I headed to Seattle (first time ever to the city) to attend the Native Tobacco Policy Summit hosted by the University of Washington Native People for Cancer Control. Topics covered at the Summit included tobacco use among Native Americans, environmental tobacco smoke, health, successful policy efforts, and tribal casinos, among other topics.
Upon arriving in Seattle Wednesday night, Allen (my co-worker/ANTHC tobacco program manager) and I ate dinner at Joey (www.joeysmedgrill.com), a popular restaurant in Seattle that was also very close to our hotel, the Silver Cloud Inn: Seattle - Lake Union (www.silvercloud.com).
The summit didn't start until noon on Thursday, so in the morning, Allen and I drove around downtown Seattle, where I got my first look at the city.
Loved it.
Thursday afternoon after the conference, Allen and I first went to University Village for some shopping (my idea). I went to Lululemon to check out their awesome clothes for pilates and running (www.lululemon.com).
We then went to the Elliott Bay Brewery Pub for a burger and microbrew (www.elliottbaybrewing.com). The pub had tasty food and the brews were excellent.
I put in a full day of summit"ing" on Friday. Allen and I drove to the airport so he could catch his flight and I could meet up with Carmen Storer, a friend from my freshman year at NWC and who was also Leah and my FIRST visitor to host in Anchorage. During the drive to meet up with Carmen, I took some pictures of the infamous Space Needle (www.spaceneedle.com), built when Seattle hosted the World's Fair in 1962.
It costs $25 just to go to the top, so I didn't go...
I also caught a glimpse of Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners.
On Friday night Carmen, Jared, and I met Carmen's sister Christi (and Leah's freshman roommate) and sister-in-law Stephanie at Racha Thai (www.rachathai.com) for dinner. Carmen, Jared, and I then went to watch a U2 cover band at Mick Kelly's Irish Pub (www.mickkellysirishpub.com).
They not only had a nice sound but the group pulled off the look as well...
Jared and Carmen...
Carmen and myself...
On Saturday, Carmen taught Body Pump at Normandy Park Athletic (www.normandyparkathletic.com), the gym where she works. As owner of Perseverance Fitness (www.perseverancefit.com), Carmen then personally trained two clients for an hour. I attended her body pump class and then while she was training, attended an RPM class. It was obvious that Carmen felt extremely comfortable in this environment and I'm excited for her and her career as a personal trainer.
After our morning of exercise, we grabbed a protein smoothie at Emerald City Smoothie (www.emeraldcitysmoothie.com), picked up her son Liam, and boarded the Seattle Light Rail for downtown Seattle.
We first went to Pikes Place Market...
I went in the first ever Starbucks...
and purchased a mug.
Carmen and I also caught up with some dear friends of ours...
and it was great catching up with them again.
We ate lunch at Sister's European Snacks (www.sisterssnacks.com), a cafe in Post Alley...
View of the Seattle water front.
The rest of the day was spent walking around downtown and enjoying the sunny 60 degree weather.
Sunday Carmen, Jared, Liam, and I went to church, Carmen and I received pedicures, and then while Liam napped, Carmen and Jared taught me how to play The Settlers of Catan, which was so fun.
I left for Anchorage at 7 PM, exhausted from a great weekend.