I’m back in Seattle after almost two weeks at home. I’ve been here for nearly three weeks, and the transition back has been easy, surprisingly, especially after the time off work due to snow. I came back with a renewed desire to explore this region. In this burst of exploratory energy, I filled my first Saturday back with activity.

 

In the morning, Bonnie and I rode to Greenwood. Actually, we meant to head to Fremont, but we were off in our directions. We decided to loop around back to Greenwood at the end of the bus line. We stopped at the legendary Gorditos, known for “burritos the size of a small child.” Needless to say, the description was accurate.

Bonnie and her burrito

 

 

Me looking lovely with my burrito

 

After we got back to the house, a bunch of us headed down to the Seattle Center for the Winter Solstice Fire Festival.  I was not particularly impressed by the performers, but people breathing fire can’t be called boring. The Seattle Center was really beautiful all lit up with fire, and it offered a spectacular view of the Space Needle. The sculptures were really cool, but my favorite thing was this keyboard hooked to blowtorches. Here’s a video of Stephanie, our area director, playing it.

 

Additionally, our house went skiing (or snowboarding) at Crystal Mountain. The Jesuits from Seattle offered us passes and to pay for part of our rentals. It was a lot of fun, but I’m still a bit sore from the trip, especially from sleeping on the chapel floor.

The view from the bottom of the Bunny Slope

 

My housemates getting ready to ski

 

Taking a break

Now, I’m more energized to go on adventures than ever. I’m hoping to go snowshoeing in the next month, since I’ve never had the opportunity before.